MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thursday that the team has reached an agreement with non-import defensive end Chima Ihekwoaba.
Ihekwoaba (6’04”, 255 lbs.), has been signed to a new three-year deal with Montreal after ascending to the top of his game towards the end of the regular season in 2012. The 24-year-old played in 11 games last season, making his first appearance in a July 12 win against the Calgary Stampeders.
Following an exceptional 2012 training camp, the third-year player continued to evolve in different schemes while being involved in the team’s rotation, recording three defensive tackles and two special teams tackles last year.
“We are pleased that Chima decided to continue his career with our team,” said Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp. “He has outstanding potential to develop into a real force in the CFL. Unfortunately, he has had some injuries through his first three years that have slowed his development but we expect a breakout year is just around the corner.”
The Alouettes’ second round pick (14th overall) at the 2010 CFL Canadian Draft, Ihekwoaba won the Grey Cup in his first season with the team that year.
Prior to joining the Alouettes, the Burlington, ON native attended training camp with the Detroit Lions in the NFL in 2010. He also played four seasons with the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in the CIS, where he recorded 17 tackles and three sacks over two seasons and played in the 2008 East-West Bowl.
Ihekwoaba is very active in the Montreal Community having been involved in various Alouettes’ community programs including Together at School with CN and the Alouettes where players visit students in Quebec schools to encourage them to stay in school while focusing on a wide array of challenges they face today, ranging from academic performance and peer pressure to bullying and the importance of staying active.
