Defensive-end M.J. Sherman banks on smarts, fire and versatility to crack Alouettes' roster

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ST-JÉRÔME — M.J. Sherman, a rookie defensive end trying to make the Alouettes, was on the scholar athlete roll at the University of Nebraska.

So we know he’s smart.

And before transferring to Nebraska, Sherman played in every game of Georgia’s national championship seasons in 2021 and ‘22.

So he should know what it takes to win.

Will that be enough to survive this weekend’s final cuts? Time will tell, but Sherman, along with scores of other CFL rookies who have gone through nearly three weeks of training camp, has one final opportunity to impress the Als’ coaching staff Friday, when Montreal plays its final exhibition game against the Ottawa Redblacks at TD Place (7 p.m., TSN4, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM).

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Baltimore native believes he put his best foot forward. Sherman didn’t arrive until May 13 at Centre sportif Claude-Beaulieu.

“I think I did a pretty good job, especially coming in a little bit later than the rest,” Sherman said on Wednesday. “I filled in the spots I was supposed to fill in, competed and showed them the God-given ability I have. And trying to get adjusted to the CFL rules, because they’re way different than American football.

“I came out here and competed every single day. I didn’t leave any plays on the field. That’s something I’ve got to be proud of. We see the product on the tape every single day. Your tape is your resumé.”

Als defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe waxed enthusiastically about Sherman. He can play multiple positions, is aggressive and vocal on the field.

“He can rush across the board. You can line him up anywhere on the front,” Thorpe said. “He also has played off the line of scrimmage and can drop into coverage. He can be a matchup problem for you. He brings physicality to the table if you watch this guy. His ability to run to the football, make plays and arrive with impact. Those are the things we look for.

“First off (he’s) a system fit. Second, the physicality and the toughness. He has fit that bill. He’s barking out calls. He’s getting people lined up. This guy wants to do it right. It means a lot to him. He’s got to make the team, like anybody. But from what we’ve seen of him, he puts himself in a position to do that.”

Sherman said much of his pride and attitude were developed while playing for the Bulldogs under head coach Kirby Smart. In 39 games over three seasons at Georgia, Sherman had 15 tackles, one tackle for a loss and a half sack.

Sherman didn’t offer details about the split, other than he and the Bulldogs mutually agreed to part ways. Nebraska provided him with another opportunity to play for a prestigious Division I program. He played five games at linebacker in 2023, producing 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks before coming into his own last season as a senior. In 13 games, including 12 starts, Sherman had 29 tackles, five more for losses and 3.5 sacks.

“I know what winning football looks like,” he said. “I know what winning football takes. I know how to compete. I know what’s demanded of us and the standard of excellence it takes to be a championship football team. That can help me here, leading by example. I’m the new guy on the block and don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. … I’m going to follow the leaders, but I’m also going to blaze a new trail.”

Thorpe believes there’s plenty of competition on his defence, like at every camp. And he wants the players to force the coaches’ hands and make their decisions difficult.

“Obviously, they have to give it their best and lay it all on the line,” Thorpe said. “Approach it with tremendous effort and discipline. Do your job. Be assignment-sound. The things we look for and preach about are being physical, effort and run to the ball. When you have an opportunity to make a play, you’ve got to make it.”

Despite everything that’s at stake, Sherman said he won’t allow the moment to become too big. And after playing in national championship games, a CFL exhibition match might pale in comparison.

“It’s a child’s game, just with money and politics involved,” Sherman said. “I would never put that much pressure on myself. … Friday night, I’m going to play football and I’m going to have fun.

“If you think about it, I’m a 23-year-old Black male whose professional title is football player. I have a lot of friends back home that don’t have the same luxury as me. Why would I say I’m fighting for my life out here?”