While three Quebec players are preparing to start their season in the NFL, another could follow their path in a few months. For linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, whose season also begins in the NCAA, it’s time to shine, while scouts on the Goodell circuit are already watching him.
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Cantin-Arku, who wore the colors of the Élans de Garneau before going to the United States, jumps on the field Saturday for the first game of the University of Memphis Tigers. For him, this is the year of truth that begins, since he will be eligible for the next NFL draft in April.
Already, during the spring training sessions of his university training, no less than 18 NFL teams have visited his campus to observe him.
“I know the NFL is there right now. There are a lot of scouts who came to see me during practices, but I try to keep it day to day and hope for the best for what comes next. My name is there, it circulates. Now, it’s up to me to do the best with this opportunity,” summed up the athlete from Lévis perfectly, in an interview with The Journal.
close to the dream
Cantin-Arku is not the type to run away. He knows that this season, his second in Memphis after three years in Syracuse, is the one that will define him in the eyes of the decision makers of the Goodell circuit.
“It’s my dream as a little guy, he dropped. I still remember when I got to Syracuse and NFL scouts came to see guys like Andre Cisco, who’s now a safety for the Jaguars, or Ifea Melifonwu, who’s with the Lions. These guys were inspirations for me, and to see that I got to this stage, it makes me very proud.
huge expectations
Last season, Cantin-Arku looked good on his first real steps as a starter at inside linebacker with 76 tackles, 1.5 quarterback sacks and a knockdown.
To carry out the operation of great seduction, he is aware that he will have to experience an exceptional last year.
“The expectations I have of myself and those of my coaches are huge. Many eyes are on me. I am a pillar of defense this year and my role is much bigger than last season,” he noted.
A difficult position
The other challenge that awaits Cantin-Arku is the position in which he evolves. Historically, only one Quebec player has made his way into the NFL as a linebacker, Montrealer Brian Forde, who was a support player with the Saints from 1988 to 1991.
“This position is so different from the one you learn at home with 12 players and a longer field. Here it is really more downhill and you’re like the quarterback for the defense.
“It took me a while to play the American version of my position well and I think that explains why you don’t really see Canadian linebackers in the NFL. There game is so different. If I become a rare linebacker from Quebec to be able to do it in the NFL, that would mean everything to me.
The NFL Draft will take place in Detroit from April 25-27.
A championship to win before leaving
Geoffrey Cantin-Arku believes the Tigers have all the tools to win the AAC championship this season. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS TIGERS PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS TIGERS
It would be wrong to know Geoffrey Cantin-Arku to believe that his head is already in the NFL. The first gift he wants to give himself and his program, before the big departure, is nothing less than a conference championship.
The Memphis Tigers play in the AAC conference and are among the favorites to win, along with other programs like SMU, UTSA, Florida Atlantic and defending champions Tulane.
Even if his professional future is getting closer and closer, the young man sees things wisely.
“Football is still a contact sport and you never know what can happen. For the moment, this season is the only one that is promised to me. Yes, I want to make it to the NFL and I think I’ll get there, but I try not to think about it too much. My focus right now is on winning a championship with Memphis,” he said.
“Seriously, we have a solid team. It will be us, SMU or another school, but we are at the top of the conference. We have one goal and that is to win the conference. The bar can’t be lower. All inis our slogan in Memphis,” he insisted.
A leadership role
Since he is in his fifth year of university, the Tigers do not hesitate to put more on the Quebecer’s work board.
“It’s my last season and I’m approaching it more as a leader. I try to bring the team together and the youngsters forward to make sure everyone is ready. There are stats that I am aiming for in terms of my personal expectations, but above all I want to win. I will give everything to put my team in the best possible position,” he said.
Hats off, Bergeron!
In addition, Cantin-Arku observes with admiration the first steps in the NFL of his great friend and former teammate at Syracuse Matthew Bergeron. The offensive lineman has carved out a starting position with the Falcons.
“He is incredible! It’s very inspiring, especially since Matthew, for me, is not just a player from Quebec. He’s mostly my friend. I have seen him work and give his all since we left for the United States. To finally see him make a living from football and be a starter in the NFL in his first game, I take my hat off to him.”
2023-09-01 23:30:00
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