Former NFLers among latest Tiger-Cats additions; more retirements announced by Hamilton

Hamilton | Ontario | Latest News | Sports |

Published June 29, 2021 at 4:59 pm

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Tuesday (June 29) the CFL club has signed four more American players: placekicker Taylor Bertolet, wide receiver Diondre Overton, and offensive linemen John Yarbrough and Jaelin Fisher.

Bertolet, 28, spent time in the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings (2020), Carolina Panthers (2020), New York Jets (2018, 2019), Denver Broncos (2018, 2019) and Los Angeles Rams (2016).

The 5-9, 188-pound native of Reading, Pennsylvania also played nine games with the Alliance of American Football’s Salt Lake Stallions (2019), converting nine of his 14 field goal attempts (64.3%), including a season-long of 54 yards.

Prior to his pro career, Bertolet played 52 games over four seasons at Texas A&M University (2012-2015). Serving as a placekicker and kickoff specialist, Bertolet converted 37 of his 56 field goal attempts (66.1%), including a career-long of 55 yards.

Overton, 23, played 51 games over four seasons at Clemson University (2016-20), capturing two College Football Playoff National Championships with the Tigers (2016, 2018). Over his collegiate career, the 6-4, 210-pound native of Greensboro, North Carolina registered 52 receptions for 777 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Yarbrough, 24, previously spent time with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns (2019) and Carolina Panthers (2019). The 6-5, 301-pound native of Homewood, Alabama also spent time with the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers (2020). Prior to his pro career, Yarbrough played 39 games, including 28 starts, over four seasons at the University of Richmond (2015-18).

As a member of the Spiders, Yarbrough showed his versatility starting games at tackle, guard and centre and was named Second Team All-Colonial Athletic Association (2018).

Fisher, 23, attended rookie mini-camp with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year. The 6-2, 285-pound native of Nashville, Tennessee played 35 games, including 30 starts, over four seasons at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2017-20).

After redshirting his first year on campus, Fisher developed into a three-year starting centre for the 49ers and was named team co-Captain for the 2020 season.

Earlier Tuesday, the Ticats announced the signing of three other American players: defensive tackle Lee Autry and defensive backs Reggie Cole and Adonis Davis.

The following players have been released:
  • USA – DE – Yurik Bethune
  • USA – WR – Dontez Byrd
  • USA – DE – Koron Crump
  • USA – DB – Qudarius Ford
  • NAT – WR – Brian Jones
  • USA – WR – Damoun Patterson
  • USA – DT – Johnny Robinson
  • USA – DB – Herb Waters
  • USA – QB – David Watford
The following players have retired:
  • USA – DB – Brandon Bryant
  • USA – QB – Hayden Moore
  • USA – WR – Justin Sumpter
  • USA – DB – Ronald Zamort
  • NAT – DE – Derek Dufault
  • USA – QB – Jacob Knipp
  • NAT – LB – Lukas Korol
  • NAT – OL – Sheridan Lawley
  • NAT – OL – Joel Van Pelt
  • NAT – DT – Brett Wade

CFL training camps are scheduled to open on July 10, 2021.

The 2021 season will kick off with a rematch of the 2019 Grey Cup when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Ticats on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 8:30 p.m.

Hamilton’s home opener is set for Monday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. against the Toronto Argonauts in the Labour Day Classic. The Ticats will also face the Argos in a Thanksgiving Classic on Monday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. at Tim Hortons Field.

In total, the Tiger-Cats have afternoon kickoffs in five of their seven home games this season.

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