The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed wide receiver Josh Vann and defensive back Michael Griffin II while releasing wide receiver K.J. Hill and defensive back Marcus Hillman on Saturday.
Josh Vann is five foot ten and weighs 190 pounds. The 24-year-old from Tucker, Georgia, signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Vann made one catch for 21 yards, one kick return for 26 yards, and three punt returns for 17 yards in three preseason games for the Carolina Panthers. Then, Vann signed with the Memphis Showboats (UFL) on February 5, 2024, but was released on March 10, 2024. The Calgary Stampeders signed Vann on April 9, 2024.
Collegiately, Vann played five seasons at South Carolina (2018-22) making 108 catches for 1,352 yards, 10 touchdowns, seven carries for 73 yards, completing one pass for six yards, three kick returns for 29 yards, 19 punt returns for 239 yards in 57 games for the Gamecocks. He was named Fourth Team All-SEC in 2021 by Phil Steele.
Michael Griffin II is five eleven and weighs 217 pounds. The 25-year-old from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, attended the Tennessee Titans training camp after signing with them as an undrafted free agent. Then, Griffin II signed with the Calgary Stampeders on March 8, 2023. Griffin II made 29 tackles, six tackles on special teams, one sack, and one touchdown in 13 games.
Collegiately, Griffin II played two seasons at Southwest Minnesota State (2016-17) with 89 tackles (58 solo, 31 assists), half a tackle for loss, one interception, eight pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and one kick return for 23 yards in 19 games for the Mustangs.
Then, Griffin II transferred to South Dakota State (2018-21) with 159 tackles, seven interceptions for 77 yards, eight pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries in 39 games, of which 37 were starts for the Jackrabbits.
In his final season, Griffin II had 72 tackles, one interception, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 15 games. He was named Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team in 2019.
K.J. Hill is six foot and weighs 196 pounds. The 26-year-old from Little Rock, Arkansas, made four catches for 18 yards, one carry for one yard, two kick returns for 36 yards, and one punt return for three yards in three preseason games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021.
In the regular season, Hill made three catches for 30 yards, three kick returns for 50 yards, and six punt returns for 41 yards in six games before spending the rest of the season on the practice squad. The Chargers drafted Hill in the seventh round (220th pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Hill played two seasons in Los Angeles making ten catches for 103 yards, four kick returns for 57 yards, and 18 punt returns for 124 yards in 21 games. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed Hill on February 26, 2024.
Collegiately, Hill played five seasons at Ohio State (2015-19) making 201 catches for 2,332 yards, 20 touchdowns, four carries for -1 yard, eight kick returns for 160 yards, and 46 punt returns for 258 yards in 50 games for the Buckeyes. He was named Third Team All-Big 10 in 2018.
Marcus Hillman is six foot and weighs 200 pounds. The 23-year-old from Camden, New Jersey, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on January 23, 2024.
Collegiately, Hillman played five seasons at Elon University (2018-22) with 188 tackles (101 solo, 87 assists), 31 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, one interception for two yards, five pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one carry for 21 yards in 47 games for the Phoenix.
In 2022, Hillman made 83 tackles (51 solo, 32 assists), 18.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 12 games. He was named First Team All-CAA and First Team All-CAA by Phil Steele in 2022.
