Elected to the first all-star team in the country over the last two years, Rouge et Or tight end from Université Laval, Émeric Boutin, will have the opportunity to demonstrate his know-how in front of NFL and CFL teams.
Boutin was invited to the College Gridiron Showcase (CGS) which will take place January 9-11 in Fort Worth, Texas. This event, which began in 2015, brings together players from the NCAA and Canadians. Some Canadians have taken advantage of this showcase in recent years to increase their value.
We can think of quarterbacks Taylor Elgersma and Tre Ford who were high picks in the CFL and offensive lineman Theo Benedet who signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears. Elgersma signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers.
“I am very grateful to get this opportunity», underlined Boutin. “When I [commencé] football, I never thought I would get such an opportunity. I want to enjoy the moment 100 percent.”
Boutin wants to demonstrate that he is capable of competing with the Americans. “I am humble, but I must not be impressed,” he explained. “I must not arrive there with big round eyes and have complexes.”
A small player by NFL standards
At 6’3″ and 230 pounds, Boutin is considered a small player by NFL standards for a tight end. “Because the standards in the United States are 6’5” and 245 pounds, I will have to demonstrate my athleticism and my speed which is my great strength,” he explained. “I will also have to demonstrate that I am capable of getting involved in the ground game. I have to demonstrate that I have my place among these guys.”
“I am fully aware that I will not be a first round pick in the NFL,” continued Boutin, who is represented by Montreal agent Fred Weinrauch. “I want to try to dominate. CFL teams will also be represented. It’s going to be a crazy experience. If it goes well, I might get some more opportunities elsewhere. For the moment, I’m taking it one step at a time without thinking further.”
If there is no official game, players will hold practices, take part in individual and team exercises and complete their stay with a controlled simulated match to reduce the risk of injury. One-on-one situations will also be on the menu. The most deserving will receive interviews with the teams present.
He benefits from the experience of Antony Auclair
Boutin is feverishly preparing for this meeting. “After a short break at the end of the season, I am training very, very hard with the physical trainer of the Rouge et Or, Amélie Tremblay. I also participated in a few training sessions with Antony Auclair who shares [avec moi] his experience of American football. Félix Garand-Gauthier [un ancien des Nordiques de Lionel-Groulx, lui aussi] gives me the benefit of his experience in the CFL.”
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