THE CANADIAN PRESS

LONDON, Ont. -- Canadian defensive lineman Vaughn Martin signed a four-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on Saturday.

The former Western Mustangs standout was taken in the fourth round (113th overall) in this year's Entry Draft, becoming the first Canadian collegiate player to be drafted as an underclassman to the NFL.

The six-foot-three, 331-pound London, Ont., native played just two seasons at Western but was a major force behind the Mustangs' back-to-back Yates Cup victories in 2007 and 2008.

Terms of the contract were not released.

The Chargers open training camp on Friday, with Martin and his fellow rookies reporting earlier in the week. San Diego begins its 2009 regular season Sept. 14 at Oakland.