The Calgary Stampeders are pleased to announce that running back Jon Cornish has agreed to a contract extension with the club. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

>> Video: Cornish highlights

Cornish, 27, established himself as one of the top running backs in the CFL with a breakthrough 2011 season. He led the club with 863 rushing yards on 119 carries and had nine touchdowns. Cornish’s total rushing yards put him in fifth place in the CFL but his incredible average of 7.3 yards per carry was tops in the league among players with more than 60 carries. Cornish also had 385 yards and two touchdowns on 26 receptions. His total of 11 touchdowns was tied for top spot in the league with Montreal’s Jamel Richardson.

In five seasons with the Stamps, Cornish has carried the ball 255 times for 1,870 yards, an average of 7.3 yards per carry.

“I’m extremely happy that Jon has agreed to a contract extension,” said John Hufnagel, head coach and general manager of the Stamps. “Jon is an important part of this team and our fans can expect to see a lot of him next season and beyond.”

>> Audio: Coach Huff

Cornish, from New Westminster, B.C., has been with the Stampeders since his rookie season in 2007. The Stamps selected him in the second round (13th overall) of the 2006 CFL Canadian Draft. Cornish spent four seasons with the University of Kansas Jayhawks, rushing for 2,242 yards and seven touchdowns in 34 games. In his senior season, Cornish ran for 1,457 yards, a single-season Kansas record.

“I’m excited to sign this deal and I look forward to the 2012 season,” said Cornish. “I believe we have a great chance to win the Grey Cup and I can’t wait to get started.”