Renegades sign pair of Canadian linemen and American tackle
January 20, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA â The Ottawa Renegades football club signed their first three free agents of the off-season, inking veteran Canadian offensive lineman Val St. Germain and non-import defensive tackle Matt Kirk to contracts Thursday. The team also signed American defensive tackle Derek Kennard.
St. Germain, 33, has been a member of the Renegades since the organization's inaugural 2002 season. Entering his 11th season in the CFL, the Ottawa native will remain in his hometown with his third franchise. St. Germain signed a two-year contract extension, plus an option.
"We are pleased to have Val back with us. Val is an all-star calibre player and has been an all-star before," said Renegades Head Coach and General Manager Joe Paopao. "We are happy to have one of our leaders back."
A former 1994 draft pick of Hamilton, the 33-year-old began his career with the Tiger-Cats before moving on to Edmonton in 1999 to join the Eskimos for three seasons. The 6-foot-4, 308-pound McGill University product was an East Division All-Star in 1998, West Division All-Star in 1999 and a CFL East Division All-Star again in 2003.
"I am happy to be back in my hometown for at least two more years," said St. Germain, who has played over 165 games in the CFL and more than 45 as a Renegade. "I think we've taken a step in the right direction with bringing back Coach Paopao. The decision to bring Coach P back really influenced me re-signing here."
Kirk, 23, played both defensive end and tackle during an outstanding four-year playing career with the Queen's Golden Gaels. A fifth-round selection by the Renegades in the 2004 Canadian College draft (38th overall), the 6-foot-4, 250-pound lineman is a two-time first-team all-star in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) football conference. In 2003 Kirk was also a second-team All-Canadian and the OUA JP Metras award winner â for the top lineman in the division, an honour he was a finalist for nationally. His contract is for one year, plus an option.
Kirk attended Ottawa's training camp in the spring of 2004 (wearing No. 93), before returning to university in the fall.
"We were really pleased with Matt in training camp last year and he's had an outstanding college career," said Paopao.
Kennard, a product of Nevada, brings plenty of size at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds. A native of Phoenix, Kennard was a full-time starter his last two seasons with the Wolfpack. In his senior year he had 59 tackles and two interceptions.
The Renegades also announced Thursday that they have come to a verbal contract agreement with cornerback Crance Clemons, who played with the club last in 2003 and spent 2004 with the Indianapolis Colts. The club also agreed to a verbal contract extension with Jason Armstead, who was the team's top rookie last season and was the East Division nominee for the CFL Special Teams player of the year.
Canadian Football League Stories from January 20, 2005
- Donn Smith resigns - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Renegades sign pair of Canadian linemen and American tackle - Ottawa Renegades
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