As star receiver Kevin Mital said so well during the conquest of the Vanier Cup in 2022, the Rouge et Or of Laval University “passed the scratch” with the Limoilou Titans by getting their hands on seven graduates.
Offensive line player par excellence in the Division 1 college circuit, guard Alex Fournier is one of the headliners among these seven recruits. In Laval, he will notably reunite with his former teammates Simon Roy and Samuel Cahill who won the same honor in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
“I kept the title in Limoilou,” he said with a broad smile. I had a good season, but I was surprised when I heard the news. I’m very happy.”
Why did he opt for the Rouge et Or? “I always wanted to be coached by Carl Brennan,” he explained. In Bourget where I played my school football, several of the coaches were former Rouge et Or and I quickly fell into the culture of Laval. When I arrived in Quebec to join the Titans, I knew I wanted to play in Laval.
Bigger portions
Fournier wants to follow Cahill’s journey during his early academic days. Her boyfriend played a game this season. “For my first year, I want to integrate and progress by working alongside the best,” he emphasized. I have several things to improve and I am in no hurry to see progress.
At 6’2” and 255 pounds, Fournier is aware that he needs to bulk up. “I lost weight last summer, I’m going to focus on my training and eat bigger portions this winter. I played as a guard this year and a blocker in 2023. The plan is to play as a blocker in Laval.
When his season ended in the quarter-finals, Fournier showed up to a few Rouge et Or practices before the Dunsmore Cup. “I live near PEPS and I took advantage of my free time to attend training,” he emphasized. It’s a way of getting to know the players and integrating myself.”
Represent your city
Receivers Mathis Bouchard and Xavier Beaudoin, tight end Alexis Bourque who was elected to the all-star team, linebackers Mathis Paquet and Étienne Lapointe as well as safety Vincent Gagné will also continue their careers with the Rouge et Or.
Photo Tristan Forgues
Courted by the majority of RSEQ teams, Lapointe made a single visit. “When I visited Laval, it was clear that I wanted to play with the Rouge et Or,” said Lapointe, who was selected for the all-star team. I waited a bit before making my choice known. I’m a Quebec guy and I wanted to stay in the area. I always wanted to represent my city.”
In addition to this year’s graduates, Lapointe will find several familiar faces in Laval. “I’m looking forward to finding very good teammates like Justin Cloutier and Felipe Forteza who played linebacker with me in my first year in Limoilou as well as Jérémie Ouellette.”
