View topic - Colbert signs another Lion

[StillMill Profile]

At least, this signing is acceptable. We're in desperate need for a KO returner, plus this guy got no signing bonus, so the risk is nothing if he gets cut at camp. Also, a nice insurance policy if Mendy is gimpy, or Moore or Parker get nicked up.

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Lions: Steelers steal running back Stefan Logan

By Mike Beamish, Vancouver Sun, February 6, 2009


'They told me I had a good opportunity to make the team as a starting kick and punt returner and as a third down back,' B.C. Lions running back Stefan Logan says of signing with the National Football League champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Photograph by: Bill Keay, Vancouver Sun files
VANCOUVER — Toronto Argonauts, a team which finished 4-14 last season and missed the playoffs, have lost four players to the National Football League.



And Wally Buono, coach and the general manager of the 11-7 B.C. Lions, saw his third starter go out the door Thursday.



Do you think NFL teams are beginning to notice the CFL has talent? The latest Lion to start running down his NFL dream is running back Stefan Logan, who will sign a two-year contract with the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers today. He joins defensive end Cameron Wake and linebacker Jamall Johnson who earlier reached deals with the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.



“For sure, I’ll be competing for a spot on specials teams as a kick and punt returner,” Logan told The Vancouver Sun from his home in Miami. “I’d like to think they can use me as a third-down back, too. The important thing is to get on the field, and do something when the ball is in my hands.”



“Joystick,” the nickname Lions players bestowed on Logan last season, has a habit of getting upfield so fast that he’s gone before it registers. “There are times when you don’t even have to block for him,” Lions left tackle Rob Murphy said in November. “They can’t catch him. He’s special.”



Buono knows that, too. The loss of Logan’s sublime package of running skills is significant. Running back is usually one of the easiest positions to fill since there are hundreds of prospects coming out of U.S. colleges looking for a place to play. That said, Logan is unique.



Last season, Buono called him the CFL’s “most exciting player.”



It’s quite a statement — one that wouldn’t get an argument from anyone — and all the more remarkable because the 27-year-old rookie didn’t score a rushing touchdown last season. He picked up 889 yards on just 122 carries and caught 52 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns.



“Yes, when you look at running backs, that body type is not difficult to find,” Buono acknowledged. “When you look at the bowl games in college, there is a very good supply available. But guys like Stefan are more difficult to find. You rationalize his loss by saying to yourself, ‘There’s another one out there, and we’ve got to find him.’”



Logan said he worked out for the Steelers in mid-January. He had another tryout lined up with the Carolina Panthers and a third NFL team whose name he declined to disclose. But when the Steelers wanted him to sign, he cancelled his other arrangements and agreed to join Pittsburgh.



“It’s one of those deals you have to take and run with it. That’s what I’m going to do,” Logan said. “I hope all the fans of the B.C . Lions, the players, coaches and the people of Vancouver will hopefully have a great and successful season. I’ll be cheering for them. I hope they’ll be cheering for me.”



He didn’t receive a signing bonus, however, so the Steelers aren’t losing much by giving Logan a chance at training camp.



The Lions, who retain his CFL rights, could get him again on the rebound, if he’s released. They just don’t know.



“Yes, it’s disappoining to see a guy like Stefan go,” Buono said. “He was going to be a big part of what we did. But the point is, it’s hard to begrudge the guy his opportunity.”



Buono is hoping to continue contract discussions with offensive tackle Jason Jimenez, who was scheduled to be worked out Thursday in Tampa by the Buccaneers. While he isn’t expecting a fourth Lion to bolt to the NFL, Buono admits he’s prepared for anything.



“That’s what makes the job exciting — and tougher,” says the GM. “The excitement is in finding the next guy. Training camp is going to be a lot more exciting this year.”



Or anxious — if another Stefan Logan doesn’t appear on the horizon by the start of camp.

[Still CA Still Profile]

This is a great get for us! The CFL's "most exciting player" chucks it just for the privilege of trying out for the World Champs. This is great! Whether he pans out or not-and I bet he does-that kind of desire is always most welcome.

[StainlessStill Profile]

No more fucking Garry Russell on kick returns? Hal-yay-fucking-loo-yah!

[NOVAStiller Profile]

Russel was a big improvement over last year: no fumbles and he always plowed ahead! Very reliable and consistent. Looking forward to this new exciting threat though! Wish the season started tomorrow!

[StainlessStill Profile]

Don't get me wrong, I like Russell and what he brings to the table. He was no other than a 'kick returner' that was disciplined to, like you said, plow ahead and HOLD ONTO THE FOOTBALL. He did have the occasion nice run back here and there, but the man isn't a returner in any sense of the word.

Maybe Logan can open eyes and give us some much needed yards on kick returns that has been lacking since.. uhhh.. ?? (Quincy Morgan was exceptional before he busted his leg up.) We WILL be a better team next year over-all, and it starts right here.

[mikeyg Profile]

great move

it is nice to see that we are already active on improving for next year - this is what the PATS* use to do - get right back to business.

We can get so much better - and this is a great start

[toomuchmerrilhoge Profile]

This is the right move here. We need some explosiveness in kickoff returns. Gary Russell is reliable and actually gave us decent field position most of the time, but we haven't really had a consistent threat (and I'm definitely NOT counting Allen Rossum) for KRs in a while...

[PGHeaven Profile]

Russel was a big improvement over last year: no fumbles and he always plowed ahead! Very reliable and consistent. Looking forward to this new exciting threat though! Wish the season started tomorrow!

Well put. Gary Russell as a stopgap solution to a chronic problem was an improvement over the Colclough experiment. I dont think we lost a single KO fumble this year did we? If so, this was in itself a vast improvement. Adding a true breakaway threat is the next level. I am also hopeful that we will get TONE out of punt return duties.

[dracula in cleats Profile]

I never got too high or low when I saw russell back there for kick offs...

i wonder if they had their eyes open for big guys who can block up there in Canada...

[LambertoCincoOcho Profile]

Some of those returns were bad ass. Russell would keep his feet and his blockers would help him push the pile for extra yardage. Very physical. I recall a couple of Ravens getting knocked the phuck out on those kick return wedges.

[NOVAStiller Profile]

"Some of those returns were bad ass. Russell would keep his feet and his blockers would help him push the pile for extra yardage. Very physical. I recall a couple of Ravens getting knocked the phuck out on those kick return wedges."

I agree. Special teams were a big improvement this year as they figured out a technique and approach that was effective and error-free. Even with this new Lion, they should keep Russell and these special teams plays just in case.

I think some time trusted sayings apply here:
"Be careful what you wish for" and "the grass is always greener"!