April 18, 2013

Lions ink offensive tackle Ben Archibald to extension

CFL.ca

BCLions.com Staff

SURREY — The BC Lions announced Thursday that import offensive tackle Ben Archibald has signed a contract extension with the team.

“Ben has been a steadying influence on our offensive line since joining us in 2011 and I’m pleased to have him sign an extension,” said GM and VP of football operations Wally Buono. “Our offence has enjoyed a resurgence over the past couple of seasons and the play of our offensive line has been integral to that success.”

Archibald, a four-time West Division All-Star, enters his third season with the Lions in 2013 and has enjoyed a remarkable career to date. Originally signing with BC in 2011 after three seasons in Calgary, the Brigham Young grad was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman in 2010.

“Everything starts up front for our offence and Ben has been everything we could ask for at left tackle,” said head coach Mike Benevides. “He’s an exceptional talent, a leader in the dressing room and I’m thrilled to have him.”

Archibald has not missed a start in two seasons and co-anchors the Lions’ offensive line with fellow West Division All-Star and 2012 Most Outstanding Lineman, Jovan Olafioye.

Under the careful tutoring of offensive line coach Dan Dorazio, the Lions surrendered a league-low 30 sacks in 2012, the second consecutive season the club has held down the number one ranking.