By: Barre Campbell
Photo: Louisiana Tech University and Lehigh Athletics
OTTAWA – The Ottawa REDBLACKS made a number of additions to the team’s roster today, including the signing of two players from last week’s CFL Draft: offensive tackle Aaron Wheaton of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and defensive lineman Stephon Miller of the University of Windsor Lancers.
Wheaton, the REDBLACKS’ fourth-round selection (28th overall), started all eight games for the Varsity Blues in the 2013 CIS season. The 6-5, 295-lb. native of Ajax, ON is known for his athleticism. He played in the 2012 East West Bowl, an annual showcase of top CIS talent.
Pickering, ON native Miller (6-3, 235) played in the 2013 East West Bowl, representing the Lancers. The REDBLACKS called his name in the sixth round of the CFL Draft on May 13 (46th overall).
The REDBLACKS also signed two other players: quarterback Brandon Bialkowski and wide receiver Taulib Ikharo.
Bialkowski (6-1, 200) threw 216 completions on 337 pass attempts for 18 touchdowns in eight games for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks during the 2013 season. The native of Gilbert, AZ totaled 2,647 passing yards during that senior season and also rushed for one major.
He is the fourth quarterback on the REDBLACKS roster; the others: Henry Burris, Thomas DeMarco and Corey Leonard.
Ikharo (5-10, 190), a native of Berkeley, California, signed with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in May of 2013 and was released during the final week of training camp. He played two seasons at Louisiana Tech, making 23 starts in 25 games and totaled 104 catches for 1,067 yards and eight touchdowns.
The REDBLACKS also announced the retirement of offensive lineman Anthony Barrette.
Players will begin arriving in Ottawa next week, with rookie camp opening on Wednesday, May 28 at 3:30 p.m. at Keith Harris Stadium on the campus of Carleton University.
