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CFL.ca Staff
#CFLFA13
VANCOUVER — After announcing the re-signing of Jovan Olafioye to a new contract, the Lions announced the re-signing of hard-hitting linebacker Solomon Elimimian and the signing free agent Julius Williams.
“Having Jovan under contract is an extremely important step forward for our team in 2013,” said vice president of football operations and GM Wally Buono. “Protecting the quarterback is a top priority and Jovan’s presence on our line is a big part of our offensive success.”
Anchoring the Lions offensive line from his right tackle position, Jovan appeared in all 18 regular season games last year for a third consecutive campaign. A big part of the Lions’ league-low of 30 sacks against in 2012, he earned CFL All-Star honours for a second-straight year, West Division All-Star kudos for a third year in a row and his first selection as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman after being runner-up to the award in 2011.
“Jovan is a dominant player in this league and his ability to both protect the quarterback and be an effective run-blocker is unmatched,” said Lions head coach Mike Benevides.
Elimimian has appeared in a total of 38 regular season games and three playoff contests over the past three seasons recording 187 defensive tackles and 17 more on special teams.
Williams has appeared in a total of 24 regular season games and three playoff contests over the past two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos racking up seven sacks and 25 defensive tackles.
