Edmonton Elks Thread

**jerrym** · 02-11-2017, 03:33 PM

Edmonton has extended DB Marcell Young through 2019.

In 17 games (17 starts) last season, Young recorded 60 defensive tackles and six pass knockdowns. In the 104th Grey Cup Playoffs, he had six defensive tackles.
The six-foot native of Jackson, Mississippi entered the league in 2011 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he remained until 2013 when he joined the Eskimos as a free agent.
Now entering his seventh season, Young has amassed 247 defensive tackles, six interceptions, seven special teams tackles and three sacks in 90 career games.
Young is the fifth pending free agent the Eskimos have re-signed, including Justin Sorensen, Brandyn Thompson, and Tony Washington and Sean Whyte. Yesterday, the team also announced the extension of Adarius Bowman.

http://www.esks.com/2017/02/01/esks-...marcell-young/

**jerrym** · 02-11-2017, 03:35 PM

The full coaching staff of the Edmonton Eskimos will return for the 2017 season, once again led by Head Coach Jason Maas.
The sole change is naming Carson Walch offensive coordinator. He served as the receivers coach and pass game coordinator last season.
Eskimos 2017 Coaching Staff:
· Jason Maas – Head Coach
· Mike Benevides – Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator
· Carson Walch – Offensive Coordinator/Receivers
· Mike Gibson – Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator
· Cory McDiarmid – Special Teams Coordinator
· Casey Creehan – Defensive Line
· Tim Prinsen – Running Backs
· Barron Miles – Defensive Backs
· Jordan Maksymic – Quarterbacks
· Demetrious Maxie – Linebackers
· Dave Jackson – Special Teams Assistant

http://www.esks.com/2017/02/08/eskim...staff-returns/

**jerrym** · 02-11-2017, 03:38 PM

The Eskimos have signed free agent National Receiver Shamawd Chambers.

Chambers returns to Edmonton where he was originally selected in the first round (6th overall) of the 2012 CFL Draft.
In four seasons with Edmonton, the six-foot-three native of Markham, Ontario amassed 112 receptions for 1,234 yards and seven touchdowns in 50 games. In 2012, he was the Eskimos nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie.
Chambers spent last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders where he recorded 25 receptions for 269 yards and one touchdown.

http://www.esks.com/2017/02/09/shama...ns-green-gold/

**jerrym** · 02-11-2017, 03:41 PM

Edmonton has resigned DE Marcus Howard.

In 11 games last season (eight starts), Howard recorded 10 defensive tackles and was tied for second on the team with seven quarterback sacks.
Now entering his seventh season, Howard has spent his entire career in Edmonton. In 63 career games, he has amassed 76 defensive tackles, five forced fumbles and 36 quarterback sacks.
The six-foot-one, 245-pound former Sugar Bowl MVP originally signed as a free agent in August 2011, re-signing in January 2013 and December 2014.

http://www.esks.com/2017/02/09/esks-...marcus-howard/

**jerrym** · 02-11-2017, 03:46 PM

Former Argo National WR Natey Adjei and National LB Blair Smith have resigned with the Eskimos.

Adjei originally signed as a free agent in July 2016. In 12 games last season, he recorded six catches for 53 yards and five special teams tackles. In the 104th Grey Cup Playoffs, he added five special team tackles.
The five-foot-ten native of Toronto, Ontario was selected in the 2013 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts and later signed in 2014 after finishing his eligibility at the University of Buffalo. In two seasons with Toronto, Adjei recorded 11 receptions for 124 yards and one touchdown. He also added two tackles.
In 15 games last season, Smith recorded four defensive tackles and 15 special teams tackles. In the 104th Grey Cup playoffs, he recorded one defensive tackle and two special teams tackles.
Smith was selected by the Edmonton Eskimos in the seventh round of the 2015 CFL Draft. In two seasons, he recorded 35 special teams tackles and four defensive tackles in 33 games.

http://www.esks.com/2017/02/10/esks-...djei-lb-smith/

**jerrym** · 02-14-2017, 11:15 AM

National WR Devon Bailey and International DB Shakir Bell appear set to test free agency, according to Gary Lawless.

Bailey and S. Bell most likely headed to market and moving on. Expect a subtle approach from Hervey with Hunt situation as a priority
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 14, 2017

**jerrym** · 02-14-2017, 04:24 PM

The Eskimos have signed Ride ST/DB National free agent Andrew Lue from the Riders.

