February 11, 2011

Bombers re-sign Smith and Oosterhuis

BlueBombers.com Staff

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed import defensive lineman Dorian Smith and non-import fullback Jon Oosterhuis, the team announced today.  Both were scheduled to become free agents next week.

Smith is entering his third full season with Winnipeg after spending a portion of the 2008 season on the practice roster.  In two seasons with the Blue Bombers, Smith has recorded 78 tackles, 14 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Oosterhuis is returning to Winnipeg for his tenth season.  Originally drafted as a defensive lineman, Oosterhuis spent the first seven years of his career on the defensive side of the ball before switching to fullback in 2009.  Since then, he has done an excellent job of opening up holes for running back Fred Reid and has also contributed eight receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

“We’re thrilled to have both Dorian and Jon back on our team next season,” said Vice-President and General Manager Joe Mack.  “Jon is a veteran who brings tremendous leadership into our locker room and we believe Dorian’s great career in our league is just beginning.”

The Blue Bombers also announced that import offensive lineman Marlon Winn and import running back Alex Henderson have signed with the club.

Winn was a member of the practice roster last year after signing on August 31st.  He was a three-year starter at Texas Tech and played both right and left tackle.  He started all 13 games as a senior and anchored an offensive line that won the Alamo Bowl against Michigan State and earned All-Big 12 Honourable Mention recognition.  As a junior, Winn was part of the best offensive line in all of college football as the unit allowed only 13 sacks all season and protected the Johnny Unitas Award Winner, Graham Harrell.

Henderson finished his career at Northern Arizona as one of the top running backs in school history, ranking second in rushing yards with 3,462 and second in rushing attempts with 677.  He was a three-time All-Big Sky selection, earning All-Big Sky first-team honours in 2009.  He signed with the St. Louis Rams after going undrafted in 2010.