Matt Sheridan Re-Signed
April 17, 2002 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - What a year the 2001 season was for offensive lineman Matt Sheridan.
Sheridan's season was one of great improvement. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers coaching staff expected big things from the big man in 2001 and they were not disappointed. As a result, the club rewarded Sheridan (6-4, 360, Manitoba '00, DOB: May 27, 1977) with a long-term contract announced today.
"Big Matt is the future of our O-line," said Dave Ritchie, head coach of the Mighty Blue & Gold. "He has extremely good skills for a man of his size. He will play in this league for many years to come."
Sheridan began the season on the team's practice squad, and then played in his first CFL game in Week 15 action. He made his first CFL start in November when he lined up at left tackle against the Stampeders (Winnipeg vs. Calgary, Nov. 2, 2001).
He would then parlay that advancement into starts in both the East Division Final and the Grey Cup.
Sheridan made his CFL debut against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Winnipeg vs. Hamilton, Oct. 14, 2001). Sheridan became the 17th offensive lineman draftee to make the club and the 13th Manitoba Bisons draft choice to make the Winnipeg lineup. He is also the 7th person from the 6th Round to make the football club.
Sheridan - a skilled 360-pound behemoth - returns to the Big Blue after playing four regular-season games for the club in 2001.
Sheridan was one of the Blue Bombers' key acquisitions in the 2000 Canadian College Draft. Winnipeg chose the University of Manitoba product in the 6th Round (40th Overall) of the 2000 draft.
Sheridan showed significant development as a player throughout the past two years. His experience at the Bombers' training camp in 2000 transformed him into being a much better offensive lineman. He had a very good year at Manitoba in 2000.
He re-signed with Winnipeg May 2, 2001 and then proceeded to make the ball club.
Sheridan is a Winnipegger who anchored a Bison offensive line that achieved many things in 2000. The school finished first in the Canada West Conference and made it to the conference final. Sheridan and his linemates wedged open expansive running lanes for Ken Vermette - the nation's 5th leading rusher. As well, the squad gained its first road win against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in 23 years.
In 1999, the "One Man Mountain" helped create gaping holes for All-Canadian runningback Craig Carr. He was the leader on a Bisons' O-Line that only allowed five sacks for the 1999 season - best in the Canada West Conference.
Sheridan played guard and long snapper for four years for "The Hustlin' Herd" under head coach Brian Dobie. A graduate of the Sturgeon Creek High School football program, Sheridan has tremendous potential to be a long-term professional in the CFL. His biggest upsides are his mobility and the speed he can generate off the line, both impressive athletic traits for a man of his size.
Canadian Football League Stories from April 17, 2002
- Football 101 Offered - Montreal Alouettes
- Ottawa Renegades Add Two Quarterbacks - Ottawa Renegades
- Matt Sheridan Re-Signed - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Bombers Trade for Jeff Zimmer - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
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