May 3 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are expecting big things from a big man in the 2001 CFL season. Matt Sheridan ­ a skilled 360-pound behemoth ­ returns to the Big Blue after playing for the Manitoba Bisons last season. The team announced the signing of the offensive lineman today.

Sheridan (6-4, 360, Manitoba ’00, DOB: May 27, 1977) was one of the Blue Bombers’ key acquisitions in the 2000 Canadian College Draft. Winnipeg chose the University of Manitoba product in the 6th Round (40th Overall) of the 2000 draft.

“Matt has come a long way in two years,” said Blue Bombers’ assistant general manager Brendan Taman. “His experience he had with us in camp last year has transformed him into being a much better offensive lineman. He had a very good year at Manitoba last year.”

Sheridan is a Winnipegger who anchored a Bison offensive line that achieved many things in 2000. The school finished first in the Canada West conference and made it to the conference final. Sheridan and his linemates wedged open expansive running lanes for Ken Vermette ­ the nation’s 5th leading rusher. As well, the squad gained its first road win against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in 23 years.

In 1999, Sheridan helped create gaping holes for All-Canadian runningback Craig Carr. He was the leader on a Bisons’ O-Line that only allowed five sacks for the 1999 season ­ best in the Canada West Conference.

Sheridan played guard and long snapper for four years for “The Hustlin’ Herd” under head coach Brian Dobie. Sheridan still has one year of eligibility at Manitoba and could return to play with the Bisons if he wishes to do so.

Sheridan is excited about returning the Blue Bombers.

“It feels fabulous,” he said. “I’m looking forward to coming back to Winnipeg. I had a great experience last year. I learned a lot about football and the CFL in general, then went back and had a successful year in college. I’m looking forward to coming into camp, learning more and competing for a spot on the roster.”

A graduate of Sturgeon Creek High School, Sheridan has tremendous potential to be a long-term professional in the CFL, as he is only 23 years old and has already played four years of university ball. His biggest upsides are his mobility and the speed he can generate off the line, both impressive athletic traits for a man of his size.

Sheridan was the 56th offensive lineman ever selected by the Bombers in the Canadian College Draft and is hoping to be the 17th offensive lineman draftee to make the club.

He was also the 56th Manitoba Bison athlete to be chosen by the Big Blue in the draft. Should he make the Bombers, Sheridan would become the 13th Bison draft choice to make the Winnipeg lineup. Sheridan was the 36th player ever selected by Winnipeg in the 6th Round of the draft and would become the 7th person from that round to make the football club.