Hester stays with Bolts

Posted Apr 13, 2012

Christopher Smith Chargers.com Blog

SAN DIEGO – Jacob Hester will remain a Charger after agreeing to a one-year contract Friday.

Hester, a third-round pick who has played 62 games in four seasons for San Diego, is expected to back up recently-signed Le’Ron McClain at fullback and continue to hold multiple special-teams responsibilities.

Hester was voted Special Teams Player of the Year by his teammates in 2010 and was the unit’s captain last season. He’s averaged 37.3 offensive touches and 156.8 yards per season.

The 5-foot-11, 235-pound Hester helped Ryan Mathews top 1,000 rushing yards in 2011 and gives the Bolts another versatile option in the backfield.

San Diego now has signed 20 free agents, starting with linebacker Demorrio Williams and center Nick Hardwick prior to the beginning of the new league year. Eleven of those played for other teams in 2011, including offensive tackle Mario Henderson.

Restricted free agents Brandyn Dombrowski and Mike Windt, who also signed Friday, were the 18^th and 19^th veterans to choose the Chargers since the end of the season.