Friday, March 7, 2008
WINNIPEG (CFL.ca wire) -– The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added some experience to their offensive line on Friday with the signing of non-import offensive lineman Ryan Donnelly.
As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I already know some of the guys in the locker room and they’ve told me that it’s a great atmosphere there and I’m looking forward to being part of it,? said Donnelly, who spent part of his youth in Winnipeg and attended Vincent Massey Collegiate.
“I grew up watching guys like Matt Dunigan and Chris Walby play in Winnipeg, so for me to be able to come back and play there is going to be exciting. I’m really looking forward to it.?
Blue Bombers general manager Brendan Taman said Donnelly will be a valuable addition to his football club.
“As has been proven time and time again, a CFL team can never have too much talent or depth along the offensive line,? Taman said.
“The addition of Ryan Donnelly to our team will make one of the strengths of our team even stronger. He has proven that he can play in this league and we are anxious to see what he can do first-hand when training camp begins.?
Donnelly dressed for all 18 regular season games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2007, marking the third straight season he dressed for every regular season contest for the Tabbies.
Donnelly was originally a fourth round pick (28th overall) of the Ticats in the 2001 CFL Canadian Draft. He made his CFL debut in 2002, appearing in 18 regular season games for the Tiger-Cats, including four starts at guard.
In 2003, he played in 17 games for Hamilton, missing an Oct. 18 date with the B.C. Lions due to injury. He played in 16 games, including one start, for the Ticats in 2004. He missed the final two games of the season and the playoffs due to injury.
Donnelly played in 18 regular season games for Hamilton in 2005, including four starts at right tackle. He also handled the Ticats’ long-snapping duties for the final three games of the regular season and had his first ever rushing attempt when he rumbled for three yards. He followed that up by playing in 18 regular season contests for the Ticats in 2006, including seven starts at right tackle.
A collegiate standout at McMaster University, Donnelly spent five seasons as a member of the Marauders. He showed his versatility by starting at centre, guard and tackle and garnered back-to-back CIS All-Canadian second team honours in 2000 and 2001.
Is the signing of Ryan Donnelly just for depth on our O-line or is Obby not going to be playing?