Edmonton) The Edmonton Eskimos announced today they have signed five rookies: import DB Brandon Bruner, import RB Tyler Ebell, import LB Kenny Hollis, import OL Lawrence Smith and non-import DB Jeremy Steeves.
Bruner began his college career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where he was named First-Team All-Southwest Conference. After one season he transferred to Southern Illinois where he emerged as one of the top cover corners in the Gateway Conference. Last season he recorded 64 total tackles, eight break-ups and two interceptions.
A star at Ventura High School, Ebell played two seasons at UCLA and enjoyed a breakout freshman season. He finished that season as the Bruins’ leading rusher (994 yards), leading scorer (10 touchdowns for 60 points) and became the first freshman in school history to rush for at east 100 yards in six games. Ebell transferred to UTEP for his final two seasons. His senior year in 2005, Ebell played in seven games and had 118 carries for 536 yards and five touchdowns and caught 20 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. He also added six kick returns for 109 yards.
Hollis transferred to LSU in 2004 after two seasons at East Mississippi Junior College. He was named Mississippi Junior College Athletic Conference All-State and All-Region in 2002 after finishing with 104 tackles and four sacks. His junior season at LSU (2004) he became the starter at the Sam linebacker position halfway during the season. Over two seasons with the Tigers he played in 28 games (16 starts) and compiled 78 tackles, three sacks, 10.5 tackles for losses and one interception which he returned for a touchdown.
Smith played four years at Tennessee State where he started 42 of 46 games, playing both right and left tackle. The four-year letterman earned second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors his junior and senior years. He played in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens (2002-2003) and the Buffalo Bills (2004-2005). He spent the 2003 season in NFL Europe playing for the Amsterdam Admirals.
Steeves was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 4th round (32nd overall) in the 2005 CFL Canadian Draft. He was injured on the first day of training camp and returned to St. Francis Xavier for his final season of eligibility. A free safety at St. FX, Steeves was the CIS Rookie of the Year in 2001. He had an impressive five-year career for the X-Men where he was a team Captain from 2002-2005. He played 30 games, finishing second on the all-time list for AUS interception return yards with 369. He ended his college career with 103 tackles, 19 interceptions, one forced fumble and six pass break-ups. On special teams he blocked three punts, eight kickoff returns for 159 yards and three punt returns for 31 yards. He was a first-team All-Canadian in 2003, St. FX Team MVP in 2003, a two-time first-team AUS Defensive All-Star in 2002 and 2003 and was selected to play in the 2002 and 2003 CIS East-West Bowl.
BRANDON BRUNER
DB
(Import)
Southern Illinois
Born: November 14, 1983 – Oklahoma City, OK
Height: 6’0 Weight: 180
Yrs Esks: 1st
Yrs CFL: 1st
TYLER EBELL
RB
(Import)
Texas- El Paso
Born: June 4, 1983 – Ventura, CA
Height: 5-9 Weight: 200
Yrs Esks: 1st
Yrs CFL: 1st
KENNY HOLLIS
LB
(Import)
Louisiana State
Born: October 29, 1982 – Birmingham, AL
Height: 6-0 Weight: 225
Yrs Esks: 1st
Yrs CFL: 1st
Acquired: Signed as a free agent in May 2007.
LAWRENCE SMITH
OL
(Import)
Tennessee State
Born: August 16, 1979 – Atlanta, GA
Height: 6-3 Weight: 325
Yrs Esks: 1st
Yrs CFL: 1st
JEREMY STEEVES
DB
(Non-Import)
St. Francis Xavier
Born: May 24, 1983 – Moncton, NB
Height: 6-2 Weight: 200
Yrs Esks: 1st
Yrs CFL: 1st