The Montreal Alouettes announced today that they have signed Concordia Stingers punter Mike Renaud and running back Andrew Hamilton to free agent contracts.
Renaud, a native of Ottawa, was a three-time Quebec university all-star and a two-time all-Canadian. He used his final year of eligibility in the 2006 season and was hoping to hook up with a CFL team.
"I didn't know the Alouettes were interested in me until they called last Monday afternoon," he admitted. "I'm thrilled. I think I'm still in shock."
Renaud was tops in the Quebec conference the last three seasons. He averaged 39.4 yards a punt in the 2006 campaign. Concordia head coach Gerry McGrath has a distinguished history of developing kickers and punters. Calgary Stampeders punter Burke Dales comes out of the Stingers program as does kicker Dave Miller-Johnston, who was the No. 3 pick overall in the 1998 CFL draft.
Hamilton, a Montreal native who transferred to Concordia this season after attending both Delaware State and Eastern Michigan, made a big impact in Quebec university football. In seven games, he carried the ball 83 times for 694 yards and five touchdowns. He caught 11 passes for 141 yards and a TD. He also returned kicks and punts which added to his totals. He led the Quebec conference in all-purpose yards with 1044 yards. He also had the best average per carry in the conference with 8.4 yards a run.
The six-foot, 200-pound running back set a new Concordia rushing record. He rolled up 221 yards rushing in a single game on Oct. 7, 2006 in the Shrine Bowl versus the McGill Redmen.
His speed is most likely what attracted the Alouettes. He has been clocked at 4.38 in the 40. He also lifts 225 pounds 15 times on the bench press.
"Andrew is probably the most gifted running back I've ever coached," says McGrath. "He has a rare combination of speed, toughness and intelligence. He's a tireless worker. His genuine team-first attitude and competitive spirit are assets that every coach dreams about."
Mike Renaud
Position: Punter
Height: 63"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Year of participation: 5
Hometown: Ottawa
Major: Political Science
Athletic performance
QUFL Special Teams Player of the Week Oct. 1, 2006
2004, 2005, 2006 QUFL all-star punter
2004, 2005 CIS first team all-Canadian
Andrew Hamilton
Position: Running Back
Height: 60"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Year of participation: 3
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Birth Place: Montreal
Faculty: Arts
2006 athletic performance
Concordia Male Athlete of the Week Oct. 10, 2006
QUFL Offensive Player of the Week Oct. 11, 2006
Set Concordia record for yards rushing (221) in a single game Oct. 7, 2006
Shrine Bowl MVP Oct. 7, 2006
Led QUFL in all-purpose yards with 1044
Led QUFL in yards per carry with 8.4 average
Time 4.38 in 40-yard dash at CFL combine
