Calgary Stampeders head coach/general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the signing of import defensive linemen Malik Jackson, Odell Willis and Remond Willis. Hufnagel also announced the release of import defensive linemen Montey Stevenson and Ryan Riddle.

“We’re happy with the Canadian depth and talent we have on the defensive line,” said Hufnagel. “But there will be significant changes to the import content on the line in 2009. This will be a very competitive area in training camp and we’re looking forward to seeing how these three players measure up.”

Jackson joins the Stamps following a brief stint with the National Football League’s Oakland Raiders in 2008. The six-foot-two, 230-pounder played four seasons with the University of Louisville, starting 21 games at linebacker in his final two seasons. He finished his college career with 138 total tackles, 10 sacks, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Odell Willis played for both the Peoria Pirates and the Green Bay Blizzard of Arena Football League 2 in 2008. The six-foot-two, 265-pound Willis recorded 13.5 sacks in 11 contests for the Blizzard. He attended the University of West Georgia and totaled 126 tackles, 20.5 sacks and six forced fumbles for the Braves. He was twice an All-Gulf South Conference selection.

Remond Willis attended Tennessee State University and compiled 139 tackles in two seasons with the Tigers. The six-foot-one, 248-pounder transferred to Tennessee State from the University of Illinois, where in 2005 he was named to The Sporting News Freshman All-America and Freshman All-Big Ten teams. He played 11 games for the Fighting Illini and played on defence and special teams.

The Stamps released Stevenson and Riddle. Both were signed earlier in 2009 and later released after working out for the Stamps at their camp in Florida.