In some ways, Lavasier Tuinei has been preparing for this moment his entire life -- from the days he followed his father around NFL stadiums, to another stage at the University of Oregon and, finally, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
Tuinei has played before 100,000 spectators. Presumably, he won't be fazed by the 30,000 that will cram into Mosaic Stadium Saturday afternoon.
"I'm excited. I'm not as nervous as I should be. I'm more prepared and have confidence in myself," the 6-foot-5, 216-pound receiver said on Thursday, following the Alouettes' final practice this week at Stade Hébert in Saint-Léonard. "I want to show the team I can step up after the injuries. I have big shoes to fill ... but I'm prepared and ready."
Only 22, and on Montreal's practice roster for only three weeks, Tuinei is preparing for his pro debut against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And he's part of a new-look offence, following injuries to receiver Brandon London and tailback Victor Anderson. London is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery this week, while Anderson suffered a concussion last Sunday, against Toronto, and will be replaced by Chris Jennings.
And the Als are already missing receiver S.J. Green, creating another opening on offence for tailback, receiver and kick-returner Noel Devine, who comes off the nine-game injured list.
"We have to enjoy the process of getting to know the team," head coach Marc Trestman said. "We have a lot of new pieces, and it'll be this way the rest of the way. Some players will have to be more productive. We can't rely on one or two.
"We'll have to grow and continue finding ourselves as we move forward," he added. "I think we can do it and have success as a team. It's going to take a collective effort and it's going to be different. We won't sit back and wait for things to happen."
Tuinei realizes he would still be a prospect, sitting on the practice roster, had London not sustained his injury. That's the way things work in pro sports, an injury creating a potential opening that must be seized by the newcomer.
"Sometimes you have to wait and be patient," said the native of Arcadia, Ind. "People get hurt and you step up ... show off your ability. This is my chance. I'm the next person (on the depth chart) and I won't lag. I want to help the team. That's what I'm here for."
It's not like Tuinei comes to Montreal without credentials and an impressive pedigree. He already has the blood-line; his father, Van, is a former defensive end who played 45 NFL games with San Diego, Indianapolis and Chicago.
As for the receiver, he spent three seasons with the Oregon Ducks, following a year at Golden West Junior College in Huntington Beach, Calif., catching 108 passes for 1,212 yards over 37 games, while scoring 12 touchdowns.
He was the team's leading receiver as a senior, with 48 receptions and 10 TDs, and second in yards, with 599. But Tuinei saved the best for his final collegiate game, being named the Rose Bowl's offensive player of the game. He had a career-high eight catches for 158 yards, scoring twice, in the Ducks' win over Wisconsin.
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