Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce that non-import running back Jon Cornish has signed a contract extension with the club. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Jon has proven over the past four seasons that he’s a valuable, versatile and explosive player,” said Hufnagel. “He has become an important part of our offence, while continuing to contribute on special teams, so we’re very pleased that he chose to extend his contract with the Stampeders.”

Cornish was the Stampeders’ nominee for the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2010 after posting an average of 7.3 yards per rush, tops in the CFL among all running backs with at least 50 carries. He amassed 1,068 all-purpose yards in 2010 including a career-best 618 rushing yards on 85 carries and 226 receiving yards and one touchdown on 14 catches.

Cornish twice earned top Canadian honours in the CFL player of the week awards during the 2010 season as he was recognized for his efforts in Week 4 and Week 9. The four-year member of the Red and White was also a strong contributor on special teams, making a dozen tackles and returning 12 kickoffs for 224 yards.

“I’m very happy to know that I will be continuing my career with the Stampeders,” said Cornish, a 26-year-old native of New Westminster, B.C. “Calgary is my home now and I look forward to being here for many years to come.”

A product of the University of Kansas, Cornish was selected by Calgary in the second round (13th overall) of the 2006 CFL Canadian Draft and he joined the club in 2007.