By Bryan Laprise, Arts, Literature and Communication Student                                                                                                      Champlain College Lennoxville

Alassane Diouf, a Champlain Lennoxville student and Cougars football player between 2019 and 2022, was at the Canadian Football League (CFL) training camp last week ahead of of the league’s draft in April. Alassane, an offensive lineman, is currently in his fourth year of university football with the Carabins at Université de Montréal.

“Football has always been in the top of my decisions,” he said in an interview. “It has always been a huge part of my life. I love football. All I do is for football.”

Alassane was recruited by Champlain to play for the Cougars after completing the sports-études program at the École secondaire du Triolet. During his time in high school, he played both football and basketball until he was 15, after which he focused solely on football.

At Champlain, his first season culminated with the Cougars competing and winning the Bol d’Or. Despite getting injured during the semi-final and being unable to play in the championship game, Alassane attributes this first college football season as being a very formative experience in his athletic career.

“I didn’t know what brotherhood meant until that season—everybody had each other’s backs, [was] ‘ready to die for each other.’ I think that’s why we won the Bol d’Or, and as of today, that’s the biggest part that Champlain taught me in football. Champlain really taught me how to persevere and work hard,” he explained.

These are lessons that have stuck with him and that he continues to carry forward throughout his seasons playing for Université de Montréal.

The CFL training camp which Alassane attended was held in Edmonton from Wednesday, March 25 to Sunday, March 29. He explained that the first two days are primarily for getting settled in, getting used to the environment, and doing interviews. Friday was filled with various forms of athletic testing and interviews with CFL teams. The weekend’s agenda was composed of practices on the field in front of CFL teams. Alassane is one of three players from his team at Université de Montréal to have been invited to the training camp.

While playing on the field, Alassane also studied in the Social Science program, in both the psychology and general profiles. Some of his favourite memories were on the field, but he also has fond memories of his times in residence and a Wellness cooking recipe that resulted in smoke.

After graduating, many universities around the country recruited him, but Alassane felt that the best football in Canada is played in Quebec. “At first, I was hesitating between Sherbrooke—where I’m from, of course—and Montreal. When I was in high school, I thought that if I wanted to be the best, I needed to play with the best. That’s why I chose Champlain, and I had the same mindset going into university, and Université de Montréal is the best football program in Canada.”

The past Champlain player also offered some advice to current student athletes hoping to continue with their sports and play professionally. “You have to dream big. Don’t be scared of having big dreams, because if you put the work into it, dreams do come true,” Alassane expressed. “Believe in yourself and dream big, that’s the recipe to anything in life.”

The CFL draft takes place on April 28, after which spring training camps and preseason games will take place in May.

Looking ahead, Alassane hopes to be drafted by any of the CFL teams. “I would be really grateful to play for any team that sees potential in me,” he said. While football has always been, and continues to be, his plan A, he is currently studying for a degree in Education, specializing in teaching History, and is set to graduate next year.

“I always had a passion for football. My mission is to keep that passion alive for the coming years,” he expressed.

Champlain Lennoxville wishes Alassane the best of luck and success in his football career and endeavours.

Photo credits: Timothy Matwey/LCF