Calgary Stampeders head coach/general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the club has signed three of its 2008 CFL Canadian Draft picks: offensive lineman Jon Gott, linebacker Fernand Kashama and defensive lineman Ronald Hilaire.

“Now that they’ve completed their university careers, we’re excited to have them at camp,” said Hufnagel. “Gott played a very high level of football and he’ll add competition to the guard position. He’s a hard-working player who seems very determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“Kashama is a versatile player who played several positions in university. He brings a lot of speed and athleticism to the defence. Hilaire was a very solid run stopper in college who showed good hands and good upper body strength.”

Gott was drafted by the Stampeders in the fifth round (35th overall) of the 2008 Draft. The six-foot-three, 294-pound, Lethbridge product spent five seasons at Boise State University. He spent the first four seasons as a backup on the offensive line before starting for the entire 2008 season. The Broncos offence led the Western Athletic Conference in points scored per game and passing yards per game. Gott was a key contributor on an o-line that surrendered a measly six sacks in eight conference contests.

Kashama was drafted in the second round (16th overall) by the Stampeders in the 2008 Draft. The six-foot-three, 221-pounder began his career at Western Michigan as a tight end before being moved to the defensive line. He recorded 14 tackles and one sack in two seasons as a defensive end for the Broncos.

Hilaire was selected by the Stamps in the fourth round (27th overall) of the 2008 Draft. He spent four seasons at the University of Buffalo and recorded 98 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. The six-foot-one, 298-pounder capped his career with the Bulls by helping to win the Mid-American Conference championship in 2008. He then added four tackles against Connecticut in the International Bowl.