BREAKING: Free agent defensive back Andrew Lue joins the Green and Gold #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/4QC6qXL0N3
— Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) February 14, 2017

**jerrym** · 02-14-2017, 07:41 PM

Eskimos have brought back RB Kendial Lawrence and National fullback

The Edmonton Eskimos have signed running back Kendial Lawrence, the club announced Tuesday, for a second stint with the team.
Lawrence, who played out of the backfield and on special teams, spent most of the 2016 season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before heading to Hamilton to join the Ticats for two games
The 25-year-old had 37 carries for 150 yards and one touchdown with the Riders while also returning 27 punts for 286 yards and one touchdown and 37 kick off returns for 752 yards in 11 games.
With the Tiger-Cats, Lawrence had six punt returns for 38 yards and 11 kick off returns for 171 yards.
In 46 career CFL games with the Tiger-Cats (2013), Edmonton Eskimos (2014-15) and the Roughriders, the 5-9, 195-pound native of Rockwall, Texas, has recorded 132 carries for 712 yards and four touchdowns, 95 receptions for 907 yards and five touchdowns, 169 punt returns for 1,696 yards and two touchdowns, 92 kickoff returns for 2,049 yards and two touchdowns, and nine missed field goal returns for 242 yards.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/02/14/eskimos-bring-back-rec-rb-kendial-lawrence/

**jerrym** · 02-16-2017, 01:06 PM

International DE Phillip Hunt has resigned with the Eskimos.

He entered the CFL in 2009 with the Blue Bombers. In two seasons with Winnipeg, he recorded 55 defensive tackles and 19 quarterback sacks in 25 games.
The six-foot, 248-pound native of Texas went to the NFL in 2011. He spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles (2011-13), Indianapolis Colts (2014), Detroit Lions (2015) and New Orleans Saints (2015).
Hunt signed in Edmonton in September 2016. In eight games, he recorded 12 defensive tackles and three quarterback sacks.
Hunt is the fourth free agent to sign in Edmonton, joining fullback Alexandre Dupuis, punt returner Kendial Lawrence and defensive back Andrew Lue.

**jerrym** · 02-16-2017, 07:32 PM

Internationals DE Aston Whiteside, a former Argo and Redbrick, and RB Travon Van of the Redblacks have agreed to terms with Edmonton.

BREAKING: Free agent RB Travon Van and DE Aston Whiteside join the Green and Gold. #Welcome pic.twitter.com/jRQ8nS3dHX
— Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) February 16, 2017

**jerrym** · 02-23-2017, 11:56 PM

The Eskimos have resigned DE Phillip Hunt and released DE Michael Buchanan.

He entered the CFL in 2009 with the Blue Bombers. In two seasons with Winnipeg, he recorded 55 defensive tackles and 19 quarterback sacks in 25 games.
The six-foot, 248-pound native of Texas went to the NFL in 2011. He spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles (2011-13), Indianapolis Colts (2014), Detroit Lions (2015) and New Orleans Saints (2015).
Hunt signed in Edmonton in September 2016. In eight games, he recorded 12 defensive tackles and three quarterback sacks.
Hunt is the fourth free agent to sign in Edmonton, joining fullback Alexandre Dupuis, punt returner Kendial Lawrence and defensive back Andrew Lue.

http://www.esks.com/2017/02/15/phill...ys-green-gold/

http://www.esks.com/2017/02/23/eskimos-transaction-12/

**jerrym** · 03-07-2017, 08:56 PM

OL Matt O'Donnell has extended with the Eskimos through 2020.

“Matt is a proven leader amongst his teammates,” says Eskimos Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Ed Hervey. “Matt has developed into one of the most dominate offensive linemen in the CFL. His physical toughness and competitiveness is exactly what we want on our football team, particularly on the offensive line.”
In six seasons, the six-foot-11, 350-pound native of Comox, BC played 67 games (56 starts) at right guard, right tackle and left guard.

http://www.esks.com/2017/03/06/matt-odonnell-extended/

**jerrym** · 03-15-2017, 01:15 AM

Cory Greenwood talks about joining Eskimos.

http://www.esks.com/2017/03/08/lb-co...h-the-eskimos/

**jerrym** · 03-15-2017, 01:25 AM

QB Jordan Lynch has retired.

On March 8, 2017, Lynch announced his retirement from professional football. The same day, the Northern Illinois Athletics Department announced that Lynch had been hired as a Running Backs coach for the Huskies football program.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Lynch

**jerrym** · 03-17-2017, 03:18 PM

Former Western All-Star International DB Johnny Adams has signed with the Eskimos.

