If there is one important lesson Charles Vaillancourt learned in his rookie CFL season, it was to take nothing for granted. It all stemmed from a rather routine play in the Lions’ week two victory in Hamilton on Canada Day.
“It was just a hit on the side of the head, not like any others but it was just well placed,” recalled Vaillancourt from his offseason home in Quebec City.
“I don’t think it all happened on the one play in particular there was just some tension in my nerves.”
Upon returning home, the fifth overall pick from last June’s draft went into concussion protocol and was out for five games.
Although the Laval Rouge et Or product would dress for the final 11 regular season and two postseason contests, he never regained the starting right guard position he won out of training camp after Kirby Fabien took the opportunity and ran with it.
All things considered, Vaillancourt still harbours great thoughts about his rookie campaign in orange.
“I think it was a very positive year, a lot of learning for myself,” said Vaillancourt.
“It was unfortunate for me to have the concussion and headaches but I am going to grow from those things and I am excited to go back and show the coaches everything that I learned from last year.”
One individual who made the transition to pro football easier was Dan Dorazio. From day one in Kamloops Vaillancourt knew the legendary offensive line whisperer would have a big impact on his journey to earning a starting spot.
“You think you know a lot about football until you meet Dan. He’s one of the best, if not the best, technicians. Dan is the kind of guy who can elevate your playing level. You need to listen and trust what he has to tell you because he’s already done his research. Then you have to make sure it translates to the playing field.”
Those are similar characteristics to Laval offensive line coach Carl Brennan who also has served as a Lions guest coach at training camp and gave Wally Buono a glowing review of Vaillancourt leading up to the 2016 draft.
The Rouge et Or program has become somewhat of an offensive line factory. Vaillancourt was one of three Laval players at the position selected in round one last year. Philippe Gagnon went second overall to Montreal and Jason Lauzon-Seguin seventh to Ottawa.
The top prospect this year is Jean- SimonRoy who won the bench press competition at the March CFL Combine in Regina.
“Carl gets a lot of credit in there but the players have to accept the process and what the coach is going to tell you,” said Vaillancourt of the Laval program.
He has a lot of pointers for us but if we don’t want to adapt or change our techniques, we’re not going to get through it.”
Carl Brennan is the architect of Laval’s offensive line strategy. Here he speaks with 2017 draft prospect and bench press champ Jean-Simon Roy. Photo: Charles Lalande: TC Media
Vaillancourt also uses his powerhouse program as his number one offseason training resource. He has spent time working out with ex-Laval teammates Pierre Lavertu (Stampeders) and Patrick Lavoie (REDBLACKS). The brotherhood is evident every time these teams play each other and post game photos are a regular tradition.
“It’s great. We’re a close group of guys and its good we have remained friends after playing together. It’s always good to have some friends pushing you. They’re here for me.”
With the recent acquisition and signing of David Foucault, starting four nationals up front is very much a possibility. Along with serving as a dangling carrot for Vaillancourt in year two it will also help the Lions’ quest to get all of their starting American receivers on the field.
“I know I can earn my spot there. Right now it’s a big push in the back to think about having an opportunity for a starting position after camp.
I just have to keep focused on the little things and control what I can control. In camp I need to do what I need to do to be on top, added Vaillancourt.”
Despite all of these possibilities, Vaillancourt admits it will be difficult for all of them to adjust without the help and guidance of seven-time all-star Jovan Olafioye.
“It’s a big hole that’s for sure. Jovan is hard to replace. He was the heart and soul of our o-line and one of the greatest veterans I met on this team. He was able to help me if I had any questions. He was always there for everybody. It’s a big loss but we have a lot of big players behind them and Foucault is a good young guy who can play left tackle. I am not sure how it will play out but it should be a good fight to see who starts.”
Plenty of eyes will be on the centrepiece of last month’s Jovan Olafioye trade. Foucault will attend Mini-Camp at the end of April.
When we jokingly mentioned he and Foucault could be considered the “French Connection” up front, Vaillancourt didn’t rule anything out.
“I don’t mind that,“ chuckled the 2016 first rounder. “We have always been welcome in BC so that won’t be a problem, that’s for sure. I am just glad David is signed now and that I will get the chance to know him in camp.”
It all adds up to a promising puzzle for both Vaillancourt and a Lions team looking to make that next step.
“I can’t wait to get back to BC and keep going through the process of competing for a starting job and helping the team win.”
You get the sense the factory may have produced yet another fine product.