The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed Canadian defensive lineman Luke Brubacher, who was selected in the second round of the 2024 CFL Draft.
The native of Listowel, Ont. had never played a snap of organized football before walking on at Wilfrid Laurier University ahead of his second year. He became an instant starter with the Golden Hawks, collecting 61 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 27 games over the next three seasons. He earned second-team OUA all-star honours in 2023.
The six-foot-five, 246-pound pass rusher posted explosive physical measurables at the CFL Combine in March, leaping 38 inches in the vertical and 126 inches in the broad jump. He also ran a 4.69-second forty-yard dash, 7.06-second three-cone, and 4.34-second short shuttle. He was not cleared to bench after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, though he has since returned to full health.
Brubacher recently participated in rookie minicamp with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, though he wasn’t offered a contract by either team.
The Ticats have also signed American defensive lineman Kobe Jones.
The 26-year-old was most recently a member of the Carolina Panthers, dressing for one regular season game in 2022. The native of Starkville, Miss. was previously a member of the Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons.
The six-foot-three, 255-pound defender played 49 collegiate games at Mississippi State University, recording 100 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
The former Mississippi State defensive lineman suited up in 49 games over his four seasons with the Bulldogs (2017-20), posting 100 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
The Ticats will open their 2024 regular season by visiting the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium on Friday, June 7.
