Jock Sanders Heads To Calgary

Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the signing of free-agent import kick returner and running back Jock Sanders. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Sanders, 25, spent the past two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after making his CFL debut with the BC Lions in 2011.

Sanders saw action in 12 regular-season games for Saskatchewan in 2013 and accumulated 1,485 all-purpose yards. The total included 787 yards on 35 kickoff returns (an average of 22.5 yards per return), 505 yards on 64 punt returns (7.9-yard average), 78 rushing yards on 21 carries and 115 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions. The kickoff-return and punt-return yardage totals were both career highs.

The St. Petersburg, Fla., native played all three post-season contests for the Riders including the Grey Cup, during which he accumulated 72 yards in punt returns. In the three games, he had 75 rushing yards, 126 punt-return yards and 119 kickoff-return yards. He also made three catches.

“Jock is a dynamic and versatile player who has been a threat both on special teams and on offence during his time in the CFL,” said Hufnagel. “I’m very pleased that he has chosen to join the Stampeders and I look forward to seeing him in action with the Red and White.”

In 22 career regular-season games in the CFL, Sanders has amassed 2,694 all-purpose yards including 1,287 on kickoff returns, 773 on punt returns, 373 on receptions and 261 on rushing carries.

In college, Sanders played four seasons at West Virginia and became the Mountaineers’ all-time leader in receptions with 206. He amassed 3,398 all-purpose yards at West Virginia including 1,980 receiving, 622 rushing, 281 on punt returns and 515 on kickoff returns. He had 20 career touchdowns including 14 receiving majors.

“I’m very happy to be a Stampeder,” said Sanders. “From my time in Saskatchewan, I have the utmost respect for Calgary and the organization and I’m glad to be a part of that now. The Stampeders have been a very successful team for quite a few years and I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can to contribute to a championship.”