Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce that three running backs — import LaMarcus Coker and non-imports Matt Walter and Jared Manchulenko — have signed contracts with the club. As per team policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

“We’re excited to add three backs to our depth chart heading into training camp,” said Hufnagel. “Jared has played as a receiver but we will try him out as a fullback once camp opens. Coker and Walter will be used in their natural positions as running backs.”

Coker attended a tryout camp with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. He played two seasons at the University of Tennessee before a transfer to Hampton University. As a senior at Hampton in 2009, Coker led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with 93.4 rushing yards per game and was named First-Team All-MEAC. He recorded 1,027 yards on 197 carries.

Walter spent four seasons with the University of Calgary Dinos. He was named a Canada West all-star at running back for three consecutive seasons (2008-10) and won league rushing titles in 2008 and 2009. Walter was Canada West’s nominee for the 2008 Hec Crighton Trophy, given to the top player in Canadian university football. He is a product of Calgary’s Bishop O’Byrne High School.

Manchulenko was selected in the sixth round (45th overall) in the 2011 CFL Canadian Draft. He played for the Concordia Stingers in 2007 and had seven receptions for 113 yards. He then moved on to play junior football with the Burlington Braves and in 2008 set a team record with 10 touchdowns in one season.