B.C. Lions sign undrafted Canadian defensive back Matt McConnell

The B.C. Lions have signed Canadian defensive back Matt McConnell.

The Vancouver native appeared in fifteen games with the St. Mary’s Huskies, recording 42 total tackles and three interceptions. He projects as a hard-hitting CFL safety and special teams contributor.

It’s been a long time since the six-foot-three, 215-pound defensive back saw the field. McConnell tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance after a game in 2017 and received a two-year suspension from U Sports.

The CFL cancelled its 2020 season, meaning McConnell has gone three years without seeing action in a game.

There was speculation that McConnell could end up with the B.C. Lions in the 2020 CFL Draft but he went unselected amid concerns regarding his doping violation. He’ll look to crack his hometown team’s roster and silence his critics heading into 2021.