Former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier said Monday that he has signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.

"I'm so excited and happy to have this chance after everything I've gone through," said Forcier, 21.

Forcier will likely begin his professional career as a backup to veteran Henry Burris. Forcier said he reports to Hamilton at the end of the month and the season begins in June.

Forcier was the starting quarterback for the Wolverines in 2009, ahead of Denard Robinson, whom he backed up in 2010. Forcier planned to enroll at Miami and did enroll at San Jose State, but did not play for either program in part because of academic concerns.

Forcier became the third true freshman to start a season opener at Michigan and began his career 4-0 before the season ended 5-7 in part because he suffered shoulder and other injuries.