Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Offensive Tackle prospect out of McGill University in Canada recently signed a contract as a sixth round pick with the Kansas City Chiefs. Duvernay-Tardif’s proven himself to be one of the hardest working people in the NFL draft. Some College athletes attend division one colleges and receive special tutoring to pass classes in their communication degree (no offense to comm. majors). Duvernay-Tardif attended College in Canada as a medical student and maintained a 4.0 GPA during his time at McGill. Duvernay-Tardif lost 23 lbs because he was “so busy studying for his classes.” When I’m busy studying for classes, I’m more likely to gain 23 lbs. Duvernay-Tardif might be the most studious rookie in the NFL looking at his field of study and GPA.
Not only has he excelled as a scholar but Duvernay-Tardif’s received the “prestigious J.P. Metras Trophy as the most outstanding lineman in Canada (CIS). Also received the Forbes Trophy as McGill University’s male athlete of the year. Honored with McGill University’s 1938 Champions Award for combining leadership with athletic prowess and academic excellence.” Duvernay-Tardif polished off his college career with a 4.94 40 time and 33 reps at the bench press. NFL Talent Guru Gil Brandt had this to say on the young man’s combine performance: “Those numbers were as good as any offensive linemen there, including Taylor Lewan” (nfl.com).
Amidst a seemingly nonstop news of college football players getting busted for drugs, violent outbreaks, and other legal issues Duvernay-Tardif stands out as a bright spot for what a player can become when he prioritizes his academics instead of his ego *cough*JohnnyManziel*cough*.
All sources used in this article link to http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/laurent-duvernay-tardif?id=2543816 and are written by Nolan Nawrocki or Gil Brandt when specifically noted.
Gridiron Seasonal 