ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to announce that national linebacker James Yurichuk has extended his contract with the team through 2016.
Commented Argonauts General Manager, Jim Barker, “James is a smart, dependable and durable player who provides leadership within our locker room. He has never missed a practice as an Argonaut, which is important to our team because we know that we can count on him to give his best effort every week. The hard work he puts in is reflected in his play on the field. We are happy to extend James’ contract with our team and keep him at home in Toronto.”
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A native of Brampton, Ontario, Yurichuk was selected fourth overall in the 2009 CFL Draft by the B.C. Lions. The man they call “Yuri” joined the Double Blue as a free agent in 2013 and has since become a team leader on special teams. In two seasons with the Boatmen, Yurichuk has never missed a game, playing all 18 games in his first season with the team, and all 15 games with the club so far in 2014. His statistics as an Argonaut include 27 special teams tackles and 10 defensive tackles. Yurichuk has been an active member of the club’s award winning community programs, and a dedicated supporter of football development within the G.T.A.
Commented James Yurichuk. “Toronto is my home. I feel like I’m on top of the CN Tower knowing that I can continue playing in front of my family and friends, as well as the many fans that have supported our team and my career.”
Prior to joining the Argonauts, Yurichuk played four (4) seasons with the Lions where he became known for his work on special teams, totalling 60 special teams tackles over that time. He also chipped in with 42 defensive tackles, 3 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles, one which he returned for a touchdown in his rookie season.
Yurichuk played his college ball at Bishop’s University (2005-08) in Quebec where he compiled 164 career tackles, good enough for second all-time in school history. He was also named Second-Team All Canadian as a senior and named to the East-West Bowl.