July 6, 2009

RB Tyler Ebell joins Lions

THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The B.C. Lions have signed running back Tyler Ebell to a CFL contract.

Ebell, 26, was released by the Toronto Argonauts following last month’s training camp.

The five-foot-nine, 200-pound native of Ventura, Calif., joined the Edmonton Eskimos in 2007. He led the Eskimos in rushing that season with 650 yards and one touchdown on 124 carries.

Ebell was traded by the Eskimos to Toronto in 2008. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in training camp and was forced to sit out the season.

The Lions also signed offensive lineman Daren Heerspink. The six-foot-six, 316-pound Heerspink was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008 following a successful career at Portland State.

After being released by the Dolphins in 2008, Heerspink was signed by the St. Louis Rams. He was released last week after attending the club’s mini camps this past spring.

Lions running back Ian Smart injured his groin in B.C.’s 28-24 loss to Saskatchewan on Friday. In that game, B.C. quarterback Buck Pierce was sacked nine times.