Eskimos sign outstanding defensive player JC Sherritt to extension
Posted December 19, 2012 3:19 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON – The Edmonton Eskimos will head into next season with the cornerstone of their defence locked up.
The Eskimos have signed reigning CFL defensive player of the year JC Sherritt to a contract extension through the 2015 season, the club announced Wednesday.
Sherritt made a record-setting 130 defensive tackles in 2012. He also recorded three sacks, three special teams tackles, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two knockdowns and five interceptions for 56 yards.
He earned 49 of the 57 votes cast by CFL coaches and members of the Football Reporters of Canada to win the defensive player of the year award.
“He is an extremely talented player who has character beyond reproach,” Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed said in a statement. “He is a core player who will help us in our championship quest.”
Sherritt initially signed with Edmonton on April 20, 2011, as a free agent. The Eastern Washington product made an immediate impact, racking up 74 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks and was named the West Division rookie of the year.
Securing Sherritt to a contract was a priority for the Eskimos, who have also extended the contracts of kicker Grant Shaw, linebacker T.J. Hill and offensive lineman Brian Ramsay over the last couple of weeks.
“These signings keep the nucleus of this football team intact,” Reed said. “We are extremely proud to have them be a part of this team because of their talent and character.”