The five-foot-11 native of Akron, Ohio entered the league in 2015 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 23 games, he recorded 85 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles and seven interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.
In September 2016, he was traded to Hamilton where he recorded 19 defensive tackles in four games.

http://3downnation.com/2017/03/16/es...-johnny-adams/

**jerrym** · 03-24-2017, 04:02 PM

The Eskimos hope history repeats itself.

“This is so similar to what happened in 2014,” said Adarius Bowman, the league’s top receiver in 2016. “We had a new coaching staff and made it to the Western Final. The next year we came back and really put the pieces together and won the Grey Cup. Last year we got a new coaching staff and made it to the Eastern Final. I really see the similarities.

“I’m excited with some of the additions on defence and coming back having learned coach (Jason) Mass’ offence so we can come out the gate rolling. I think it took a little while last year trying to pick it up.”
The 2014 Eskimos were 12-6. The 2015 team went 14-4.
“Last year was kind of a weird year to be the defending Grey Cup champions with a whole new coaching staff,” said quarterback Mike Reilly of the departure of Chris Jones and his crew to Saskatchewan. “It was kind of like we were picking up where we left off and kind of like we were starting over again from scratch.
“This year it is a different feeling with more comfort because we played for Jason Maas and his staff for a year. You have to go through the fire with guys to learn some stuff. I kind of had that feel after the 2014 season. We did some good things but we just weren’t far enough along to get over the hump. But we knew coming into the 2015 season that we had something special. I get that feeling about this year. The familiarity is there now. We don’t have to get to know each other. I know we have the players.
“Last year we played in four overtime games and lost three of them. And we lost that game to Hamilton an blew a 25-point lead. The difference in a championship team and one that isn’t a championship team is that you win those games.”
The Eskimos ended up with a 10-8 record and had to go East in the playoffs as a crossover team where they lost the Eastern Final in Ottawa.
“I think we’re positive and optimistic because of the things you just mentioned,” said Maas as he shared the stage with the four other coaches at Mark’s CFL Week.
“We didn’t win the Grey Cup last year but we did knock on the door in the East final and I don’t look at our season as not being successful. I think we did a lot of good things and have a lot of stuff to build on.
“I know we’re 0-0 right now but I like what we’re building. I’m looking at the team we ended with last year and I’m kind of looking for that team to just take off.”
If the idea of the first ever CFL Week is to get people pumped for the coming season, short visits with the Eskimos players as they make their stops through the so-called car wash certainly had that effect.
“The thing I really like is that (GM) Ed Hervey and Jason Maas really want guys who want to play for us. They want guys who are more team than self,” said running back John White. “That goes a long way when you are trying to win a championship. You have to have a great core and be a great family.”
Almondo Sewell, a CFL All-Star last year, sees a team that has fixed some holes and is coming back hungry.
“Ed made a lot of changes. On the defensive front four we’re all Americans now. We have a new Canadian back-up now in Corey Greenwood. Hopefully, he’ll be healthy all year. That’s where our main struggle was last year, on defence. He’s addressed the situation and made us better on defence.”
As for the hunger, Sewell offers himself as Exhibit ‘A’.
“This is the hardest I’ve ever worked all off-season,” he said. “I’m taking it very seriously. I’m getting up there in age now. I just turned 30. I’m in way better shape right now that I was in the middle of the season last year. I had a pretty good year but I’d trade all that in for another Grey Cup.

http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/fo...repeats-itself

**1971GreyCup** · 04-01-2017, 01:23 PM

Large media event filmed at Commonwealth Stadium this week was one of a couple first rate media events in the CFL this week. Big fan participation too.

**jerrym** · 04-01-2017, 05:22 PM

#Esks announce the release of Canadian OL Chris Greaves. Wanna bet he had a bonus due April 1? #CFL
— Drew Edwards (@scratchingpost) March 31, 2017

**jerrym** · 04-08-2017, 07:48 PM

Former Eskimo John Ojo has signed with the NY Jets.

The New York Jets have looked north to add depth to their defensive unit. The Jets signed former Edmonton Eskimos cornerback John Ojo to a contract on Friday. ...
The 27-year-old American missed all of last season with the Eskimos after he ruptured his right Achilles during the preseason.
During his rookie campaign in 2015, Ojo put up great numbers including 41 defensive tackles, five interceptions and one touchdown as Edmonton would go on to beat the Ottawa Redblacks in the Grey Cup. The Florida A&M product was also named a CFL All-Star in 2015.

http://www.tsn.ca/jets-sign-former-esks-cb-ojo-1.718553