Canadian linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, a first-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft, has signed with the Montreal Alouettes, per sources.
The native of Lévis, Que. participated in rookie minicamp with the Miami Dolphins this past weekend but was not offered a contract with the team, which led to him coming north.
The six-foot-three, 230-pound defender spent the past two seasons at the University of Memphis, starting 24 games. He was named All-AAC honourable mention in 2023 and finished his tenure with the Tigers with 155 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception.
Cantin-Arku originally committed to Syracuse University in 2019 after attending Cégep Garneau in Quebec City. He spent three seasons with the Orange, recording 105 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass knockdown.
The hard-hitting Quebecer was the ninth overall pick in the 2024 CFL Draft. He ran a 4.85-second forty-yard dash at his pro day in March along with a 6.97-second three-cone, 4.32-second short shuttle, 32-inch vertical jump, 119-inch broad jump, and 18 reps of 225 on the bench press.
The Alouettes will open the 2024 season on June 6 when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Princess Auto Stadium for a Grey Cup rematch.