SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Former Sacramento State football player Charles

Roberts signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of

the Canadian Football League, it was announced today. The deal also

gives Winnipeg an option for the 2002 season.

Roberts, who was a three-time All-American during his tenure with the

Hornets, helped raise the national profile of Sacramento State

football. In his four years, he rushed for an NCAA Division I-AA

record 6,397 yards on 1,124 carries. His career total ranks as the

third highest for all NCAA Divisions and the most for any back

playing above Division II. As a sophomore, Roberts rushed for a I-AA

record 2,260 yards. He followed up that effort with 2,082 yards as a

junior. That season was highlighted when he collected 409 yards (I-AA

record) and five touchdowns against Idaho State.

Sacramento State posted a 1-10 record during Roberts' freshman

season. The team then improved to 5-6 in 1998, 6-5 in 1999 and a Div.

I-AA-era record 7-4 in 2001.

Following this past season, Roberts participated in both the

East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl.

He joins former Hornets Tony Corbin (QB, Calgary) and Troy Mills (RB,

Edmonton) in the CFL. Last season, linebacker Ryland Wickman starred

for the Blue Bombers. Following the year, Wickman signed a free agent

contract with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.