The B.C. Lions officially signed linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh on Tuesday, adding a strong defensive presence to their roster. The 27-year-old from Vallejo, California, brings experience from multiple teams and a notable collegiate career, bolstering the Lions’ linebacker group for the upcoming season.
Professional Career and Recent Playing History
Vandenburgh joined the Memphis Showboats on January 23, 2025, where he appeared in eight games and recorded 37 tackles, including 14 solo stops and 23 assists. During that season, he registered one tackle for loss, half a sack, and one pass breakup. Prior to that, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. Unfortunately, he spent the 2023 season on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury, and a leg injury in 2024 led to his release from the Dolphins on August 28 of that year.
Collegiate Achievements at Illinois State
During his five-year stint at Illinois State from 2018 to 2022, Vandenburgh participated in 51 games and amassed 256 tackles, with 151 solo and 105 assisted. He excelled in disrupting offenses, recording 43.5 tackles for loss and 24 sacks, placing him third all-time in sacks in Illinois State’s history. His impact went beyond tackling, as he also made one interception and contributed seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His efforts earned him a place on the All-MVFC First Team in 2022.
Award-Winning Defensive Talent
Vandenburgh’s standout performance culminated in his earning the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing him as the top defensive player in FCS football. Additionally, he was honored as the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, becoming the first Illinois State player to receive the Buck Buchanan Award.
Outlook for the B.C. Lions Following the Signing
The addition of Zeke Vandenburgh provides the B.C. Lions with a seasoned linebacker who has demonstrated durability and strong defensive skills at both collegiate and professional levels. As the Lions prepare for their upcoming campaign, this signing is expected to enhance their defensive strategies and depth, potentially influencing their performance on the field in the coming months.
“It’s offical 🖋️#BCLions sign Zeke Vandenburgh READ MORE ➡️ https://t.co/lkfzxpUKLz pic.twitter.com/diQDEQuD6I”
?BC LIONS, Official Team Announcement
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