Régis Cibasu returns to his roots this year with the Montreal Alouettes.
In 2021, in his first season with the Sparrows, the Quebecer was transferred to the position of center-back. The experiment was not a failure, but his bosses decided that he should return to the position of receiver of passes, where he enjoyed so much success with the Carabins of the University of Montreal.
To make this transition again, the general staff of the Alouettes asked Cibasu to lose weight. The task was not easy, but the 28-year-old athlete did what was required of him by changing his diet and the way he trained.
“I lost 34 pounds! It was quite an adventure, but I see that it is beneficial,” said Cibasu. It was really a good thing to lose weight. I saw it helped me during training camp.”
The many catches made by number 83 earned him several applause from his teammates during the two weeks of the camp held by the “Als” in Trois-Rivières. Cibasu also took advantage of the fact that he was one of the starters in the preseason game against the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton to catch the three balls sent in his direction and thus amass 26 yards.
Versatility
Although Cibasu will play mainly as a receiver in 2022, his experience as a fullback could be an asset for the Alouettes.
Running backs coach André Bolduc intends to use him to relieve Christophe Normand and Alexandre Gagné.
“Cibasu is still big enough to play as a centre-back and he will come with my group on a few occasions,” the 51-year-old told Agence QMI journalist Benoît Rioux last week.
“I am ready to do both. I have to show that I am versatile,” said Cibasu.
The product of the Carabins will also have several tasks on the special teams of the Montreal club, as was the case in 2021.
Cibasu can return balls, block and even tackle. He could well be the “Swiss army knife” of coordinator Byron Archambault.
“I have to be ready to play anywhere on special teams. Whatever Byron wants me to do, I'll do it. I want to prove that I'm the man for the job, deserve my job and help the team win."
