Alouettes sign McMaster quarterback Quinlan to two-year contract

MONTREAL – McMaster University star Kyle Quinlan has signed with the Montreal Alouettes and will get a shot at becoming a rare Canadian to play quarterback in the CFL.

General manager Jim Popp said Friday details were being finalized on a two-year contract with Quinlan, The 23-year-old won the 2012 Hec Crighton Trophy as the top player in Canadian university football.

Quinlan and quarterback Kyle Graves of Acadia attended the Alouettes training camp in May but were cut.

Popp said Quinlan may have been brought back to Montreal at the end of this season had he not been tied up leading McMaster to a second straight Vanier Cup final.

When asked if Quinlan would be given a chance to make the team as a quarterback, Popp said “100 per cent.”

Montreal drafted former University of Montreal quarterback Marc-Olivier Brouillette in 2010 but he has made his career as a linebacker and special-teams player.

The Calgary Stampeders have Canadian Brad Sinopoli has their third-string quarterback.

If Quinlan makes the team it he would not be likely to play right away.

Alouettes’ starter Anthony Calvillo will return for a 20th CFL season, but free agent backup Adrian McPherson, is not expected back. Montreal also has quarterback Josh Nieswander.