Lions sign American defensive backs Rugamba, Claybourne

VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions signed American defensive backs Manny Rugamba and Mallory Claybourne on Thursday.

Rugamba became the first Rwandan to sign with an NFL team in 2021 when he joined the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent. He attended training camp that year before being released.

The 23-year-old played his college ball at Iowa and then Miami of Ohio.

Claybourne, 23, spent his first two seasons at Lackawana College as a receiver before converting to defensive back after transferring to Coastal Carolina to play Division I football.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 17, 2022.