CFL.ca Staff
(Vancouver) The BC Lions Football Club announced today that defensive lineman Caesar Rayford, defensive back Donald Brown, kicker Sean Whyte and receivers Rufus Skillern and Greg Hetherington have signed contracts for the 2009 season.
“We were pleased with the development of these players,” said Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono. “Whether it was preparing our starters for a game or coming on to the roster in times of injury, each played a valuable role in 2008 and we expect them to compete for roster spots in 2009.”
Of the four, both Donald Brown and Rufus Skillern saw game action last season. Brown made his pro debut and only start of the 2008 season at Montreal in August, notching a defensive tackle. Skillern meanwhile recorded 19 receptions for 188 yards and a TD through nine games. Rayford spent the entire season on the Lions’ practice roster while Hetherington was added to the club’s practice squad in August.
The club also announced that defensive lineman Justin Shaw and linebacker Josh Bean have agreed to terms on new deals. Shaw also spent the entire 2008 season on the practice roster after being selected in the third round (18th overall) in the 2008 CFL Draft. Bean will attempt to come back from a season-ending achilles injury suffered during training camp last June – he originally joined the Leos as a second round selection (16th overall) in the 2007 CFL Canadian Draft before returning to Boise State for his final year of eligibility.
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