Esks.com Staff

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos took another important step towards upgrading their Canadian talent with the signing of non-import defensive tackle Don Oramasionwu.

A fifth round pick (39th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft, Oramasionwu or  “Donny O” as he’s known, has spent the past three seasons with the Bombers where he posted 39 defensive tackles, nine sacks and two fumble recoveries.

“Kavis Reed asked me to make Donny a priority as soon as we began discussing potential free agents. He played for Kavis in Winnipeg where they developed a very strong relationship. Quality Canadians are the backbone of all successful franchises and, at age 25, we feel he has tremendous upside," Eskimo General Manager Eric Tillman said.

The 6-3, 289lbs native of Winnipeg was a standout for the University of Manitoba and played a key role in the Bisons’ 2007 Vanier Cup win.