The Montreal Alouettes have bolstered their roster by signing linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, who was their first-round pick (9th overall) in the 2024 CFL Draft. Cantin-Arku, a product of the University of Memphis, had recently attended the Miami Dolphins’ NFL rookie minicamp before deciding to join the Alouettes.

Geoffrey Cantin-Arku is a linebacker who played college football at the University of Memphis. He is 26 years old, stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall, and weighs 240 pounds.

The Rise of Geoffrey Cantin-Arku: From Quebec Hockey to Memphis Football

Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, a native of Lévis, Quebec, has taken an unconventional path to becoming a standout linebacker in the world of college football. Growing up, Cantin-Arku was immersed in the world of hockey, but as the financial burdens of the sport became too much to bear, he made the switch to football.

Dominating at Memphis and Syracuse

Cantin-Arku’s college career began at Syracuse, where he appeared in 30 games with 10 starts over 3 seasons. During his time with the Orange, he recorded an impressive 108 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

In 2021, Cantin-Arku transferred to the University of Memphis, where he continued to excel on the field. Over the 2023 and 2022 seasons, he played in 25 games with 23 starts, making 76 solo tackles, 68 assisted tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown. His outstanding performance in 2023 earned him an All-AAC Honorable Mention and the 42nd highest grade among FCS linebackers by PFF, with his run defense being particularly impressive.

 Impressive Pro Day Performance

Cantin-Arku’s journey to the next level took a significant step forward at his pro day in March 2024. He showcased his athleticism with a 4.87-second 40-yard dash, a 4.32-second shuttle, and a 6.97-second 3-cone drill. Additionally, he impressed with a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9’11” broad jump, and 18 reps on the bench press.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Cantin-Arku embarks on his professional career, his story serves as an inspiration to those who have faced adversity and overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams. With his combination of talent, determination, and resilience, the young linebacker from Quebec is poised to make a significant impact in the world of football.