Christian Bender/CFL.ca
VANCOUVER — The BC Lions announced on Monday that six members of last Tuesday’s CFL Draft class have signed contracts with the team.
The list includes defensive lineman Francis Bemiy Jr. (first round, ninth overall), linebacker Markcus Jean-Loescher (fourth round, 34th overall), defensive back Jassin States-McClean (sixth round, 52nd overall), linebacker Jack Hinsperger (seventh round, 61st overall), offensive lineman Troy Kowal (eight round, 70th overall) and defensive back Siriman Bagayogo (second round, 14th overall).
Global receiver Jevoni Robinson (seventh overall in the Global Draft) has also signed with the team.
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Bagayogo (six-foot-three, 195 pounds), a the native of Bois-des-Filion, QC, played in 22 games at Guelph from 2019-2022. A two-time OUA First-Team All-Star and two-time U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian, Bagayogo racked up 40 solo tackles, two interceptions, one defensive touchdown and four pass breakups with the Gryphons. Bagayogo also suited up in the 2022 East-West Bowl and is coming off an appearance at Kansas City Chiefs mini-camp this week.
Bemiy Jr. (six-foot-three, 270 pounds) suited up in 49 games at Southern Utah from 2018-2022, recording 163 total tackles (87 solo, 76 assisted), 38.5 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. As a senior, he earned Bluebloods First Team All-Conference honours and was an All-Big Sky First Team Defensive selection in the Spring of 2021. A native of Montreal, Bemiy Jr. moved to Riverside, California for his final two years of high school.
Jean-Loescher (six-foot-two, 225 pounds), native of Toronto, Ont., appeared in 18 games over three seasons (2019, 2021-2022) at Saint Mary’s while recording 79 total tackles (57 solo, 22 assisted), six tackles for a loss, two sacks and three pass breakups.
States-McClean (six-foot-two, 180 pounds) appeared in 27 games over four seasons at Saint Mary’s (2018-19, 2021-22) and racked up 40 solo tackles plus and interception. States-McClean also suited up in the 2022 East-West Bowl.
Hinsperger (six-foot, 212 pounds) attended Waterloo from 2018-2022, appearing in 20 games while recording 82 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Hinsperger earned a 2022 OUA First-Team All-Star and was also named OUA Rookie of the Year after registering 55 total tackles across eight games.
Kowal (six-foot-six, 295 pounds) is from Alberta and played in 29 games at Minot State, suiting up primarily at tackle. Along with being a steady force on the offensive line, Kowal recorded three solo tackles in his time with the Beavers.
Defensive back Charlie Ringland (fifth round, 43rd overall) will be ready for the 2024 season after undergoing successful knee surgery.
Robinson, a six-foot-eight, 225 pound receiver representing Jamaica, moved to North Carolina as a teenager and would ultimately pursue a basketball career after playing football in high school. Following 17 games over two seasons at North Carolina State, Robinson moved to Barry University for the 2014-2015 campaign.
After one season of pro basketball in Italy, he turned his attention back to football and would ultimately earn a spot on the Houston Texans’ practice squad in 2017. After appearing in one pre-season game, Robinson had stints with the AAF San Antonio Commanders in 2019 and XFL St. Louis Battlehawks to start 2023.
