The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has signed four members of its 2011 Canadian draft class: offensive lineman Pascal Baillargeon, defensive end Marc-Antoine Fortin, tight end/fullback Tyrell Francisco and linebacker Patrick Jean-Mary.

Baillargeon, a 6-5, 300-pound native of St-Anselme, Quebec, spent five years on Laval’s offensive line, helping the Rouge et Or capture Vanier Cup championships in 2008 and 2010.  Before he was selected in the third round (21st overall) of last year’s draft, Baillargeon earned first-team All-Canadian recognition in 2010 and QUFL All-Star status is 2009 and 2010.

Fortin, a 6-4, 245-pound native of Quebec City, Quebec, recorded 20 defensive tackles, 4.5 quarterback sacks and 7.5 tackles for losses with Laval last season.  Fortin was named the Defensive Player of the Game in Laval’s 2008 Vanier Cup win as well as their 2009 Dunsmore Cup victory.  He was chosen by the Ticats in the third round (20th overall).

Francisco, a 6-3, 250-pound native of Kelowna, British Columbia, caught 18 passes for 185 yards and five touchdowns in four seasons as a tight end at Weber State.  The Ticats drafted him in the fifth round (36th overall).  
 
Jean-Mary, a 6-2, 230-pound native of Laval, Quebec, finished his collegiate career at Howard with 119 tackles (57 solo), 12 tackles for a loss, 2.5 quarterback sacks and one blocked kick.  Jean-Mary was selected in the fifth round (33rd overall).  

The Ticats also announced that the team has released non-import offensive lineman Wayne Smith.