The Edmonton Elks have signed American linebacker Reggie Walker and American defensive back Stefan Claiborne for the opening of training camp.
The 26-year-old Walker joins the Elks after a stint in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. He appeared in one game for the Cardinals in the 2020 season, registering a tackle in a Week 6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
The linebacker from Ponchatoula, La., played four seasons at Kansas State University, where he tied the school’s career record with nine forced fumbles, and tied for 10th all-time with 18.0 sacks. He was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2016 and was honourable mention All-Big 12 as a senior in 2019.
A 24-year-old defensive back from Western Michigan University, Claiborne was most recently with the Aviators in The Spring League. Over his four-year college career, Claiborne appeared in 45 games, posting 177 tackles and 3.5 tackles for lost yardage, with eight pass breakups.
He was a three-time Academic All-MAC honouree (2017, 2018, 2019) and helped Western Michigan to three bowl appearances (2016 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic; 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl; 2019 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl).
Edmonton opened its main camp Sunday at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium, one of just two CFL teams able to practice during the CFLPA strike.
