David Moll/University of Calgary
HAMILTON — Hamilton Tiger-Cats first-round pick Darius Ciraco will join the team on the field at training camp this week, after the team announced Tuesday the two sides have agreed on a contract.
The Ticats also announced they’ve signed international offensive lineman Ryan Schmidt.
Ciraco, 22, was Hamilton’s second selection (sixth overall) in the first round of the 2018 CFL Draft. The Burlington, Ont. native played 28 regular season games for the University of Calgary from 2014 to 2017. The 6-foot, 292-pound offensive lineman gained experience at right guard, left tackle and centre during his time with the Dinos.
In 2015, Ciraco was named a Canada West All-Star and a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Second-Team All-Canadian. He was also part of the Dinos teams that won the Mitchell Bowl in 2016 as well as the Hardy Cup in 2016 and 2017.
Schmidt, 25, spent time on the Ottawa REDBLACKS’ practice roster in 2017. Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-5, 307-pound native of Amherst, N.Y. played 38 games with St. Lawrence University from 2011 to 2014, starting 33 times during his collegiate career with the Saints.
For the Ticats, the attention now turns to first overall pick and Central Michigan receiver Mark Chapman, who has yet to sign a contract.
