SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Former Sacramento State running back Charles Roberts made his professional debut last week in a Canadian Football League exhibition game against the Montreal Alouettes.

Roberts, who plays for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, tied for the team lead with 31 yards on seven carries. The 5-6 back also returned a kickoff for 24 yards, five punts for 10 yards and one missed field goal for 43 yards. Winnipeg, however, lost the game 31-12.

While he may be playing in another country, Roberts is joined by a couple of familiar faces. Former Hornet Troy Mills will likely split time with Roberts in the backfield. Mills, who played for Edmonton over the past three seasons was signed as a free agent by the Blue Bombers prior to the start of training camp. The CFL veteran did not play against Montreal in an effort to allow the younger players to show their worth. Also on the Winnipeg roster is former Montana quarterback Brian Ah-Yat and UC Davis QB Khari Jones.

Other football notes:

• Linebacker Ryland Wickman, who played for Sacramento State from 1994-97, was recently traded to the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Eurpoe. Wickman began the year with the Rhein Fire before being traded to the Berlin Thunder who then sent him to Frankfurt. The San Diego, Calif., native will return to the US following the year and is currently under contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Wickman played the 2000 season for Winnipeg where he finished fourth in the CFL in tackles.

• Quarterback Tony Corbin looks to have secured the backup QB job for the B.C. Lions of the CFL. Corbin was selected by the San Diego Chargers following his senior season with the Horners in 1996. After he was released by the Chargers he played in the Arena Football League and in Europe before catching the eye of the Lions. In B.C., e will learn from legendary CFL quarterback Damon Allen (Marcus'' brother).

• Fullback Daimon Shelton and long snapper Lonie Paxton highlight the ist of former Hornets who are scheduled to at the program''s upcoming football camp. Shelton recently signed a deal with the Chicago Bears while Paxton was resigned by the New England Patriots. Also scheduled to appear is Tennessee Titan QB and coach''s son Billy Volek

• News was not so good for three other Hornets who were trying to continue their careers. Tim Conley (Calgary Stampeders), Anthony Daisley (Edmonton Eskimos) and Tyrone Taylor (Calgary) were all released by their respective teams last week.