LEAVE IT TO BEAVER

Here's the latest from Riderville . . .

Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager Eric Tillman announced today they have signed import running back Justin Beaver and import receiver Todd Blythe to contracts. Financial details of the signings were not released.

Beaver (5’7 – 190 lbs) had a remarkable college career at Wisconsin Whitewater where he was named the outstanding player in Division III football in his senior season when he rushed for 2,455 yards. He broke both team and conference rushing records for the Warhawks and the WIAC and was awarded with the 2007 Gagliardi Trophy, given to Division III's top student-athlete of the year. Beaver signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2008, but was released prior to the season. "Justin is a terrific young man and player,” stated Tillman. “His life's story, which I'm sure much will be written about at training camp, is just as compelling as his athletic accomplishments. Running back is obviously an area of strength for us, but Justin Beaver is the kind of kid who relishes challenges. He may be short, but there's nothing small about his play. And, he has excellent quickness, too. The Packers staff described him as 'quick as a hiccup.

'" Blythe (6’5 – 214 lbs) played four seasons at Iowa State. He had 52 receptions for 779 yards and five touchdowns in his senior season and had an outstanding sophomore season when he compiled 51 catches for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Blythe finished his collegiate career with 176 receptions for 3,096 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was named first-team all-conference as voted on by the Big 12 coaches in his sophomore season. Blythe signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2008, but was released prior to the season.

"Todd is a big target, who runs good routes and has nice hands,” added Tillman. “His size, of course, will present significant matchup problems for opposing defenders, but, even if he were three inches shorter, Todd would be a very good player. We've been pursuing him for months and months, and we're delighted to finally have Todd as a Rider."