After a great career at McMaster University, Jason was selected in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft - 3rd round (20th overall). He signed a contract extension with the Lions prior to the start of the 2010 regular season.

2012:  A significant stepping stone in 2012 for Jason as he saw extensive action on defence for the first time in his CFL career. He posted a career-high with six defensive tackles including four vs Winnipeg on Aug 24/12 and also had a career-best seven total tackles in that win over the Bombers. Jason finished second on the club with 16 special teams tackles with at least one in 12 games.  

2011:  Jason played in 16 games during 2011 along with the Western Final and his first career Grey Cup contest. He was one of a group of seven Lions players with at least 10 special teams tackles in what was a highly competitive kick coverage unit. He finished in a tie for 15th spot in the league’s ST tackle rankings. Jason also made his first career start on defence in the regular season opener.

Games Played: Career: 85  Playoff: 6  Grey Cup: 1

2008-2012:  Jason joined the Lions in 2008 after being selected in the third round of the CFL Draft and had an immediate impact on special teams. Over the past five seasons, Jason has had more special teams tackles than any other CFL player with 118 and no season with less than 14.

Jason’s totals pulled into a tie with Kelly Lochbaum for number two all-time on the Lions for special teams stops. He led the CFL in the category in 2008, finished second in 2009 and was only out of the top four in the category once in his first four CFL seasons.

The Oakville, Ontario native recorded 32 tackles, one sack and an interception, appearing in all 8 games in his fourth and final year with the Marauders in 2007.

Jason was an Anthropology major at McMaster and is currently pursuing his Canadian Securities certificate during the offseason. Now living in Vancouver fulltime, Jason enjoys spending as much time as he can reading, snowboarding and participating in numerous Lions community initiatives.

He began playing football at age 14 in Oakville, Ontario and also played rugby in high school. Jason is the son of former CFL’er Nick Arakgi, and is the godson of former Lions defensive coordinator Dave Ritchie.