RIDERS ADD TWO RUNNING BACKS

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that import running backs Clifton Smith and Keith Toston have signed with the team. As per club policy financial details of the contracts were not released.

Smith (5’8 – 190) joins the Riders after spending the last half of the 2013 season with the Calgary Stampeders. The 28-year-old played two regular season games with the Stamps, seeing action primarily as a kick returner. The California native registered 174 yards on seven kickoff returns (24.9 avg. – 54 yard long) while adding 10 punt returns for 111 yards (11.1 avg. – 29 yard long). He also totaled six rushing yards on two carries and one catch for a six yard touchdown.

Before joining the CFL, the Fresno State product spent three seasons in the NFL playing 24 career regular season games. As a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Smith was named to the 2008 Pro Bowl as the NFC’s return specialist. He split the 2010 season between Cleveland and Miami.    

Toston (5’11 – 214) signs with the Green and White after spending three seasons in the NFL, playing 21 career regular season games. The Texas native made the St. Louis Rams opening day roster after signing with the team in 2010 as an undrafted free agent. The 26-year-old spent two seasons with the Rams before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars for 2012. Through three seasons he totaled 36 carries for 128 yards while adding five receptions for 70 yards.  

Before going pro, Toston played four seasons at Oklahoma State (2006-2009) where he accumulated 2,725 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 473 carries. He was named 2009 first team All-Big 12 and selected to play in the 85th annual East-West Shrine Game.