CFL Calgary Stampeders

Howell re-signs, Stamps sign pair

Published on February 13, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Calgary Stampeders News Release


The Calgary Stampeders are pleased to announce the re-signing of Mr. Versatility, Markus Howell. The veteran Canadian will be returning for his fourth season with the Red and White. The club has also signed import quarterback Matt D'Orazio and non-import punter Mike Renaud.

Stamps head coach/general manager John Hufnagel will be available for comment today at the Stamps main administration office at 11 a.m.

"Markus is a very versatile player who happens to be a non-import," said Hufnagel. "Not only did he play all special teams for us last season but he also was a backup in the defensive secondary and an emergency receiver. That kind of versatility is rare and it's very valuable to a football team."

Howell originally was selected by Calgary in the second round of the Ottawa Renegades dispersal draft in 2006. He played in 16 regular-season games in 2008, returning 67 punts for 591 yards and nine kickoffs for 194 yards. He added one catch for 31 yards and three special-teams tackles. Howell also suited up for both Stamps playoff games, returning four punts for 39 yards, one kickoff for 34 yards and adding two special-teams tackles.

"I'm excited. It's nice to be wanted," said Howell. "I'm happy to know I was able to contribute and bring a championship to the city and I'm definitely looking forward to what 2009 has to offer."

D'Orazio was the Arena Football League's most valuable player in 2008. The six-foot-four, 215-pounder led the Philadelphia Soul to victory in Arena Bowl XXII and was named the game's most valuable player. The Otterbein College product was also named the most valuable player of Arena Bowl XX in 2006 as a member of the Chicago Rush. He has also spent time with Milwaukee, Buffalo, New Jersey and Columbus of the AFL and Rochester in AFL2.

"Matt's credentials in the Arena League are outstanding," said Hufnagel. "He was the league MVP last season and the MVP of the Arena Bowl. He's a veteran quarterback who has some very good skills and is a proven winner."

Renaud was a three-time Quebec Conference all-star and two-time all-Canadian at Concordia University. The six-foot-three, 215-pounder attended training camp with the Montreal Alouettes in 2006 and then played for Monchengladbach of the German Football League in 2008. He was recently drafted by Team Ohio of the United National Gridiron League.

"We look forward to bringing him in and he's certainly excited about the opportunity," said Hufnagel. "Like most CFL punters, Mike took an indirect route to get to his current position. He had a very good university career. Then he attended a CFL camp, was beaten by a veteran kicker and spent the last two seasons staying in the game and working towards another chance."

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