Bombers sign 1st-overall pick Muamba

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers locked up the first overall pick of the 2011 CFL Draft on Monday, signing non-importlinebacker Henoc Muamba.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Muamba, 22, was a standout at St. Francis Xavier University, winning the 2010 President's Trophy as the top defensive player in CIS football.

"I'm thrilled to get this deal completed, and officially become a Winnipeg Blue Bomber,"the Mississauga nativesaid in a statement. "From the moment I was drafted earlier this month, the Blue Bomber organization has been great to my family and me, and I'm really excited to head to Winnipeg and compete for a roster spot in 2011.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know my teammates; meeting all the fans and helping the Blue Bombers win a Grey Cup this season."

The three-time All-Canadian will be relied upon to boost a Winnipeg defence that ranked third-worst in the league in points allowed (485). Only the Saskatchewan Roughriders (488) and Edmonton Eskimos (545) allowed more.

"We're thrilled to get Henoc signed and a part of the Blue Bomber family," saidBombers' vice-president and general manager Joe Mack. "He is someone who possesses tremendous talent and has all the tools necessary in order to be successful in this league.

"His personality, accompanied by his skill and athleticism, make him a great asset to our football club, and we welcome him to the organization."

The 6-0, 230-pound linebacker ranked fourth in the CIS in total tackles this past season (63.5), and leaves St. FrancisXavier as the school's all-time tackles leader (149.5).

Winnipeg finished last in the CFL last year with a 4-14 record and missed the post-season.