Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have re-signed returner Jamill Smith and linebacker Doug Parrish Jr., the team announced on Wednesday.
They also signed free agent defensive back Nick Taylor.
Smith, diminutive at 5-foot-6, 155 pounds, was the Eskimos’ primary kick returner for five games in 2017, racking up 428 combined yards. He had a career-high 25.1-yard average on kick returns, aided by a 64-yard run in Week 19 vs. Calgary.
The 26-year-old Ball State graduate enters his fifth season in the CFL, after spending his first three years with the Ottawa REDBLACKS before heading to Edmonton part way through 2017.
Parrish Jr., a seventh round pick by the Esks in 2016, is the son of former Eskimos linebacker Doug Parrish. The 25-year-old Edmonton native, who attended Oregon State, played four games in 2017, recording two special teams tackles.
Taylor spent the previous two seasons in Ottawa where he appeared in 17 games and recorded 63 tackles, one interception, which he returned for a touchdown, and one forced fumble.
The Esks also announce they have signed the following players:
- National offensive lineman Kwabena Asare
- National defensive lineman Kalonji Kashama
- International defensive lineman Darius Allen
- International wide receiver AJ Cruz
- International defensive back Alex Gray
- International running back Marion Grice
- International quarterback Zach Kline
- International wide receiver Devante ‘Speedy’ Noil
- International offensive lineman Mykhael Quave
- International defensive lineman Nick Usher
- International linebacker Jon Walton
