Als sign three Quebecers, OL Philippe Gagnon, FB Christophe Normand, DL Junior Luke

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Montreal Alouettes have signed three local players for the 2021 season, offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon, fullback Christophe Normand and defensive lineman Junior Luke.

“These guys are real hard workers for who wearing their hometown team’s jersey represents something special,” Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia said in a statement.

The six-foot-four, 311-pound Gagnon spent the 2019 season with Ottawa after playing his first three professional seasons with the Als. He was selected in the first round, second overall by Montreal in the 2016 CFL Draft. The 28-year-old has played 45 career games in the CFL, including 36 as a starter.

In 2019, the L’Ancienne-Lorette, QC native played nine games with Ottawa, including eight as a starter. Gagnon helped Laval University win back-to-back Vanier Cups in 2012 and 2013.

The six-foot-two, 230-pound Normand helped the Alouettes’ offensive line in 2019 when he was used as a fullback on offence, on top of being an important member on special teams. He finished fourth on the team with 11 special teams tackles, including three in one game against Ottawa in Week 4.

The 29-year-old Bromont, QC native joined Montreal in 2019, following stops in Winnipeg and Edmonton. The Laval University product has played 75 games in the CFL, recording 25 special teams tackles.

The six-foot-three, 291-pound Luke was the BC Lions first round draft pick, seventh overall in 2017. He played in 53 games with the Lions, registering 25 defensive tackles and four quarterback sacks.

In 2019, the former University of Montreal Carabin recored nine defensive tackles, one sack, on top of intercepting one pass and knocking down another. The 29-year-old was a member of the Carabins when the team won the Vanier Cup in 2014 at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.