More LB campfodder or are these guys for real?

Edmonton Elks
1

Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 01:15PM

EDMONTON (CFL.ca wire) -- The Edmonton Eskimos announced on Thursday they have signed import linebackers Russel Rabe and Kenny Onatolu.

Rabe signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2005 and was eventually allocated to NFL Europe where he was acquired by the Hamburg Sea Devils. He then spent time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2006.

Rabe moved to linebacker in the pros after playing defensive end in college at Minnesota-Duluth. The two-time all-conference selection left as the school’s all-time sack leader (29) and holds the single season sack record (15) which he achieved his junior year in 2003. His senior year he led the conference in tackles for a loss and finished his college career with 224 total tackles. He was named UMD’s Outstanding Male Athlete for 2004-05.

Onatolu played four years at Nebraska-Omaha where he recorded 324 total tackles. His freshman year (2003) he earned all-NCC honours along with his twin brother Taiwo and was second on the team to his brother in total tackles with 96.

The communications major attended Papillion North High School in Nebraska where he earned second-team all-state honours and played in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl. He set the school record with 326 yards rushing in one game.

2

Campfodder or for real? Could be a bit of both. It is hardly surprising that the Eskimos are bringing in alot of new football talent on the defensive side of the ball, into training camp. Some with CFL experience, some without. As with any training camp, the ones that are for real will survive the cuts, and the ones that can't adjust are sent home. All I know, is the Eskie's D looks alot stronger for this year already, compared to last year.

3

I would agree with that. Would be nice to discover a dominating player or two out of all the guys they are looking at instead of just guys that play well enough to compete, but they are not going to dictate games with their plaay.

4

Yeah, hopefully we'll find some real gamebreakers on defence this season with all of the import players we have invited to camp. I'm very enthousiastic and confident that we will field a very competitive defense this season.