ALOUETTES EXTEND TWO QB’S

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that import quarterbacks Troy Smith and Tanner Marsh have agreed to a pair of new three-year contracts, securing both pivots with the club until 2016.

“As we await Anthony Calvillo’s decision, we feel that the future at the quarterback position is promising for the Alouettes with the signing of  these two young men who have started and won for us last season,” said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp.

Smith (6’0″, 225 lbs.) , joined the Alouettes near the halfway mark of the 2013 season before taking the reigns as the club’s starting pivot on October 20, finishing the regular season with a 2-1 record. Smith made his fourth consecutive CFL start in the East Division Semi-Final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at their temporary home in Guelph.

While getting up to speed with the Canadian game, Smith has showcased his leadership qualities and impressive arm strength in both practice and game situations during his first season in Montreal. In his rookie season, he completed 60 of his 114 pass attempts for 884 yards and nine TDs. He also found the end zone twice on short yardage situations and amassed 40 yards on 16 carries.

“I am very impressed with Troy’s leadership, communications’ skills and his ability to grab his teammates attention. Last season, Troy quickly proved to us he can adapt to the CFL and showed great promise for the future,” added Popp.

The 29-year-old pivot had an outstanding college career at Ohio State University from 2003 to 2006, winning the Heisman Trophy with the Buckeyes in his final year of eligibility on his way to a BCS National Championship game appearance that same year.

In his three seasons with Ohio State University, Smith threw for 5,720 yards and 54 scores, completing 420 of his 670 attempts. A former fifth-round draft pick (174th overall) of the Baltimore Ravens in 2007, Smith played three seasons with the Ravens, making 14 starts while throwing for 558 yards and three TDs. He later joined San Francisco, guiding the 49ers to three wins in his five starts in 2010.

Marsh (6’4″, 218 lbs.) , started the season third on the Alouettes’ depth chart before seeing his first significant CFL action on August 22 in an electrifying 39-38 come-from-behind home win over the visiting B.C. Lions. The former Arkansas Tech quarterback tossed a 57-yard hail mary pass to receiver Éric Deslauriers with almost no time left on the clock to set up the game-winning field goal.

“We are excited about Tanner. We are looking forward to seeing more of his athletic ability and his dual threat as he continues to develop into what we feel will be a premier player. His performance versus B.C. made him into an instant icon in Montreal. Marsh Madness continues,” continued Popp.

Marsh finished his rookie campaign going 56 for 106 good for 972 yards and three TDs. The 24-year-old also displayed his versatility rushing for 125 yards and two scores on 21 carries.