CFL.ca Staff
With files from MontrealAlouettes.com

MONTREAL -- Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp isn’t one to stand around and hope for the best.

So after seeing his defence give up 52 points in their East Division Semi-Final loss to the Tiger-Cats, he knew something had to be done.

Though injuries played a significant role in the team’s demise – they entered the Semi-Final without the likes of Shea Emry, Jerald Brown, Mark Estelle and Etienne Boulay – Popp opted to not sit on his laurels, signing a trio of potential game changers on the defensive side of the ball.

Aaron Hunt, Rod Davis and Mark Restelli were all brought to Montreal to help improve the beleaguered defence, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be guaranteed spots on the team’s roster just by showing up to training camp.

Head coach Mark Trestman has a reputation for running intense training camps. Typically, an Alouettes camp will include two early-morning power practices, filled with high-tempo drills and fast-paced training.

Davis, however, wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The pace and tempo in each practice and in each exercise is really amazing. I remember playing against Montreal when I was in Edmonton and all I kept thinking about was that these guys never get tired. Now I see why,” he said.

Davis arrives in Montreal following an impressive season with the Eskimos, his third with the organization. The 31-year old registered a career-high in tackles and sacks, with 79 and five respectively.

Despite his standout season in Edmonton, Davis decided to test the free agency market, eventually landing in Montreal.

He’s been enjoying his time with the Als so far.

“I got a warm welcome from the vets on the team,” said Davis. “All the guys have really been very supportive in my first week here which helps make the transition easy for me.”

The Als received a scare over the weekend, when veteran defensive end John Bowman went down with what looked like a serious knee injury.

“My knee is swollen and it hurts right now,” explained Bowman standing on crutches. “I'll be heading back to Montreal for an MRI and I hope the results are good. But I’m not done. I’ll be back.”

Bowman led the Als in sacks last season with 12.