Friday CFL Notebook

The Toronto Argonauts have acquired international DL Andre Monroe from the Saskatchewan Roughriders today in exchange for the rights to international OL Jarriel King.

Monroe joined the Riders as a free agent before the 2015 season and played in eight regular season games, with seven starts. The 23-year old registered 17 defensive tackles, four quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles as a CFL rookie. Prior to signing in Saskatchewan, the Washington DC native played four seasons at the University of Maryland where he set a school record with 25 career QB sacks.

King joined the Argonauts prior to the 2013 season and played 29 games over parts of three seasons.

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The Ottawa REDBLACKS today announced multiple appointments to head coach Rick Campbell’s coaching staff for the 2016 season – six returning coaches and one newcomer.


The REDBLACKS defence will once again be led by defensive coordinator Mark Nelson, with Leroy Blugh as defensive line coach, Ike Charlton as defensive backs coach and Derek Oswalt as linebackers coach. Under their guidance last season, the REDBLACKS reestablished “Capital Punishment” on the D-line and established “D-Block” in the secondary. The REDBLACKS defensive line led the CFL in sacks with 61. The team defense tied for the league lead in interceptions with 26 and limited opposing teams to a league low average of only 70.8 yards rushing per game.

On the offensive side, receivers coach Travis Moore and offensive line coach Bryan Chiu have each signed for next season. Both played integral roles in coaching an offense that led the CFL in passing yards (5,816), overall completions (499), rushing touchdowns (18) and featured 4 players with over 1,000 yards receiving (Chris Williams, Greg Ellingson, Brad Sinopoli and Ernest Jackson).

“We had a lot of great players and great coaches last season and I’m glad we we’re able to bring back the guys we’ve announced today for continuity and to keep rolling,” said REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell. “Our objective for the coming season is to grow as a team and get better.”

The newcomer to the REDBLACKS coaching staff is special teams coordinator Bob Dyce. Most recently, Dyce, a native of Winnipeg, served as interim head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders after serving as the Riders’ special teams coordinator from 2013-2015. Prior to taking on special teams, Dyce served the Roughriders as offensive coordinator (2012) and passing game coordinator and receivers coach (2010-2011). He also served as receivers coach for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2003-2009) and receivers coach at the University of Manitoba (1996-2002).

“Bob Dyce is a very good coach and a man with great character,” said Campbell. “I’m looking forward to working with him and I know the players will as well.”

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Calgary Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the re-signing of national receiver Anthony Parker. Parker was set to become a free agent in February. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Parker is coming off his best year as a pro, registering 31 catches for a career-high 443 yards and adding two touchdowns in 18 games. He also had eight carries for 56 yards, three punt returns for 16 yards, four kickoff returns for 77 yards and a missed field goal return for 22 yards.

He was the team’s leading receiver in the final regular-season game, hauling in four passes for 122 yards and scoring his longest career touchdown on a 70-yard pass from Drew Tate.

Parker started in both playoffs games, totalling five catches for 48 yards and adding a two-point convert.

“Anthony has worked very hard during his time with the Stamps,” said Hufnagel. “He’s made some big plays for us when called upon and has made progress every season. I believe he has the potential to grow even more and I look forward to watching his continued development.”

Parker has spent five seasons with the Stampeders after being selected third overall by the club in 2011 CFL Draft. He has played a total of 72 regular-season games and recorded 91 receptions for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns along with 23 carries for 190 yards.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue my career in the place that it started,” said Parker. “This is the best organization in the CFL top down and I expect big things to come in 2016. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”