The Eskimos have signed middle linebacker J.C. Sherritt, the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, to a three-year contract extension, the CFL club announced Wednesday.
A potential free agent, Sherritt set a CFL record in recording 130 tackles in 2012. He also recorded three quarterback sacks, made three special-team tackles, forced three fumbles, one of which he recovered. He knocked down two pass attempts and made five interceptions, returning them for a total of 56 yards.
“J.C. personifies what is meant when we say ‘Eskimo Way,’” said Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed. “He is an extremely talented player who has character beyond reproach.
“He is a core player who will help us in our championship quest.”
Sherritt initially signed with Edmonton on April 20, 2011 as a free agent out of Eastern Washington University. He made 11 defensive tackles and one special-teams tackle in his first CFL regular-season game, an Eskimos victory against the Roughriders in Saskatchewan in July 2011. He went on that season to record 74 defensive tackles and three quarterback sacks.
The pocket-size 24-year-old was voted the CFL’s Western Nominee for Rookie of the Year that season. He was named to the CFL’s West Division All-Star team in 2012.
Sherritt joins the likes of kicker Grant Shaw, linebacker T.J. Hill and offensive lineman Brian Ramsay among potential Eskimos free agents who have re-signed with the club.
