Elks ink second-round pick from April’s CFL national draft

Benjamin Sangmuah, left, in action for the UBC Thunderbirds against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in an undated photo.

The Edmonton Elks have signed their second-round pick from this year’s national draft.

The Canadian Football League club announced Monday morning they have signed defensive back Benjamin Sangmuah to a contract.

The Scarborough, Ont., native finished his collegiate career last year after four seasons with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, for whom he played 41 games and amassed 162 total tackles – 95 of them solo – 7.5 tackles for losses, 2.5 sacks and five interceptions.

The 6-foot-1, 194. lb. defender recently attended a mini-camp held by the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. At his UBC pro day, he ran a 4.44 40-yard dash.

The Elks selected Sangmuah 12th overall in last month’s draft of Canadian players.

Edmonton also announced Monday that they’ve signed defensive back Jaxxon Brashear. The Neuville, Que., native joins the Elks after a four-year collegiate career with the Ottawa Gee-Gees, for whom he recorded 87 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and three pass breakups.

Brashear is the son of former NHL player Donald Brashear.

The Elks opened training camp on Sunday. Their first pre-season game is scheduled for May 23 in suburban Victoria against the B.C. Lions. before they host their own tune-up game May 29 at Clarke Stadium vs. the Calgary Stampeders. Edmonton opens their regular-season slate on June 6 on the road in Ottawa before their home opener on June 20 against Montreal.