Finally

[Tojo]

Esks sign all-star Canadian linebacker



(Edmonton) The Edmonton Eskimos officially announced the signing of free agent linebacker Kelly Wiltshire today. Terms of the deal were not released.



Entering his 9th CFL season, Wiltshire had spent the last three years with Ottawa. The native of Saint-Laurent, Quebec led the Renegades in defensive tackles the past two seasons with 79 and 76 respectively. Wiltshire has never missed a game in 144 starts (151 including playoffs and Grey Cup). In 2003, Wiltshire was also named a CFL East Division All-Star.



Originally a product of James Madison University, Wiltshire was Toronto’s first round selection (2nd overall) in the 1996 Canadian College Draft. He spent three seasons with the Argos (1997-1999), before signing as a free agent with Montreal where he played two years (2000–2001).



“Kelly gives us an added dimension to our defense. His ability to play different positions and his non-import status will be of tremendous benefit to the team,” said Eskimo head coach Danny Maciocia.



Kelly Wiltshire

LB (Non-Import)

James Madison

Born: June 28, 1972 – St.Laurent, PQ

Height: 6-0 Weight: 219

Yrs. Esks 1st Yrs. CFL 9th Yrs. Pro 9th

Games Played 2004: 18

CFL Career Games: 144

Playoff Games: 5

Grey Cup: 2 (2000 w/Montreal, 1997 w/Toronto)

Acquired: Signed as a free agent on May 2, 2005.



For more information on the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club, please visit our web site at www.esks.com. The Edmonton Eskimos open their 2005 training camp Sunday, May 29th at Concordia University College of Alberta.

[Esks4ever]

Re: Finally

'bout fricken time

[earl2]

Re: Finally




Wiltshire signs with the Esks? I can't believe I haven't heard anything about this earlier...

[KnuckleChucker]

Re: Finally

EXCELLENT!!!

[glenvb]

Re: Finally

The quote from DM about "ability to play different positions" is interesting. I recall Ottawa fans saying that Wiltshire really wanted to play one position (safety? can't recall for sure). Maybe DM's sending him a message of flexibility.

[Esks4ever]

Re: Finally

it seems we will have a few players who can play multi positions... Wiltshire, grant and Loftus come to mind..

This should provide us with many differnt confusing looks on D

[Nanookster]

Re: Finally

Weird that it took do long to announce.

[MoneyGuy]

Re: Finally

Kelly Wiltshire
LB (Non-Import)
James Madison
Born: June 28, 1972 – St.Laurent, PQ
Height: 6-0 Weight: 219
Yrs. Esks 1st Yrs. CFL 9th Yrs. Pro 9th
Games Played 2004: 18
CFL Career Games: 144
Playoff Games: 5
Grey Cup: 2 (2000 w/Montreal, 1997 w/Toronto)
Acquired: Signed as a free agent on May 2, 2005.

Just one question: Who the heck is James Madison? Just kidding!

Good signing. Wiltshire will add fuel to the argument that Esks are old, but he's a very good player. And he's Canadian, which is great. He'll start somewhere. Looking forward to seeing him in G&G silks. James Madison, too!

[gizmo fan 2]

Re: Finally

bloody FINALLY ...

(sigh of relief) Excellent.

[56Parkies]

Re: Finally

Worst kept secret in the CFL..

[Inquiring Mind]

Re: Finally

Man.... and here I was thinking the Rock was coming back....

[gogades]

Re: Finally

Wiltshire lobbied hard to play safety. Of course, Paopao eventually gave in and he was not nearly as effective, IMO. Much better to keep him at LB.

It will be interesting to see how Kelly "meshes" with the rest of his eskie teammates. He was the leader in Ottawa and he didn't hesitate to call out players in the press and on the sidelines. - not always justifiably. That stuff might not fly on a team stacked with successful veterans. He certainly has a big ego (you'll certainly notice the referring to himself in the 3rd person habit...)

I don't want to bash him - we're going to miss him.

[Delorean]

Re: Finally

He certainly has a big ego (you'll certainly notice the referring to himself in the 3rd person habit...)

Oh man, don't tell me he'll be asking to "Rep the Wiltshire".

[Esks4ever]

Re: Finally

Oh man, don't tell me he'll be asking to "Rep the Wiltshire".

Rep shot

[EskiPhenom]

Re: Finally

Wiltshire lobbied hard to play safety. Of course, Paopao eventually gave in and he was not nearly as effective, IMO. Much better to keep him at LB.

It will be interesting to see how Kelly "meshes" with the rest of his eskie teammates. He was the leader in Ottawa and he didn't hesitate to call out players in the press and on the sidelines. - not always justifiably. That stuff might not fly on a team stacked with successful veterans. He certainly has a big ego (you'll certainly notice the referring to himself in the 3rd person habit...)

I don't want to bash him - we're going to miss him.

Woah, a 'gades fan! Welcome to the site! I promise won't knock your team, we feel bad for you guys and are too busy mocking the 'riders instead Hopefully the financail problems over there are dealt with soon. Make your way our to the indroduce yourself thread when you get some time.

On the topic of Wiltshire, I don't mind a certain arrogance to be present in the defensive front 7, as long as it doesn't interfere with their teamwork. For any big-hitting position, you need to walk the walk in terms of playing physically, so talking the talk often comes with that.