Willis

Odell Willis as a Winnipeg Blue Bomber (Photo: Riderville.com)

The "Mayor of Swaggerville" is on his way to Riderville.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced they have acquired all-star import defensive end Odell Willis from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers along with a conditional fifth round pick in the 2013 CFL draft, in exchange for the Riders' second and fourth round picks in this year's draft, and a conditional pick in 2013.

Willis has picked up 78 tackles, 34 sacks and three fumble recoveries in his three years in the league.

The Green and White also announced today that they have signed import linebacker Darnell Bing and import defensive end Chris Ellis to contracts.

Ellis was a third round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2008 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old spent 3 seasons in Buffalo and  one with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bing was a fourth round pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2006 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old spent time with Oakland, San Francisco, The New York Jets, Detroit and Houston during his five season in the NFL.

Press Release on Odell Willis trade:

Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager Brendan Taman announced that the team has made a trade with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Riders will receive import Defensive End Odell Willis and a conditional fifth round draft pick in 2013, in exchange for second (8th overall) and fourth (23rd overall) round selections in the upcoming 2012 CFL Draft, as well as a conditional draft pick in 2013.

Willis (6’2 – 255 lbs) began his CFL career with the Calgary Stampeders in 2009, where he signed as a Free Agent prior to the season. The 27-year-old Mississippi native was acquired by the Blue Bombers via trade midway through the ’09 season.

The former University of West Georgia star enjoyed a career season in 2011, piling up 27 tackles and 13 quarterback sacks (both career highs) and was named an East-Divison and CFL All-Star.

“Odell is arguably the best pass-rusher in the CFL,” noted Taman. “I’m very confident he significantly upgrades our club on the defensive side of the football.”

Since entering the league in 2009, Willis has been a pass-rushing force from his defensive end spot, his 13 sacks in 2011 tied him for the league lead with Justin Hickman, while his totals in 2010 (11) and 2009 (10) placed him third each season.

During his three seasons in the CFL, Willis has tallied 78 tackles, 34 quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries.
Press Release on Bing and Ellis signings:

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that they have signed import linebacker Darnell Bing and import defensive end Chris Ellis to contracts. Financial details of the signings were not released.

Ellis (6’5 – 260 lbs) was a third round pick (72nd overall) by the Buffalo Bills in the 2008 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old Virginia native spent three seasons in Buffalo, seeing action in 15 games during his time with the Bills. Ellis spent a portion of the 2010 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The former Virginia Tech defensive end had an outstanding collegiate career, compiling 165 tackles, 22 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions and two touchdowns during his time with the Hokies. Ellis was named to the First-team All-ACC team following the 2008 season.

Bing (6’2 – 232 lbs) was a fourth round pick (101st overall) by the Oakland Raiders in the 2006 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old California native spent time with Oakland, San Francisco, New York (Jets), Detroit and Houston during his five season in the NFL.

The former USC Safety was a standout with the Trojans during his time in the Pac-10 being named the Sporting News Freshman of the Year in 2003, Sporting News Freshman All-American (’03) and Second Team All-Pac-10 (’04) .

Bing entered the NFL Draft following his Junior season at USC in 2005 after being named First-Team AP All-American and was a Jim Thorpe award finalist as the nation’s best collegiate defensive back.