The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released American receiver K.J. Hill and American defensive back Marcus Hillman.
Hill was expected to compete for a starting position in the club’s receiving corps, though it appears injury problems led to his release.
Regarding the release of receiver K.J. Hill, a highly touted rookie out of Ohio State, head coach Mike O’Shea said “his body wasn’t responding.”#Bombers | #ForTheW | #Winnipeg | #CFL
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) May 18, 2024
The 26-year-old made 201 receptions over 50 career games at Ohio State University, breaking the previous record held by former NFL Pro Bowl selection David Boston. He finished his collegiate career with 2,332 receiving yards, 20 receiving touchdowns, and three Big Ten championships.
Hill was a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. He dressed for 21 games over two seasons with the team, recording 10 receptions for 103 yards.
Hillman played 47 collegiate games at Elon University, an NCAA Division I FCS program in North Carolina. The native of Camden, N.J. recorded 101 tackles, 13 sacks, one interception, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and five pass knockdowns as a member of the Phoenix.
The Blue Bombers have also signed two American players, including receiver Josh Vann and defensive back Michael Griffin II.
Both players started training camp with the Calgary Stampeders but were released by the team on May 15.
Prior to his time with the Stampeders, Vann was signed with the Carolina Panthers after going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He recorded one catch for 21 yards and four returns for 43 yards during preseason action. He was waived near the end of training camp. He also spent time with the UFL’s Memphis Showboats.
The 24-year-old made 108 catches for 1,352 yards and 10 touchdowns over 57 collegiate games at the University of South Carolina. He also ran the ball seven times for 73 yards, returned 19 punts for 239 yards, and returned three kickoffs for 48 yards.
The native of Atlanta, Ga. was chosen as the team’s offensive MVP in 2021 after leading the club with 43 catches for 679 yards and five touchdowns.
Griffin played 13 games for the Stampeders last season and recorded 29 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, and one sack during starts at strong-side linebacker, field-side halfback, and safety. The 25-year-old native of Minneapolis, Minn. was previously a member of the Tennessee Titans.
Winnipeg will open the regular season by hosting the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday, June 6 at Princess Auto Stadium.
