EDMONTON - Fourth-year University of Alberta Golden Bears linebacker Tyler Greenslade has signed a contract with the Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, while fifth-year fullback Smith Wright has joined the Edmonton Eskimos.

In four seasons with the Golden Bears, between 2010 and 2013, the Edmonton-born Greenslade has played 23 CIS games and recorded 111 solo tackles, 135 total tackles, three fumble recoveries, five sacks and three interceptions.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, winners of the 2013 Grey Cup, have long been CFL leaders in playing Canadians, and now Greenslade joins an organization that has played in four Grey Cup games since 2007, including a championship wins in this year and in 2007, and has made the playoffs in 11 of the last 12 seasons.

“Playing in the CFL has been a dream of mine ever since I first joined U of A in 2010,” said Greenslade who has a year of eligibility remaining. “After attending the CFL combine, but not being selected in the 2011 draft, my goals have been just to stay healthy, and to be a leader on and off the field. Earning the opportunity to sign a CFL contract with a first class organization like Saskatchewan is an awesome feeling. I couldn't be happier to sign with them and attend their training camp in 2014.”

A student in the Faculty of Education, Greenslade organized the Golden Bears first ever “Captain's Camp” this summer so that the returning and new players could all meet and train together in advance of the team's training camp. His CFL deal comes on the heels of winning the team's President Trophy, which is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the core values of honesty, selflessness, sportsmanship, strength of character, competitive spirit and discipline, at year end banquet on Thursday.

“Tyler Greenslade is a perfect example of what Golden Bears football is building around,” noted former CFL all-star and Golden Bears head coach Chris Morris. “He is an exemplary leader who can be counted on to do whatever is needed for the betterment of his team. Tyler's toughness and tenacity in coming back from a torn Achilles this year was an inspiration to everyone. These attributes, combined with his athleticism and work ethic, will make him a great addition to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.”

Drafted in 2013 by the CFL's green and gold, the Ontario-born Wright has been with the Golden Bears since 2009. Over five seasons, and 28 games with the CIS green and gold, the 6'2” and 220 lbs fullback recorded four rushing touchdowns, 160 receiving yards, 264 all-purpose yards and 21 special teams tackles. He also served as Alberta's long snapper during the 2013 season.
Wright was also a dual sport student-athlete at the U of A, competing with the Golden Bears track and field program in weight throw and shot put. In 2012 he claimed the Canada West silver medal in shot put, and he was named the U of A Field Athlete of the Year.
He will attend Eskimos camp in 2014, where he will become the fourth member of the Golden Bears to join the Eskimos roster following offensive linemen Simeon Rottier and Gord Hinse, and kicker Hugh O'Neill.

athletics.ualberta.ca