VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Former Mercer linebacker Lee Bennett signed a two-year contract with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League on Sunday, making him the first Mercer football alumnus to sign a professional deal.

Bennett arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sunday and will begin his professional career on the Lions’ practice squad. Bennett starred at inside linebacker for Mercer from 2014-17, putting together an accomplished collegiate career on and off the field.

“We’re extremely proud of Lee for earning an opportunity to play professionally in Canada with the BC Lions,” said head coach Bobby Lamb. “Lee is one of the hardest workers to come through our program and his work ethic clearly paid off.

“As one of our team leaders, Lee never took a day off on the field or in the classroom and it is tremendous to see him rewarded for staying the course.”

A native of Leesburg, Florida, Bennett was a three-year starter with 33 starts and 44 games played during his career at Mercer. He was named a team captain and earned All-Southern Conference first-team honors after setting a program single-season record with 110 tackles as a senior. Bennett graduated from Mercer in the spring of 2017 with a 3.108 grade point average and his bachelor's degree in finance (management minor).

The BC Lions are 4-6 overall in the CFL’s West Division.