The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added some quality non-import talent to their roster today, coming to terms with two of their draft picks from the 2011 CFL draft, receiver Liam Mahoney and running back Carl Volny, as well as free agent linebacker John Surla.
Mahoney (6-1, 207, Concordia, DOB: December 13, 1987 in Lachine, Québec) was the Blue Bombers sixth round draft choice (41st overall) in the 2011 CFL Draft. He made the switch to slotback after two years as quarterback of the Concordia Stingers in which he was named the Rookie of the Year of the CIS in 2007. In two years catching the ball, Mahoney recorded 94 receptions for 1,208 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Volny (5-10, 195, Central Michigan, DOB: December 25, 1987 in Montreal, Quebec) was selected in the fifth round (32nd overall) by the Blue Bombers in the 2011 CFL Draft. He played in 12 games last season, starting five, and rushed for 402 yards on 81 carries, adding five touchdowns. Volny was named the Offensive Player of the Year by his team and finished his collegiate career with 933 yards and eight touchdowns in 36 games over four years at Central Michigan.
Surla (5-10, 225, Western Ontario, DOB: April 20, 1988 in Niagara Falls, Ontario) has been the leader on defense over his four-year career with the Mustangs with 182 tackles in 32 games, finishing in the top ten among OUA defenders every season. He was nominated for the President’s Trophy in 2009 as the top defensive player in the OUA after a standout season with 52 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions. Surla was named a first team All-Canadian in 2009 and a second team All-Canadian in 2010 and 2008.
