Ticats Cut WR Frank Murphy add 2 more

http://www.ticats.ca/index.php?module=newser&func=display&nid=23808


Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today the signings of import running back Tre Smith and import wide receiver Willie Ponder.

Smith, a 5-11, 195-pound native of Venice, Florida played five years (2002-06) at Auburn, where he carried the ball 96 times for 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 27 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Smith also returned 19 kickoffs for 301 yards as well as 72 punts for 621 yards – the fourth most in Auburn history.

Ponder, a 6-0, 204-pound native of Tulsa, Oklahoma was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. The Southeast Missouri State product played 26 games for the Giants, returning 71 kickoffs for 1,872 yards (26.4 avg) and one touchdown. Ponder also made NFL stops with the Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams in 2006, combining for 51 kickoff returns for 1,192 yards.

The Ticats also announced the team has released import running back Antoine Bagwell, non-import defensive back Phillip Gauthier and import wide receiver Frank Murphy.