By Nic Sgaggi
Stampeders.com

Pierre Lavertu is ready to be a Calgary Stampeder.

After three Vanier Cups in four seasons with Laval, the 2014 first overall pick is excited about transitioning into the Canadian Football League.

“I think I’m ready for the CFL,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for this. I understand the game well and I’m going to be able to show my full potential.”

Although he is best known as a centre, Lavertu welcomed the idea of potentially playing guard for the Red and White, a position not unfamiliar to him. His previous experience at guard would make for an easy adjustment away from centre but no matter what position he plays, the six-foot-three, 300-pounder says he’ll do whatever it takes to crack the Stamps’ roster.

Lavertu joins a Stampeder offence which ranked first in the CFL last year. If everything goes according to plan, he will be blocking for the league’s current Most Outstanding Player.

“I know about Jon Cornish,” Lavertu said with a chuckle. “He’s an awesome running back. Cornish and the Stampeders (run the ball) well. I think I’m a good run blocker so I think I’m going to fit in there. I hope that I can be a part of the success of the Stamps next season.”

Lavertu celebrated his draft success at a restaurant nearby the Universite de Laval with friends, family, coaches and teammates.