Jun
Als have high hopes for rookie Woodruff
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
In the moments leading up to the Alouettes’ first exhibition game, next Wednesday at Toronto, rookie offensive-lineman Andrew Woodruff will prepare for his pro debut in what can best be described as a unique, albeit disgusting, manner.
He’ll vomit, hopefully privately, in the confines of the dressing room lavatory at the Rogers Centre. And then he’ll do his best to impress management that he was worth the shocking amount of money he could receive over the life of his contract.
“I’ll be nervous and that may happen,” he said. “But I’ve improved over time and have learned how to handle the pressure.”
The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Victoria native spent five years at Boise State, starting 36 of 39 games at guard or tackle over his three final seasons. He was nervous when he was younger, but the vomiting became somewhat of a ritual before Broncos’ games.
The Als thought so highly of Woodruff, they selected him in the second round (12th overall) of the 2008 Canadian college draft, and then waited patiently for a year while he completed his senior season, when he was named a first-team conference all-star.
Then, in a somewhat stunning turn of events, the Als signed Woodruff last April to a four-year contract worth a total of $400,000. Incredible money for a Canadian Football League freshman, the deal established a new Canadian rookie standard in a league where most first-round draft choices earn perhaps $50,000.
“He has a hell of an agent,” quipped Mark Maren, who negotiated the deal. “It’s a generous contract. I wouldn’t say I was shocked, but we’re very happy with the contract. We’ve set the bar.
“No question, I think Montreal did want him. Montreal, I’m sure, sees something in him. And Andrew, at the same time, committed to three years and an option.”
In a league where the rookie minimum is barely more than $40,000, Woodruff’s base salary of $65,000 this season is unheard of for a player of his experience, although he must crack the team’s roster to begin earning the money. And he understands the rich deal carries expectations and pressure with it.
“I was shocked when I heard the average salary for rookies,” said the 24-year-old guard. “It was an amazing day for me. The money isn’t the thing that drives me … although it’s a great bonus.”
It’s unlikely Woodruff would have been drafted by an NFL team had he waited, but he undoubtedly would have been pursued by teams as a free agent. Indeed, Houston called the same day he signed with Montreal.
Although Woodruff once said he would be letting himself down if he didn’t give the NFL a chance, he doesn’t regret his decision to sign with the Als. And he’ll still be young enough to attempt to jump leagues when his NFL window of opportunity arises again following the 2011 season.
“I have no second thoughts, but it’s funny how the business goes,” he said. “This is the best place here. They’re excited and I’m excited. I’m ready to take any role Montreal gives me.
“I would love to get a shot to play, but we’re only three days into camp and I’ve got things to learn … the offence along with the pace of the game. Certainly the guys are bigger here. I hope by the end of training camp that I’ve given myself an opportunity.”
Predictably, Woodruff has experienced growing pains. He has struggled in one-on-one drills against defensive linemen and must adjust to defenders being a yard off the ball. But Jonathan Himebauch, the Als’ new offensive-line coach, said the prospect makes daily progress.
“He’s swimming, like most rookies do, trying to grasp all the information,” Himebauch explained.
The Als have worked Woodruff at all five offensive-line positions, indicating they see potential. And he certainly wasn’t signed to such a lucrative deal not to play. Montreal has some openings up front, having released Dave Mudge and allowing Luke Fritz to sign with Winnipeg. It remains to be determined whether Woodruff makes the team as a backup or shows enough to replace a starter.
If anyone’s vulnerable, it could be left guard Paul Lambert, although Lambert also backs up centre Bryan Chiu and appears safe at this time.
“I always feel like I have to earn a spot,” said the 33-year-old Lambert, entering the option year of his contract along with his ninth CFL season. “I hope I’m not on the bubble, and I don’t think I am. I’m on the bubble if I s— the bed. But we all are, though.”
Notes – Canadian running-back Dahrran Diedrick has been temporarily suspended by the Als while he returns home for family reasons. … Johnny Jackson, a defensive-tackle in camp one day, has a hamstring injury and was released.
