Johany Jutras/CFL
VANCOUVER — The BC Lions have added more competition to fill the void left by Andrew Harris, agreeing to a contract with free agent running back Anthony Allen.
The news comes a day after the team also announced the signing of veteran Jeremiah Johnson, as the Lions set up full-blown competition to fill the spot left by the departed Harris.
Allen, 27, is a two-year CFL veteran of the Saskatchewan Roughriders but was released last month.
“Anthony is another experienced running back who brings an established set of skills to our team,” said Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono. “We’re trying to create the highest level of competition for the running back position this season and Anthony helps us along the way to achieving that goal.”
We’re trying to create the highest level of competition for the running back position this season and Anthony helps us along the way to achieving that goal.
Allen appeared in 28 regular season games with the Riders, recording 1,504 yards on 261 carries with eight touchdowns. The Georgia Tech grad also added another 314 yards and three touchdowns on 48 receptions.
Originally a seventh-round selection of the Baltimore Ravens in 2011, Allen appeared in 21 games over two seasons including the Ravens’
Super Bowl championship run. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills in 2013 before making his way to the CFL in May 2014.
The acquisition of Allen brings the club’s free agent signing total to six players over the past two days, including fellow running back Jeremiah Johnson, offensive lineman Levy Adcock, receiver Nick Moore along with defensive backs Mike Edem and Brandon Stewart.
