Titus Wall looks poised to add extra layer to Alouettes’ stout defence

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As quickly as a player can reach the summit in professional sports, the fall from grace can occur just as rapidly.

During his first season with Calgary in 2022, Titus Wall was garnering attention as a candidate for the CFL’s most outstanding rookie award. But then he suffered a foot injury at the end of October. He played 11 games for the Stampeders last year before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in September.

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The final blow occurred early in June, when in a surprising move he was released by the team at the end of training camp, management telling Wall it was going in a different direction.

The import defensive back, who can also be used as a hybrid linebacker, wasn’t unemployed for long. He was signed by the Alouettes last week and made his Montreal debut last Thursday against Ottawa, after only one practice, utilized mainly on special teams. Wall is expected to make more of an impact Friday night, when the Als travel to Toronto.

“I was shocked myself,” Wall said of his release. “At the end of the day it’s a business and that’s how the business works. You have to keep moving forward, one day at a time. I completely did not see it coming.

“I had a great camp in my opinion. But I stayed ready and knew I was going to get a call.”

This is nothing new for Als general manager Danny Maciocia. Last season he added veteran rush-end Shawn Lemon early in the season before signing middle-linebacker Darnell Sankey in mid-September. Both played significant roles in Montreal’s late-season five-game winning streak, culminating in its upset victory against Winnipeg in the Grey Cup.

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And now Maciocia hopes the addition of Wall will make a sound defence even stronger. Indeed, the 6-foot, 202-pounder could provide another brick in the Als’ defensive wall.

“He’s a versatile player that can play multiple positions,” Maciocia said. “He also brings physicality to his game. He can also contribute on special teams.”

After playing at Missouri State, Wall was spotted at a free-agent camp the Stamps conducted in Dallas, one that attracted more than 100 prospects. It’s one thing to receive an invitation from a free-agent tryout camp. It’s another to make a team as a starter. Wall did that and excelled immediately.

He had two defensive touchdowns as a rookie, stealing the ball out of Hamilton quarterback Dane Evans’s hands. Against Ottawa, he returned an interception 46 yards for a score before pilfering another pass in the end zone. He had three interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles that season. Wall improved on those totals last season, producing 56 tackles, seven on special teams, along with two sacks.

“He stood out because of his physicality,” Als defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe said. “When we’re looking for scheme fits, we’re looking for guys that give great effort and are physical. He matched both of those.

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“I’ve watched his body of work. This guy finds a way to get around the football. When he arrives, he arrives with impact and can be disruptive on the ball. He’s going to hit blocks. He’s going to be disruptive. He tackles well in space and gives great effort.”

Wall is all about effort and isn’t surprised he was able to grasp the Als’ defensive philosophy in little time. With the season-ending injury to linebacker Reggie Stubblefield, Wall provides depth behind rookie Bryce Cosby while adding another playmaker to the secondary.

“You can’t teach effort,” said Wall, who was born in Ohio but raised in Texas by a single mother. “I make sure I bring my best effort every single day. Every day’s an interview. My first day last week definitely was an interview. I had to make sure I took advantage of the opportunity.

“The plays are going to keep coming. There’s going to be more plays being made, especially on this great defence with this great team. I look forward to contributing as much as I can and bringing another championship to this city.”

While injured last season, Wall said he watched the Als’ games and was impressed by their late-season run. Now that he has seen the defence up close, Wall said he has noticed the tenacity the players bring to the field, adding selfishness doesn’t exist in the unit.

“They know how to play ball for sure,” he said.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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