Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has fortified their defence with the addition of five import players. Linebacker Matt Castelo as well as defensive backs Carlton Brown, Melvin Matlock, Jacob Patek, and Desman Stephen will attend training camp with the Ticats in June.
Castelo, a 5-10, 225-pound native of San Jose, California signed with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks after playing four seasons at San Jose State. In 43 games with the Spartans, Castelo racked up 433 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, 5.5 quarterback sacks, six forced fumbles and one interception. He was named first-team All-WAC in 2007.
Brown, a 5-11, 185-pound native of Grenada, Mississippi led the af2’s Manchester Wolves with five interceptions in 2008. The Jackson State product also added 31 tackles while returning 32 kickoffs for 572 yards and one touchdown.
Matlock, a 5-11, 195-pound native of Las Vegas, Nevada has spent the past two season with the Arena Football League’s Utah Blaze and af2’s Mahoning Valley Thunder. Before turning pro, Matlock played at Minnesota-State-Mankato where he made 46 tackles while breaking three school kick return records including single-play (100 yards), single-game (164 yards) and single-season (1,104 yards) totals.
Patek, a 6-1, 204-pound native of Victoria, Texas played two season at Hawaii, recording 132 tackles, three quarterback sacks, four forced fumbles, four interceptions and seven pass knockdowns.
Stephen, a 6-0, 190-pound native of Flint, Michigan played four seasons at Western Michigan where he recorded 46 tackles, four pass knockdowns and two interceptions.
The Ticats also announced the team has released non-import defensive back Jason Nedd.
About the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a rich 140-year history, which includes 15 Grey Cup Championships. For more information log onto www.ticats.ca.
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