Stampeders Add Two On Defense And One On Offense
Published on May 11, 2007 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Calgary Stampeders News Release
(Calgary) - Today, the Calgary Stampeder Football Club is pleased to announce the free agent signing of Defensive Lineman Calvin Thibodeaux, Defensive Back Adrian Ward and Receiver Keenan Howry.
Howry was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 7th round (221st overall) of the 2003 NFL draft. He spent the next three seasons with the Viking before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2006.
"Keenan is both a receiver and returner who posses great quickness and reliable hands," said General Manager Jim Barker.
Before joining the NFL, Howry caught passes at Oregon. In his final season he recorded 40 receptions for 784 yards and five touchdowns. He also led his team to the 2002 Seattle Bowl vs. Wake Forest where he was named the game's Most Valuable Player after catching five passes for 50 yards and returning two punts for 57 yards. He was an All-Pac10 1st Team Selection and was nominated for the Biletnikoff Award (presented to the nation's top receiver).
Thibodeaux played his college ball at Oklahoma. In 2006, he dressed for 14 games, recording14 solo tackles to go along with his 17 assisted tackles, one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery.
"Calvin was a starter for the strong Oklahoma program and his speed and quickness will be maximized in our league," said General Manager Jim Barker. "We expect him to compete for a roster spot in training camp."
In the previous season, Thibodeaux was recognized by the Big 12 Coaches to the All-Big 12 second team and All-Big 12 honorable mention (AP). He led Oklahoma with 10 sacks equaling the fifth-best season in OU history and tied for second on the team in tackles for a loss (17).
Ward was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 7th round (219th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings on July 29, 2005 and also spent a very short stint with the New York Giants.
"Ward is a fast, athletic defensive back who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings," said General Manager Jim Barker. "He will compete at both the corner and halfback positions at training camp."
He finished his college career at Texas El-Paso and in his senior season was selected to the All-Western Athletic Conference First team. He led the WAC and was 16th in the NCAA with 0.42 interceptions per game and second in the WAC and 14th in the country with 1.42 passes defended per game. He finished fourth on the team and first among defensive backs with 59 tackles (52 solos) and led the team with five interceptions for 87 yards. His interception total is tied for eighth in the school's single-season record books. He also recorded 12 defended passes (ranks tied for fourth in school annals), one fumble recovery and a quarterback pressure.
Before joining Texas El Paso Ward spent a couple seasons with Chabot College where he earned first-team All-State and All-Conference accolades in 2002 when he posted 50 tackles, 20 pass break-ups, eight interceptions and a blocked field goal. He also had a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown (school record) and was named the 2002 Chabot College Defensive Player of the Year.
Canadian Football League Stories from May 11, 2007
- Eskimo High School Camp kicks off next week - Edmonton Elks
- Riders sign two more - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Stampeders Add Two On Defense And One On Offense - Calgary Stampeders
- Esks mourn passing of Bob Dean - Edmonton Elks
- Eric Lapointe Becomes A Montreal Alouettes Ambassador - Montreal Alouettes
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