February 16, 2012

Stamps ink Charleston Hughes to extension

Stampeders.com Staff

CALGARY — Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce that import defensive lineman Charleston Hughes has signed a contract extension. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Hughes has become one of team’s leaders on defence and, in 2011, started 16 games during the regular season and one game in the playoffs. He recorded 40 tackles, including six special-teams tackles, seven sacks and had one interception.

His most memorable play came late in the 2011 season when Hughes recovered a loose ball and ran 71 yards into the end-zone for his first career touchdown. It was one of two fumble recoveries he made in 2011.

“Charleston is becoming more of a leader on this team and this is an important signing for the Stampeders,” said Hufnagel. “Charleston is coming off a great season in 2011 and we’re excited to have him back for 2012 and beyond.”

Over his four-year career with the Stamps, Hughes has recorded 165 tackles, including 29 special-teams tackles, 25 sacks, one interception and four fumble recoveries. In addition to being a part of the Stamps’ 2008 Grey Cup-championship team, Hughes was a West Division all-star in 2010 and has been the team leader or co-leader in sacks for four consecutive seasons (2008-11).

“I believe we’re building a solid team in Calgary and we are ready for great things in 2012,” said Hughes. “Training camp is over three months away but I can’t wait to get started.”

Hughes, a native of Saginaw, Mich., spent four years at Northwood University. As a senior, he led Division II with an average of 6.5 solo tackles per game and was named an All-American. He finished his collegiate career with 372 tackles, including 36 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and six interceptions.