The Calgary Stampeders have signed American defensive lineman Ray Thornton and American defensive back Julian Charles.
Thornton played four seasons at Louisiana State University where he recorded 45 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery over 41 games. He transferred to the University of Texas for his final college season in 2021 and made 31 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and one sack over 12 games.
The six-foot-three, 238-pound defender attended the rookie minicamp with the New York Giants after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft but was not signed to a contract.
Charles played two seasons at Mississippi College where he made 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three knockdowns, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He played two seasons for the Choctaws but did not return for his junior or senior seasons.
The 24-year-old native of Dallas, Texas played for the Jousters in the Spring League in 2021 and in the Fan Controlled Football League in 2022 where he covered Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens.
