The Edmonton Eskimos’ roster grew by three spots on Wednesday, when the team announced the signing of a pair of import linebackers and an import running back.
The Eskimos added linebackers Deon Lacey and Ryan Rau, and signed running back Denodus Bryant.
Lacey is a 23-year-old from the University of West Alabama. The six-foot-two, 209-pounder had 267 tackles, nine quarterback sacks, six forced fumbles and five interceptions over a four-year career with the Tigers that stretched from 2009 to 2012. In 2011 he was the Gulf South Conference player of the year.
Also 23, Rau is essentially the same size as Lacey (six-foot-one, 230 pounds). In four years at Portland State, he played more games than anyone in school history (43) and had 287 tackles.
Over four years at Lindenwood University, O’Bryant ran his way into the program’s record book. The running back and kick returner had 6,126 all-purpose yards and was the school’s all-time leading rusher, with 3,237 yards. His 62 touchdowns are also a school record. He rushed for 38, caught 15 touchdown passes and ran nine kick returns back for a score. He was named an NAIA All-American twice and was a three-time all-conference selection and a two-time conference MVP.
At five-foot-nine and 194 pounds, he has a similar build as Eskimos’ tailback Hugh Charles. The 24-year-old isn’t a stranger to the CFL. He was with the Calgary Stampeders briefly last season, looking for work behind Jon Cornish.
