TIGER-CATS SIGN THREE TO BOLSTER DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats bolstered their defensive backfield today announcing that the team has signed import defensive backs Dennis Mitchell, Bo Smith and Matt Griebel.

“We’re looking for guys who can come in and help our team be much better in the backfield,” said general manager Bob O’Billovich. “Dennis, Matt and Bo all had great showings in the B.C. Lions' training camp last season. Matt is an aggressive, hard-hitting safety with good range and great instincts. With players like Dennis and Bo who have tremendous speed, versatility and athletic ability, it will allow our team to be better in man-to-man coverage and help us become a much better defence.”

Mitchell, a 5-8, 180-pound defensive back appeared in five games with the B.C. Lions last season after a four-year collegiate career at Western Kentucky. The Jackson, Tennessee native recorded 18 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles and one fumble recovery in his first CFL season. Mitchell also excelled as a kick returner at Western Kentucky, totaling 62 kickoff returns for 1306 yards (24.3 avg) and 51 punt returns for 647 yards (12.7 avg) and two touchdowns.

Smith, a 6-0, 190-pound native of Owensboro, Kentucky, attended training camp with the B.C. Lions last year after a four-year collegiate career that saw him spend one season at Weber State and three seasons at the University of Kentucky. In his one season with Weber State, Smith earned First-Team All-Big Sky Conference honours after recording 44 total tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble in 11 games.

Griebel, a 5-11, 186-pound graduate of New Mexico State University, also attended training camp with the B.C. Lions last year. Prior to turning pro the Tucson, Arizona native played four seasons for the Aggies, starting at both the free and strong safety positions. He had an incredible season to finish his career at New Mexico State University recording 149 tackles for the season, bringing his career total to 336. This accomplishment made him the top all-time tackler for defensive backs and moved him into the top 10 all-time tacklers at New Mexico State. His senior season was capped by a prolific 23-tackle game vs. Boise State in November.

About the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a rich 139-year history, which includes 42 Canadian Football Hall of Famers and 15 Grey Cup Championships.