Ronald Hilaire Drafted by CFL's Calgary Stampeders

Defensive lineman will return to UB for senior season

Ronald Hilaire

BUFFALO, NY – Ronald Hilaire (Laval, Quebec/Vieux), a defensive lineman on the UB football team, was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League on Wednesday. Hilaire, who will return for his senior season at Buffalo in the fall, was selected in the fourth round (27th overall).

It marks the second straight season that a UB player has been drafted by a CFL team as James Judges was selected by the Montreal Alouettes in the 2007 draft and signed with the team in March.

Hilaire had a break-out season for the Bulls in 2007. He started 11 games at defensive tackle and totaled 45 tackles, including 20 solo efforts. He added four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

"I'm excited for Ronald that he will have an opportunity to play professional football," head coach Turner Gill said. "It's great for our program, the University and our fans. This is another great opportunity for exposure for both UB and the city of Buffalo."

Hilaire and his UB teammates will open the 2008 season on August 28 against Texas-El Paso at UB Stadium.

05/02/2008