The Calgary Stampeders signed former Carleton defensive back Joachim Christian and Portland State offensive lineman Tyson Pauling on Thursday. In addition, the Stampeders released defensive back De’Vante Cross.
Joachim Christian is six foot one and weighs 201 pounds. The 26-year-old from Montreal, Quebec, played three seasons at Carleton University (2019, 2021-22) with 76 tackles (67 solo, 18 assists), 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three pass breakups in 20 games for the Ravens.
In 2022, he led the Ravens with 36.5 tackles (33 solo, 7 assists), two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups in six games.
Tyson Pauling is six foot five and weighs 295 pounds. The 24-year-old from Riverside, California, played 34 games in five seasons at Portland State (2018-22) playing center and guard. In addition, he started 27 games, including 23 straight starts. He served as the team captain in 2022 and was named Academic All-Big Sky Conference in 2021.
De’Vante Cross is six foot two and weighs 215 pounds. The 25-year-old from Allentown, Pennsylvania, signed with the Stampeders last month. Before Calgary, he spent time in training camp with the Philadelphia Stars (USFL).
Before the Stars, Cross signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and later signed with the Green Bay Packers. He played two preseason games for the Packers with one tackle and one pass breakup.
Cross played quarterback at Parkland High School. He was rated a three-star recruit according to ESPN.com, 247sports.com, and Scout.com. Furthermore, he was teammates with ex-Eagles running back Miles Sanders.
In his senior season, Cross completed 201 of 345 (58.3%) passes for 2,947 yards, and 26 touchdowns. He led Parkland to four straight district championships, and three as the starting quarterback. In addition, Cross carried 216 times for 1,385 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns.
Collegiately, Cross played five seasons at Virginia (2017-21) with 129 tackles (78 solo, 51 assists), seven tackles for loss, two sacks, 21 pass breakups, and six interceptions in 59 games, of which 34 were starts for the Cavaliers. In his final season, Cross made 24 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception in nine games.
