Community Sports

Former Tides quarterback Davis Alexander on the rise with CFL’s Montreal Alouettes

With his sputtering Montreal Alouettes trailing the Saskatchewan Roughriders 16-3 at halftime of last Thursday’s Canadian Football League game, head coach Jason Maas went to his gut. He also went to reserve quarterback Davis Alexander.

The story in the Montreal Gazette the next day declared “A star was born.”

That’s what happens when you complete your first 12 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns while leading your team to a 20-16 comeback win in front of your home crowd.

First CFL passing touchdown for Davis Alexander!

He’s 9-9 since his entrance in the third for Montreal. #CFLGameday on TSN, RDS 📲 Stream on CFL+ pic.twitter.com/30l3Grv8XA

— CFL (@CFL) July 26, 2024

The former Gig Harbor High School and Portland State signal-caller is in his third year with the Alouettes. Following last week’s performance, he’s been tabbed as Montreal’s starter this Friday, when the Al’s play at Hamilton. TSN.ca is the television carrier for CFL games. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. PDT.

Gig Harbor grad Davis Alexander rallied the Montreal Alouettes to a win over Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy Montreal Alouettes

Sudden rise up depth chart

In the Canadian Football League, team depth charts tend to be more flexible than the National Football League. Second and third-string players — particularly quarterbacks — are often rotated onto the field depending on specific game situations.

For much of his professional tenure, Davis has been third on Montreal’s depth chart, this season behind Cody Fajardo and Caleb Evans. But with Fajardo injured and Evans struggling, Alexander was thrown into the heat of the battle last Friday.

Emotional?

“Man, there were just too many emotions,” Alexander said on a post-game TV interview. “Your mind is racing a little bit, but you’ve got to stay true to your character and your preparation. Then I just had to get the ball to our playmakers, and they were phenomenal.”

“He came into the game with energy and confidence, and we believe in him,” Alouettes wide receiver Cole Spieker said postgame. “We see all the work he puts in, and he was ready to make the plays that were put upon him.”

Playmaker Reggie White Jr. hauled in two touchdown passes while Davis finished the day 15-for-18 passing with no interceptions. In addition, he ran twice for 13 yards.

Davis Alexander earned a Gray Cup ring after the 2023 season with Montreal. Photo courtesy Montreal Alouettes

Already owns a championship ring

Montreal capped off the 2023 season with a 28-24 Grey Cup victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. With the Grey Cup being the CFL’s championship game, Alexander has a Grey Cup ring to show for it.

While at Gig Harbor, Alexander (6-0, 195 pounds) earned the Narrows League Most Valuable Player Award twice. As a senior for the Tides, he threw for 2,825 yards and 34 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He started four of his five seasons (one extra season for Covid) for Portland State and finished his career trailing only PSU legend Neil Lomax in most statistical categories.

He is the son of Matt and Natalie Alexander of Gig Harbor.