2024 College Draft Results

Frankensteining reports and commentary on last night's draft results. The Chad Hudson quotes are from this Ottawa Citizen article. 

Round 1, pick 2: Nick Mardner, WR

The 6-foot-6, 208-pound playmaker from Oakville was ranked seventh overall, and the top-ranked receiver, by the CFL Scouting Bureau this spring after suiting up for four games with the Auburn Tigers in 2023. Before transferring to Auburn, Mardner had 19 receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 with Cincinnati. He previously suited up for Hawaii from 2018-2021 where he made 62 catches for 1,270 yards and nine touchdowns. In total, Mardner caught 81 passes for 1,488 yards and 11 majors during his collegiate career. 

"We are excited to add Nick Mardner to our organization with our first pick in this year’s draft. Nick is an athletic receiver with a big body, who has played at very high level in the NCAA,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. “His size, speed and tenacity have the potential to be a big addition to our football club.”

Mardner ran a 4.60-second forty-yard dash, 4.62-second short shuttle, and 7.43-second three-cone drill at his pro day in March, while recording 11 225lbs bench press reps, a 35-inch vertical and a 129-inch broad jump.

Ottawa Sun: “There were injury concerns at Auburn and he never hit his stride,” said Burke, who said Mardner was dealing with a foot issue and a new system. “In the NCAA right now, it’s a bit of a different journey because of the transfer portal. When you look at his stops at Cincinnati and Hawaii and the big plays he made, it just made sense for us (to pick him) with how we had him ranked on our (draft) board.

“You always balance your board with your needs. When they match up together, it’s a great opportunity. We’re giving some young guys an opportunity at receiver this year; this isn’t a slight to Keaton (Bruggeling), Daniel (Oladejo) or Daniel Perry, but when you can get this type of playmaker with a draft pick, that’s what you ultimately want to do.

“He could be special in this league. It starts with getting him here first, we realize he’s going to (an NFL) mini camp. There’s a risk-reward factor, but we felt it was something we couldn’t pass on.”

Far too often last season the Redblacks had to settle for a field goal when their offence stalled inside the 20-yard-line. Mardner has the potential to help them fix that.

“He’s a big target,” said Burke. “We want to be better in the red zone. It’s tough for guys to guard 6-foot-6 in that small space.

“The CFL is obviously unique. I’m not going to say he was at the top of our board; a couple of the guys at the top of our board went Saturday (in the NFL draft). But the need matched where we had him ranked on our board.”

Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce said “there’s lots of things to like about Nick” beyond his size and the fact he runs and jumps well.

“Probably the biggest thing for me, as a former receiver coach, I always talking about having violent hands,” said Dyce. “When the ball is up there, he’s a huge red zone target, and he goes up and plays with the mentality that the ball is his. He has the opportunity to be a real difference maker in this league …  plus he gives you the flexibility that he can play into the boundary and, as he progresses and plays the game more, he’s going to be able to move into the slot. So I think as he continues to grow in our game, when he gets here, he’s got a really, really high ceiling.”

Round 2, pick 11: Daniel Okpoko

Ottawa Sun: The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder was born in Lagos, Nigeria but grew up in Saskatoon. From there, he headed to California, where he played 37 games over five seasons with the San Diego Aztecs.

“You guys know I have a pretty serious face most of the time and I’m out here smiling,” Burke said to media members in the hallway at TD Place. “We liked Daniel Okpoko a lot and we did not think we were going to get the opportunity to select him at this spot. We have an excited war room in there.”

The Redblacks expect Okpoko will benefit from the guidance of respected veteran defensive lineman Cleyon Laing.

“Obviously I can’t say enough about Cleyon,  and for him to learn under a guy like Cleyon and have that opportunity … (and to) add some depth to our rotation,” said Burke. “We see him as a potential CFL starter one day, not today, but one day. He was very productive last year at San Diego State. Athletic traits, big, physical has played some end as well but we probably see him more as an inside guy.  But we’re ust excited to get him in the building.”

Round 3, pick 22: LB Dawson Pierre

HEIGHT: 6'2 | WEIGHT: 219lbs | BIRTH DATE: 2000-05-29

HOMETOWN: Longueuil, QC | SCHOOL: Concordia

Hudson: “He was playing a lot of different positions, halfback and safety, in university. We see him more as a linebacker, we’ll try him out there first. He’s another big kid. He’s fast, he’s strong and he loves to hit.”

