Bombers sign pair of linebackers
Published on March 5, 2008 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added some depth to their linebacking corps today with the signing of non-import linebacker Eugene Boakye and import linebacker Joe Lobendahn to contracts.
As per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
"The addition of Eugene Boakye and Joe Lobendahn will make the linebacker position one of the spots to watch during training camp," said Bombers G.M. Brendan Taman. "Both are high-energy, physical players who have the tools to play in the CFL."
Lobendahn (5-10, 230, Washington '05, DOB: Feb. 15, 1983 in Honolulu, Hawaii) had an outstanding collegiate career as a member of the University of Washington Huskies.
As a senior in 2005, the high-energy linebacker played and started in nine of 11 games and finished fifth on the team with 76 total tackles and added five and a half tackles for losses for 19 yards, two sacks and two interceptions. Those numbers earned him team defensive MVP honours.
Lobendahn, one of Washington's biggest hitters on special teams, was the Huskies co-defensive player of the year in '04 when he finished second on the team with 100 total tackles. In '02, he started twice at inside linebacker and made 23 tackles as a sophomore. In 2001, he was one of just four true freshman to appear in every game for the Huskies.
A winner of the Guy Flaherty Award, given annually to Washington's most inspirational player, he was signed as a free agent by the NFL's Detroit Lions in 2007 but was release prior to the start of the regular season.
Boakye (pronounced BOA-CHE) was a third round pick (22nd overall) of the Bombers in the 2007 CFL Canadian Draft.
A hard-hitting defender out of McMaster University, Boakye (6-4, 234, McMaster '06, DOB: Sept. 20, 1984 in Accra, Ghana) had his best season as a member of the Marauders in 2005 when he played in seven games and collected 45.5 tackles and one interception. He also has the ability to get to opposing quarterbacks, collecting a quarterback sack in both 2003 and again in 2004. He did not play in 2007 due to injury.
Canadian Football League Stories from March 5, 2008
- Riders and Argos involved in major trade - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Final auditions this Sunday for Eskimo Cheer Team - Edmonton Elks
- Top Canadian Prospects to Attend 2008 CFL Evaluation Camp in Toronto - CFL
- Former Eastern Washington star signs with Lions - B.C. Lions
- Bombers take part in Brier Fanfest - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Bombers sign pair of linebackers - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Washington to Edmonton: Esks sign new linebacker - Edmonton Elks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
