Renegades sign four Americans for 2005 training camp
May 25, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA â The Ottawa Renegades Football Club announced the signing of four import players Wednesday, as the team continues to prepare for the 2005 training camp.
Defensive lineman Dimitrius Underwood, veteran offensive lineman Morris Unutoa, wide receiver Larry "Sparky" Hamilton and left tackle Steve Burch.
Underwood, a product of Michigan State University, is a former first round draft pick in the National Football League (first round, 1999) and has also had stints with the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys. The towering 6-foot-6, 300-pound Philadelphia native also suffers from bipolar disorder â which affects over 45 million people in North America each year. The 28-year-old Underwood continues to take medication and treatment for the condition.
"We are happy to announce that we are giving an opportunity to a young man who possesses a special talent," said Joe Paopao, head coach and general manager of the Renegades. "Just like the 70-plus players coming to training camp, it is about opportunity and making the most of it.
"We are aware of his condition, and it is a condition in our society," continued Paopao. "From the reports we received and conversations with coaches, trainers and doctors, we expect this young man â like the rest of our players â to arrive, play and conduct himself as a professional."
Hamilton is a tall receiver (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) out of the University of Arkansas. A former member of the Green Bay Packers, the 24-year-old also spent time with NFL Europe's Rhein Fire.
Unutoa, 34, a seven-year NFL veteran, came out of Brigham Young University in 1996 and played both guard, tackle and long snapper during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills.
Burch, who comes fresh out of Idaho State University, was a four-year letter winner who started 39 games in college, mostly at left tackle. The 22-year-old was an all-conference selection (Big Sky) in 2004.
"Our coaches feel Larry is a strong prospect with size and speed and we look forward to his play," said Paopao. "Morris is an experienced player who has played several years in the NFL and has versatility playing on the offensive line. We saw him at our free agent camp in Southern California and were happy with what we saw. Burch was a kid we saw at the Paradise Bowl and felt that he is a young man with athletic ability."
The Renegades report to Kemptville College this week for training camp. Medicals and physicals are set for Saturday, while the first full-day of two-a-day practices begin Sunday.
Canadian Football League Stories from May 25, 2005
- Ticats Sign Three Draft Picks - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Bisons, Juniors to gain experience - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Fan Day comes early - Toronto Argonauts
- Riders add four more to training camp roster - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Renegades sign four Americans for 2005 training camp - Ottawa Renegades
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