The B.C. Lions have signed two members of the 2024 CFL Draft class to their practice roster in defensive tackle Kail Dava and linebacker Mitchell Townsend.
Dava was selected by the Lions in the fifth round, 44th overall, but did not join the team for training camp while recovering from a torn rotator cuff. He is now cleared for full participation following offseason surgery.
The six-foot-three, 281-pound defender spent five seasons at Tennessee Tech University, recording 87 tackles, 24.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 48 games. The native of Barrie, Ont. also earned FCS Freshman All-American honours in 2019 and a second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection in 20233
Townsend was selected in the eighth round, 70th overall, by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and attended training camp with the team in 2024, before being released amidst final cuts. The six-foot-three, 225-pound played four seasons for the University of British Columbia, registered 130 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown in 36 games.
A native of North Vancouver, Townsend attended Windsor Secondary and is the grandson of former Lions linebacker Walt Bilicki, who suited up in 78 games from 1961 to 1965 and was part of the 1964 Grey Cup championship squad.
The B.C. Lions (5-2) return to action on Thursday, August 1 when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
