The Winnipeg Blue Bombers got a little deeper at a pivotal position with the signing of free agent quarterback Russ Michna. Michna spent the 2004 season on the practice roster of the NFL's St. Louis Rams. The 6-1, 224-pound left-handed signal caller was signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Western Illinois. The Bombers also added a heaping help of quickness today with the signing of running back Marvin Townes. Townes (6-0, 200, East Carolina '04, DOB: Nov. 9, 1980 in Warrenton, Miss.) compiled just the 12th 1,000-yard season in East Carolina history when he rushed for 1,128 yards in 2003 and scored 8 TDs. He also had 23 catches for 176 yards for the Pirates that season. In addition, Winnipeg signed quarterback linebacker Scott Mennie and released quarterback Stanley Jackson
The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of LB Jeff Bonelli, DB Derek Combs and OT Jerome Davis. Canadian-born Bonelli spent five seasons at the University of Windsor where he was team captain. The former Lancer MVP was also named OUA Rookie of the Year in 2000. Derek Combs, a 2001 NFL 7th Round Draft pick, arrives in Toronto from NFL Europe where he played with the Amsterdam Admirals in 2004. Combs was originally selected by the Oakland Raiders and has since spent time with Tennessee, Miami, Green Bay and Kansas City. Jerome Davis signs with the Argonauts after most recently splitting time with the San Francisco 49'ers (NFL) and the Frankfurt Galaxy (NFL Europe). A true team player while at Minnesota Davis was honoured with the Paul Geil Award for the player who shows total unselfishness and the most concern for his school.
The Toronto Argonauts Football Club also announced that DL Gabe Robinson has elected to retire from professional football.
The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club announced that non-import offensive lineman Amar Sanghera and non-import defensive lineman Corey Trudeau have been released. Sanghera was the team's first selection (9th overall) in the 2004 Canadian College Draft. The club also announced that import defensive back Tay Cody has been placed on the suspended list and import linebacker Jacoby Shepherd has been add to the disabled list. The Eskimos added two new faces to the roster as former Minnesota Viking defensive back Eric Kelly and import receiver Joel Hazard joined the squad. Kelly, a third-round pick (69th overall) in the 2001 NFL Draft comes with plenty of pro experience having appeared in 48 games over three seasons with the Vikes ('01-'03), registering 161 defensive tackles and 3 interceptions. Hazard, a graduate of Boston College, appeared in 49 games over four years ('01-'04) racking up 85 receptions for 1045 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 2004 he was the Golden Eagles' third leading receiver with 332 yards and led the squad in TD catches with five.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced the signing of import kicker Chuck Tack. Tack, a 6-5, 245-pound native of Des Moines, Iowa, spent two seasons at Nebraska University (1997-1998). The Ticats also announced that the team has come to terms with defensive back Kwame Aidoo. Kwame, brother of current Tiger-Cats fullback Kojo Aidoo, played five seasons at McMaster University (2000-2004).
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced import defensive end Fred Perry and import kicker Kyle Robinson have signed free agent contracts with the club. Financial details were not released. Perry is entering his fifth CFL season. He spent last year on the injured list, but posted 23 defensive tackles and seven quarterback sacks with Ottawa in 2003. The 30-year old has also spent time with Edmonton and Toronto. Kyle Robinson spent 2002 and 2003 with the University of Alabama. The 23-year old lefty nailed a career long 46-yard field goal against LSU in 2002.
