Dave Casale, the 2009 University at Albany team football captain, from Troy, New York, has signed a two year contract to play football professionally for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In his four seasons with UAlbany, the standout free safety totaled 224 career tackles, ranking 17th on the program’s all-time chart, and finished sixth in school history with 11 career interceptions. He received the Great Danes’ top defensive back award this past season.

“It’s a dream come true to now be able to play the game I love at the professional level,” stated Casale, the 6’2, 230 pound free safety who was named All-ECAC and All-Northeast Conference First-Team All-Star multiple times during his career with UAlbany. “My experience at UAlbany as a Great Dane was amazing and has prepared me for the challenges ahead, I’m honored to have been part of such an outstanding program. I look forward to working as hard as I can and playing in the CFL with a championship franchise like the Alouettes.”

Casale, 22, is a Troy native and graduated UAlbany with a degree in Business Administration in addition to four varsity letters. Previously he was a graduate of Troy High where he was senior captain of the football team and named to the Albany Times Union and Troy Record all-area First Team, as well as being a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

“Dave has far exceeded my expectations,” said UAlbany’s Bob Ford, who has served as the school’s head football coach since 1970. “He not only turned into a good, he turned into a great one. He did it with hard work in the weight room and on the practice field and by paying attention to detail. He is extremely tough and a fierce competitor.”