CFL Toronto Argonauts

Toronto adds three to defense

Published on February 1, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Mississauga – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to announce the addition of three new players to its defence. Defensive End T.J. Bingham comes to the Argos with NFL, NFL Europe and AFL experience, as does cornerback Tony Lukins. Both players participated in separate World Bowl NFLE Championships. Bingham was the Scottish Claymores' sack leader in 2003 and was a key player in the Berlin Thunder's World Bowl Championship win in 2004. Lukins had a great college career at New Mexico State University before signing with the Chicago Bears in 2002. The New Mexico native also spent time with the Oakland Raiders (NFL), the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), the Rhein Fire (NFLE) and the Chicago Rush (AFL).

James McGill enjoyed an outstanding senior season at K- State in 2003 which culminated in a Big-12 Championship. He led the team with 6 interceptions from his safety position, including one in the Big-12 Championship game vs. Oklahoma. For his efforts, which also included 27 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 5 pass break-ups, McGill earned honourable mention All Big-12 Conference.

All three players will report to training camp this spring.

Tramaine "T.J." Bingham

6'3", 257 lbs, DE

Ouachita Baptist

Born: May 28, 1977

Houston, TX

2004: Released by Chicago Rush on January 5...Selected by the Berlin Thunder in the Free Agent Draft and finished second on the team in sacks with 5, and had one fumble recovery in World Bowl Championship win...Signed with the Miami Dolphins (NFL) June 15 and attended camp, was a final cut having been released September 5.

2003: Allocated by Kansas City to NFL Europe's Scottish Claymores...Led the club in sacks with 7 sacks, plus 26 tackles and 2 forced fumbles...Signed with the Chicago Rush (AFL) November 14.

2002: Signed with Kansas City (NFL) as an un-drafted free agent on April 23 and released September 2...Signed with the Cleveland Browns (NFL) October 23 and released December 3...Signed a practice roster agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs December 4.

College 2001: Named first-team All-American by D2Football.com...Named first-team All-Gulf Conference...Led conference with 12 sacks...2000: Named first team All-Gulf South Conference...1999: Named All-Lone Star Conference first-team selection...started in every game...1998: Started in three games and missed the first three games of the season awaiting transfer waiver from the NCAA...Finished college career with 246 tackles, 32 sacks and 67 tackles for loss in 37 starts.

Personal: Attended Texas Southern in 1996 but did not play football...Left school in 1997 to return home and care for sick mother...Has six brothers and six sisters...Attended Kashmere High School in Houston, TX and played basketball...Resides in Humble, TX.

Tony Lukins

5'10", 191 lbs, CB

New Mexico State

Born: Las Cruces, NM

February 18, 1979

2004: Signed by the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and allocated to Rhein Fire of NFL Europe...Released by Seattle September 6.

2003: Started all 11 games, including World Bowl XI, for the Rhein Fire...recorded 36 tackles, 2 interceptions and 14 passes defended.

2002: Participated in the NFL Draft and signed with the Chicago Bears (NFL) following the Draft (April 22)...Released by Chicago August 25...Signed by the Oakland Raiders (NFL) December 11 and allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe...Signed with the Chicago Rush (AFL) November 13.

College (1998-2001): Four-year letterman at New Mexico State University...Played in 44 games and registered 114 tackles (78 solo), 2 interceptions and 2 sacks...Earned second-team all-Sun Belt Conference honours as a kick returner in 2001 for returning 31 kicks for 735 yards and 2 touchdowns...On October 6, 2001, against Tulsa, he became the 10th player in NCAA history to return a pair of kickoffs for a touchdown in the same game...had returns of 89 and 100 yards...Participated in the 2002 Blue-Gray Classic and was a three-time conference player of the week during his senior season.

Personal: Full name Daniel Anthony Lukins...Tony and his wife, Yvette, live in Las Cruces, NM...has two children named Mona Rae and Aris...Ran track for New Mexico State in the spring of 1998 and finished sixth in the 100-meter dash at the Big West Conference championships...holds the school record in the 200-meter dash....Attended Andress High School in El Paso, TX, where he participated in football, basketball and track...Selected to play in the El Paso East-West all-star game...Turned down track scholarships from Georgia and Texas to play football in college...Majored in Education.

James McGill

6'3", 220 lbs, LB

Kansas State

Born: Bakersfield, Calif.

November 25, 1981

2004: Participated in NFL Draft...Attended Oakland Raiders (NFL) mini-camp following Draft and impressed many of the coaches...Returned to Bakersfield and continued conditioning regiment.

2003: Named second team All-Big 12 by the Austin American-Statesman...Selected honourable mention All-Big 12 by The Associated Press...Appeared in all 15 games, splitting time with Jesse Tetuan at free safety... Led the Wildcats in interceptions and tied for third in the Big 12 with six picks...Credited with a five unassisted tackles in the Big 12 Championship game vs. Oklahoma (12/6) and also had a key interception in the end zone vs. the Sooners...Played but did not record a stat in the 2004 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl vs Ohio State.

2002: Played in first nine games of season for Wildcats at free safety... Experienced best game of the season in win over Southern California (9/21) with 5 DT, two passes knocked down and a forced fumble.

Bakersfield (Junior) College (2000 – 2001): Named a first-team JC Gridwire All-American...Selected as the Junior College Football Coaches Association's Defensive Player of the Year in California...Honoured as the Western State Conference's Mountain Division Player of the Year... Earned all-league honors in both 2000 and 2001... Recorded 79 tackles, four interceptions and forced four fumbles in 2001... Also scored two defensive touchdowns, registered two safeties, 10 passes broken up and two sacks... Rated the eighth-best junior college prospect by JC.football.com... Tallied 99 tackles, two sacks, and an interception in 2000.

Personal: Attended Bakersfield High School where he was named the Southeast Yosemite League Offensive Player of the Year and League MVP...Named first-team all-area safety...Also earned all-area honours in basketball... Son of West and Tienna Tyler...Has three siblings (two brothers, one sister).

The 2004 Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, having celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2003. The Toronto Argonauts have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. To purchase 2005 season tickets or to get more information about season ticket packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO. Full roster details are available at www.argonauts.ca.

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