The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed a pair of small-school American standouts, running back Ronnie Brown and defensive back Anthony Blue, ahead of the 2024 season.
Brown played four seasons at Shepherd University, earning Division II All-American status as a senior after rushing for 1,863 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2022. The five-foot-11, 187-pound back played 41 career games for the Rams, racking up 370 carries for 3,041 yards and 30 touchdowns as well as 81 receptions for 1,158 yards and 11 scores. He added 59 kick returns for 1,404 yards and another major.
The native of Baltimore, Mld. went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft but signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. He recorded 12 carries for 33 yards and three receptions for 38 yards in three preseason games, but was released as part of the team’s final cuts in August.
Blue played four seasons for Newberry College, earning a Division II All-American selection in 2021 after notching six interceptions. In 39 career games, the five-foot-11, 175-pound cornerback amassed 180 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, nine interceptions and 41 pass breakups for the Wolves.
The native of Newton, S.C. went unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft and most recently played for the USFL’s New Jersey General, suiting up in two games while also coaching the secondary at Newberry.
In addition to the two Americans, the Bombers also signed undrafted Canadian defensive back Nico McCarthy.
The six-foot-one, 200-pound defender has suited up in 38 games over five seasons at Wilfrid Laurier University, registering 72 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He had 29 tackles and both picks during his final season with the Golden Hawks, earning a second-team OUA all-star selection at safety for the second consecutive year.
Winnipeg will open their 2024 season on Thursday, June 6 when they host the Montreal Alouettes.
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