May 2 - The Bison Football program is pleased to announce that three more players have committed to the University of Manitoba for the upcoming season.

Scott Gilbert is a 6'2" 230lbs linebacker who has been one of Dobie's most sought after recruits over the course of the last two years. Gilbert played four seasons with the Victoria Rebels of the BCFC, where he was a standout at both the conference and national level. In 1998, the native of Victoria,was a BCFC All-Star in his second year in the CJFL and in 1999 he was named the CJFL's defensive player of the year. In 2000 he took his game to Glendale Community College in Glendale, Ca before returning to the Rebels for a final year of junior football this past season.

Before the start of last season Gilbert parlayed his excellent junior career into an invite to the B.C. Lions camp where he gained some invaluable experience. In 2001, he helped lead his team to a 6-3-1 record, was named a BCFC conference All-Star honorable mention, and was also named the Rebels' best defensive back. Statistically, Gilbert recorded 39 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 0.5 quarterback sacks and one interception last season. His 71 tackles combined were good for second in the conference and his 119.5 rating of defensive players was fourth best in the BCFC.

The addition of Gilbert will help bolster one of the best front sevens in CIS football, and he may well find himself vying for a position alongside All-Canadian Scott Coe and former President's Trophy winner Joey Mikawoz, pending the outcomes of their CFL training camps in June. Coach Dobie does not hesitate when he says that Gilbert will be one of the next great linebackers at Manitoba, noting that he has an excellent combination of strength, speed and smarts as well as experience. Look for Gilbert to make an immediate impact in Canada West as a Manitoba Bison this season.

Dobie and company will also welcome Gilbert's teammate, wide receiver Jason Marsh, to the fold this upcoming fall. The sure-handed pass catcher with speed to burn is listed at 5'10" and 175lbs, and is coming off of an illustrious five year career with the Rebels that he capped off in fine style in 2001. The Victoria native was named a CJFL All-Canadian, a BCFC All-Star, as well as the Rebels' MVP on offense after placing third in league scoring with 84 points on the strength of 14 TDS. For good measure, Marsh was named the CJFL Player of the Week last August for his outstanding play in a game against the Tri-City Bulldogs. In that contest, he caught 5 passes for 202 yards and 2 TDs and also added another TD on a scintillating 65-yard punt return.

Although Marsh is a standout on offense, his speed and great football instincts have also helped him become a solid defensive back as well as an exciting punt and kick returner who can basically do it all. What Coach Dobie likes best about him besides his speed is his diversity and athleticism, two qualities that will allow the Bisons to use him on both sides of the ball when the opportunity presents itself. Watch for Marsh to be an exciting addition to the Bison line-up.

The third recruit to commit to the Herd for this upcoming season played against both Gilbert and Marsh over the past few years in the BCFC. Defensive Tackle Matt Harper was a part of the Okanagan Sun's 2000 victory in the Canadian Bowl and was also a member of last year's team that lost to the Saskatoon Hilltops in the final. The 6'4" 275lbs defensive tackle was a big part of a Sun defense that allowed only 116 points against in 10 games last season, the fewest in both the BCFC and the Prairie Football Conference.

The 21 year-old native of New Westminster, B.C. was one of only five junior football players in Canada invited to the CFL combines where he bench-pressed 225lbs an impressive 21 times.

Harper was undecided about where to continue his football career until the draft last week. However, when he saw seven Bison players drafted to CFL teams, he was sold on Manitoba as the best place to pursue his football and education career.Brian Dobie is elated about Harper's commitment to the Bisons, stating that the combination of Harper's size, strength and smarts on the defensive line will play a large part in keeping the front seven among the elite in the CIS.

Both Gilbert and Marsh will be in attendance at this weekend's Bison Spring Camp heads at next week's spring camp.