Isaac Owusu
Ticats.ca
Simoni Lawrence is making his return to Hamilton.
On Friday the team announced that the six-foot-one, 228-pound linebacker has been signed for his second run with the team after a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings and an invitation from the Arizona Cardinals to attend their OTAs.
“I’m super happy to be here. When I got released from the Vikings, I texted my agent, and we said we have (NFL) teams that want to bring me in for camp. At the end of the day we just wanted to work something out with Hamilton,” a jubilant Lawrence stated at his press conference.
He started 11 of the 12 games that he played in during his first season with the Black and Gold, finishing with 52 tackles, three interceptions, and a sack.
He first entered the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos where he spent the 2012 season. During his lone season in Edmonton he compiled 15 tackles and a fumble recovery, dressing for 15 games and starting one.
On February 5, 2013, the Ticats acquired him in a trade along with offensive lineman Greg Wojt and quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for linebacker Nathan Kanya and the rights to offensive lineman Carson Rockhill.
“I just want to see how good we can be. This is my first year out of college having the same coach going into the next year. This should be really good, just knowing the concepts, so I think it’s going to be awesome.”
Lawrence can smile and find joy in his brief Minnesota stay.
“I got paid to work out. It was awesome. I worked out everyday, ate well everyday. It was awesome,” he said with a laugh and illuminating smile.
“Simoni is a very athletic linebacker who has demonstrated the ability to make big plays at crucial times during games. He plays the game with passion and his enthusiasm is contagious. We’re really excited that he’s back,” said General Manager and Head Coach Kent Austin.
The team also announced that Beau Landry, the eighth overall selection in the 2014 CFL Draft has been signed to an agreement.
“I just want to contribute wherever I can, where they can find use for me. im going to try and contribute first of all in special teams obviously make a spot for myself, wherever I can,” he stated.
Landry was named as a first team OUA All-Star and recognized as a CIS All-Canadian during his time with the Western Mustangs. Posting 130.5 tackles with six sacks and four interceptions.
“I just have to work my butt off, work my tail off. I have to earn my spot, give them something to look forward to; this is why they drafted me. I just have to prove that I’m here for a reason and just contribute in any way that I can,” he said.
