MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has signed international running back Brandon Rutley to a new two-year deal.
Rutley (5’11”, 192 lbs.) proved last season that patience has its rewards, when he was activated for the Eastern Semifinal against the BC Lions, after spending most of the season on the team’s practice roster. The 26-year-old tailback was evidently up to the task as he completed the game with 15 carries good for 98 yards, while scoring a touchdown. He also added 22 receiving yards on four catches to his day’s work.
“Brandon is a solid person with talent, a great attitude and work ethic,” said Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp. “It just goes to show his patience and maturity the way he handled waiting his turn and his ability to compete. We look forward to watching the competition in camp and Brandon competing for an every game roster spot.”
During the Eastern Final, the former San Jose State University Spartan showed up once again, racking up 52 yards on 11 carries and 27 yards on three catches.
With the returns of Rutley, Brandon Whitaker and Tyrell Sutton, the Alouettes backfield will once again be a force to be reckoned with in 2015. The Tuscaloosa, AL native is also versatile, as he has returned 20 kicks for 437 yards during his CFL career.
The team also announced it has signed international running back Jordan Hall to a three-year deal.
Hall (5’9″, 191 lbs.) rushed for 1,568 yards on 305 carries while scoring 14 touchdowns during his college career with the Ohio State University Buckeyes. The Jeannette, PA native also made 36 catches good for 286 yards while adding four receiving-touchdowns. In 45 games with the Buckeyes, the 23-year old halfback racked up 3,486 all-purpose yards, which places him 12th all-time with the Buckeyes. He still owns the Ohio State record for kickoff return yards in a season with 683, which he established in 2011.
“Jordan Hall brings a triple effect factor,” declared Popp. “He can run, flex out to the receiver position, and is an excellent kickoff returner. He will fit well in our system.”
In 2014, he signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and played the team’s first three pre-season games.
