The Hamilton Tiger-Cats addressed both sides of the football Wednesday, re-signing linebacker Zeke Moreno and backup quarterback Richie Williams.
Moreno's deal covers two years, plus an option while Williams signed for a year, plus an option.
Linebacker Zeke Moreno, left, was the Tiger-Cats' nominee for CFL outstanding defensive player and most outstanding player honours last season.
(Frank Gunn/ Canadian Press)
"We're looking forward to having those guys back in the fold," Ticats general manager Bob O'Billovich said during a conference call. "They're going to be important cogs in helping us to get on the winning track this year."
Getting Moreno under contract beyond 2008 is huge. The 29-year-old made an immediate impact last season as Hamilton's nominee for the CFL's outstanding defensive player and most outstanding player awards.
The six-foot-two, 246-pounder posted 101 defensive tackles, 16 special-teams takedowns, a quarterback sack and two interceptions.
"This program has had a long tradition of excellence and we're trying to get that back," Moreno said. "It's great that I can do this over the next couple of years and be part of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats."
With one CFL season under his belt, Moreno welcomes the opportunity to become a more vocal leader in 2008.
"It's not something I've shied away from, I've pretty much had that role," he said. "Now that I know what to expect from the core guys that we have, and having a year under my belt, I think it will be more of me being a vocal a leader instead of just being a leader by my actions."
A fifth-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 2001, Moreno spent four seasons with the National Football League club. He also had stints with Houston (twice), Philadelphia and Miami before coming to the CFL.
Prior to turning pro, Moreno was a three-year starter at the University of Southern California, where he had 285 total tackles, nine sacks and five interceptions for the Trojans.
Moreno was named an All-American in 2000 and was a two-time All-Pac 10 Conference pick.
Williams, 24, also showed promise in his second season in Hamilton.
Behind former starter Jason Maas and rookie Timmy Chang on the depth chart, he worked his way up to No. 2 behind Casey Printers by season's end.
The six-foot-three, 190-pound Williams completed 17 of 32 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran four times for 55 yards.
"I think he really established himself in proving he can play quarterback in this league," Ticats coach Charlie Taaffe said of Williams. "When you have a second quarterback that can play as well and you don't lose anything, that definitely brings a lot to the offensive football team."
"I just want to play my role in trying to turn this thing around," said Williams in reference to Hamilton's 3-15-0 record of a year ago.
Williams started 37 of 43 games in four years at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., compiling 7,759 yards through the air with 59 touchdowns against 22 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,911 yards on 464 carries and scored 22 majors.
Elsewhere Wednesday, the Montreal Alouettes confirmed the signing of free-agent linebacker Reggie Hunt and kick-returner Tony Tomkins.
Also, the Edmonton Eskimos released veteran receiver Pat Woodcock.
