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Lions add Robertson, Stubler

Jonathan Hamelin • March 23, 2010 • Comments (0)

The British Columbia Lions have made a pair of moves to improve their running game and defence.

On Sunday, the Lions signed the defensive-minded Rich Stubler as defensive line coach, and added prized free agent running back Jamal Robertson on Monday.

Stubler found his greatest success as defensive coordinator of the Toronto Argonauts. During his time as a defensive coordinator in Toronto from 2003-2007, the Argonauts maintained one of the stingiest bend-but-don’t-break defences in the league. In his second-year with the club, they won the Grey Cup by defeating the B.C. Lions 27-19. Stubler took over the Argonauts head coaching job from Pinball Clemons at the start of the 2008 season, but struggled out to a 4-6 start and was fired.

Robertson enjoyed a breakout season for the Argonauts last season. He rushed for 1,031 yards and nine touchdowns, while accumulating 482 receiving yards. Robertson was traded from the Saskatchewan Roughriders to the Argonauts in 2008. In his first year in Toronto, Robertson gained 645 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Robertson was one of the most prized free agents on the market.

Both acquisitions should definitely strengthen the Lions franchise. At some point, Stubler could very likely replace current defensive coordinator Mike Benevides. Benevides’ defence struggled last season, giving up 138 rush yards and 28 points per game. Robertson could fill the void of Martell Mallett, who signed in the NFL during the off-season.

In other news, the Hamilton Tiger Cats have re-signed linebacker Markeith Knowlton to a contract extension, and the Edmonton Eskimos have signed free agent defensive back Lenny Walls.

About the Author

An aspiring journalist who has a freelance contract with the Regina Leader-Post and is a veteran online CFL columnist. Hamelin currently attends the University of Regina and is enrolled in the pre-journalism program. After this year, he will apply for the school of journalism. Hamelin has had work published in his highschool paper, university paper, Regina's paper and a number of online sites. For a look at all of his work, visit http://jonathansjournalismportfolio.webs.com/

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