Veteran DB Ciante Evans brings versatility in return to Alouettes

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We’re nonetheless not precisely certain what transpired that day in February 2020 between Ciante Evans and the Alouettes, besides that one minute the group introduced his re-signing, after which he was gone.

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He might need verbally agreed earlier than placing pen to paper and, on reflection, the purpose stays moot for the reason that CFL ultimately cancelled its season as a consequence of COVID-19.

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All that issues, following two seasons with Hamilton, is Evans determined to return to the Als, agreeing to — and signing — a one-year deal on Feb. 17, 4 days into free company.

“It’s a negotiation interval and we have been speaking,” Evans instructed the Montreal Gazette on Thursday following apply at Molson Stadium. “I used to be feeling out the contract. We have been speaking forwards and backwards. I favored (the supply) however I simply wanted X, Y and Z. Sadly, it didn’t occur.”

Basic supervisor Danny Maciocia was equally as imprecise. “We have been within the working” was all he would say.

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Whereas Evans hasn’t precisely returned house — he spent the primary 4 seasons of his CFL profession in Calgary — he was productive for Montreal in 2019, and the Als needed him again. In 13 video games that season, he produced 29 tackles whereas intercepting three passes.

At age 30, Evans will add expertise and flexibility to the Als’ defence. A former cornerback, defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe has Evans taking part in area halfback, between veteran security Marc-Antoine Dequoy and new nook Dionte Ruffin, who was added from the Stampeders.

“I watched (Evans) are available in right here as a rookie with Calgary and was actually impressed together with his recreation,” Thorpe stated. “He’s a stable participant. That reveals up on recreation day. He’s bodily and has actually good protection capability. Stepping into that room, you perceive the kind of management capability he brings to the desk.

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“His ability set fits what we’re asking him to do proper now.”

In 87 profession video games, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Evans has 225 tackles, 14 interceptions and three compelled fumbles. He performed 13 video games final season, pilfering one cross. However he was at his greatest breaking apart cross performs, with 12 knockdowns. With the Tiger-Cats going by their very own personnel turnover within the secondary, Evans determined it was time to maneuver on. He performed on the nook in 2022.

Evans, from Fort Value, Texas, stated it was prudent to return to the Als.

“I bought accepted by this group and so they needed me to return again,” he stated. “I used to be ecstatic to be provided the chance … and I took the possibility.

“It’s not essentially at all times in regards to the cash. A variety of occasions you’re sitting at house and also you analyze the roster, expertise, previous expertise … simply being in an awesome psychological state, too. A variety of these components. Vitality, happiness and the vibe you get. All of them come to thoughts.”

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Whereas the Als have been inconsistent defensively final season, Evans stays assured the group will prosper on that facet of the ball, realizing the unit has had all of coaching camp to work with Thorpe, who changed the fired Barron Miles 4 video games into final season. He stated communication will likely be paramount between him and Ruffin, since they’ve by no means performed collectively.

“Issues occur quick, particularly to the sector,” Evans stated. “All of us need to be collectively, be taught one another’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s going to take time to construct chemistry.

“Adversity will hit; that’s what I do know. The whole lot’s not going to go your method. If you happen to stick with the inspiration and stick with the sport plan and what the coaches are telling you, you’ll be capable of see it by.”

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The Als performed their remaining full apply Thursday earlier than Saturday’s regular-season opener, at house, towards Ottawa. And if nothing else, some gamers seem keen to begin the yr in earnest, contemplating the dispute that developed between defensive sort out Mustafa Johnson, who misplaced his helmet whereas participating with offensive linemen and was visibly upset.

Head coach Jason Maas was hardly perturbed.

“I like competitiveness, hearth, all these issues,” he stated. “That is skilled soccer. It’s a bodily, demanding sport. I don’t need guys to again down, that’s for certain. Go away it on the sector and don’t take it into the locker room.”

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