The Calgary Stampeders have made 13 roster moves ahead of the opening of training camp, including the signing of National defensive lineman T.J. Rayam and American offensive lineman Baer Hunter.
The Stampeders selected Rayam in the CFL supplemental draft on May 5. The son of Thomas Rayam, the former Stampeders offensive lineman and a member of Calgary’s 2001 Grey Cup championship team, T.J. Rayam joins the Red and White after attending mini-camp with the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs.
At Boston College, Rayam played 49 career games and made 26 starts over five years. During his career with the Eagles, he recorded 101 tackles including 11.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended. His best season came as a sophomore in 2019 as Rayam made 12 starts at nose tackle and recorded 41 tackles including 6.5 tackles for loss.
Hunter recently attended rookie camp with the NFL’s New York Giants. In college, he played 64 games over five seasons at Appalachian State. During his career with the Mountaineers, he earned all-Sun Belt Conference accolades on three occasions including second-team honours in 2019 and first-team recognition in both 2020 and 2021.
Hunter started his collegiate career as a defensive lineman and also saw action at tight end before making the switch to the offensive line in 2018. He made 38 starts at right guard from 2018-20 and 14 starts at centre in 2021.
The Stampeders also announce the release of six players, including American offensive lineman Zach Ingram, American receiver Keenen Johnson, American defensive lineman Stacy Keely, Global running back Nico Leonard, American defensive back K.J. Sails, and National long snapper Zach Zynomirski.
The team also announced that their 2022 fifth-round CFL Draft pick, offensive lineman Joel Braden, had been placed on the retired list, along with American defensive lineman Jeremiah Valoaga and American running back Aca’Cedric Ware.
Meanwhile, Global defensive lineman Misiona Aiolupotea-Pei and American receiver Brendan Langley have been placed on the suspended list due to travel issues.
