David Foucault holding court during a pre-season victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on June 8th/2018. Photo: David Frederich.
Never one to pump his own tires, David Foucault insists the majority of the credit for his improved play goes to his girlfriend Caroline Ciot. After an inconsistent first season in orange, the former Carolina Panther and 2014 Vanier Cup champion with the Montreal Carabins figured he had a little bulking up to do. That’s where Ciot, a personal trainer and professional golfer chasing her LPGA tour card came in.
“She cooked a lot for me in the offseason as well as helped with my workout programs,” Foucault says with a laugh.
“The best part is I don’t look too fat and there’s enough muscle on my body so she’s probably happy.”
Putting on the 15 pounds of muscle indeed paid off. Foucault emerged as one of the more pleasant training camp surprises, never losing his grip on the starting right guard spot vacated by the departure of Kirby Fabien to Montreal in free agency.
With plenty of talk surrounding first-round pick Peter Godber potentially earning that spot right away, Foucault entered his second voyage in Kamloops somewhat under the radar. Not anymore. Looking back on it, the man acquired in last year’s trade for Jovan Olafioye believes the adjustment back to Canadian football may have been harder than he originally anticipated.
“Once this year’s camp began I found I knew the system, Dan and the rest of the coaching staff. That has made it easier so far. That’s why I’m more comfortable,” he says.
“(Offensive Line) coach Dan (Dorazio) said I was going to play guard this year. I found last year when I was switching between guard and tackle that it was tough to keep my weight up. This offseason I was more focused on my training and get to 325 pounds for camp.”
David Foucault holding court during a pre-season victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on June 8th/2018. Photo: David Frederich.
Sure, it’s only one game, but the slightly tweaked offensive line has given both the organization and its fans something to be excited about. One of the nice storylines from Saturday’s season-opening win over Montreal was Jonathon Jennings rushing for a career-high 57 yards on nine carries. In total, Foucault and company helped the offence rack up a total of 117 yards on the ground
I don’t know what happened last year, but I think we’ve learned that if we trust the running game and our O-line more, we can have a lot more games like that,” Foucault explains.
“I think the running game will be very good this year. We focused on it a lot more in camp.”
And playing next to the guy he was traded for can certainly do no harm to his development. Foucault’s struggles in 2017 didn’t do much to silence some of the critics who may not have liked the trade in the first place. Now that Olafioye is back at his familiar position in the colours he had the most success in, next to an improved Foucault, and all of a sudden they aren’t looking too bad as a result of that deal.
“It’s funny that we are now on the same team, playing on the same side, Foucault says.
“He has a lot of experience and has helped me a lot with my technique. Jovan is a really strong guy as well so it’s good to be alongside a guy like him.”
Foucault and his teammates will enjoy a couple of more off days before returning to practice and preparation for their June 29th visit to Edmonton. The first bye week has allowed many of them to get out and explore some of the best spots the city has to offer, no doubt a nice reprieve from the grind of camp and all the time spent getting ready to begin the season on a winning note. Foucalt lives with fellow French Canadians and Caribins alums David Menard, Junior Luke and Frederic Chagnon.
Foucault’s girlfriend Caroline Ciot finished 8th in the 2016 Quebec Women’s amateur tournament. He credits her for helping him get in shape this past offseason. Photo: golf-martial-lapointe.com
“Menard and I spent some time recovering in the hyperbaric chamber and then went to Kits Beach yesterday,” Foucault adds.
“It’s good to get a little oxygen and recover your body after a tough game. After that, it was a nice day of relaxing at the beach.” I like everything about it (the city). I know Vancouver really good now that I’m in my second year. Menard has been here for a long time and knows all of the spots. I love the weather, the mountains, everything. Only in Vancouver can you go skiing and to the beach on the same day. You can’t beat that. I love the restaurants in Gastown, but I think the beach is my favourite activity here.”
Make no mistake though. The prime focus remains football and getting back to the playoffs after the 21-year streak came to an end last fall. Foucault can look back on the guidance from Caroline as his motivation. As for a post-football try at golf? Not so fast.
“I don’t play too much golf because it’s all football that time of year, and I can’t afford custom clubs,” he chuckles.
“I caddied for her in Florida a couple of times. We support one another. Golf is a lot more technique, while football is more aggressive. It’s different, but we complete each other.”
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com