Round 4, pick 35: Jahquan Bloomfield

HEIGHT: 6'0 | WEIGHT: 188lbs | BIRTH DATE: 1999-12-03

HOMETOWN: Ottawa, ON | SCHOOL: Prairie View A&M

Hudson: “He was brought to our attention by (former Ottawa Gee-Gees coach) Nate Taylor, our running back coach who tried to recruit him. He did great (in the NCAA) on special teams and was a deep threat. It gives us a little more depth at the receiver position. He’s another guy who can play special teams and receiver for us.”

Round 6, pick 49: Yani Gouadfel

HEIGHT: 6'3 | WEIGHT: 200lbs | BIRTH DATE: 1999-11-24

HOMETOWN: Mitry-Mory, France | SCHOOL: Bishop's

Hudson: “He was a punter, but he was also the starting free safety. He’s from France, but (he qualifies as) Canadian through going to school and getting his degree; he’s one of the first kids to get his degree and become a national that way. He’s another big, strong kid. He likes to hit and he’s a good tackler. He gives us more depth at the position.”

Round 7, pick 58: Zachary Philion

HEIGHT: 6'1 | WEIGHT: 221lbs | BIRTH DATE: 1999-03-19

HOMETOWN: Buffalo, NY | SCHOOL: Concordia

Hudson: “He’s a tenacious kid, great on special teams. The kid loves to be in the gym – he’s really fit, he’s an absolute specimen that way. I worked with his dad in Saskatchewan and Montreal and I got to know Zach a bit. He loves football. Some of these kids love to eat, breathe and sleep football and he’s a guy that does that.”

Round 8, pick: Russell Dixon

HEIGHT: 6'3 | WEIGHT: 230lbs | BIRTH DATE: 2001-03-10

HOMETOWN: Edmonton, AB | SCHOOL: UConn

Hudson: “He’s got an injury (shoulder/neck). He’s committed to Carleton so we’re going to see him whenever he gets (to Ottawa) for fall ball because he missed spring ball. He’s a future player for us. He played at Connecticut and was a great (special) teamer and also a tight end. The kid can block. He’s a strong, hard-nosed kid who plays very hard and has a great attitude even though he’s injured.”

2024, April 10th: "REDBLACKS hire Greg Marshall as Defensive Line Coach"

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have hired longtime CFL coach, and Ottawa Rough Riders great Greg Marshall as the team's Defensive Line Coach, ahead of the 2024 season. 

A native of Beverly, Massachusetts, Marshall most recently served as Head Coach at the University of Toronto from 2018 to 2023, and in 2021, guided the team to the postseason for the first time since 1995. Prior to his time with the Varsity Blues, the 67-year-old spent three years as Defensive Coordinator at Queen's.

Marshall is no stranger to the CFL coaching ranks, breaking into the league in 1994 as Defensive Line Coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He added a Defensive Coordinator title in 1996, before moving on to occupy the same two posts for Edmonton from 2000 to 2004. In 2005, Marshall served as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator of the Ottawa Renegades, before running the defence and linebackers for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 2006 to 2008. He made his way to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2009, working as Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and Linebackers Coach for two seasons, before being hired as Head Coach of the Roughriders ahead of the the 2011 season.

As a player, Marshall enjoyed a decorated nine-season career as a defensive end in the CFL, after suiting up in two games with the NFL's Baltimore Colts. He spent his entire career north of the border in the nation's capital, earning CFL East All-Star honours from 1981 to 1984, and was named a CFL All-Star in 1981, and 1983, winning Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the latter year. He was honoured with a spot on the RNation Legacy Wall at TD Place in 2023.

Marshall was drafted in the seventh round, 186th overall, by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1978 NFL Draft, after playing his collegiate football at Oregon State.

Marshall was on radio the night he was hired and during the interview casually wondered if he was the first person to be involved with all three Ottawa pro football teams. 

It kind of brought a chuckle because he played with Joe Paopao in 1987 and was on Paopao's coaching staff with the Renegades. Paopao was also with the REDBLACKS in 2019. Goes to show that as fans, we sometimes have better recollection of these matters than players/coaches do. 

I'd actually meant to share content about Marshall's playing days last year when he was added to the stadium's wall of fame, but admittedly it fell off my radar.

I did find the image below from a November 1983 Ottawa Citizen. Neat to see some other familiar faces on there.  

Unless I have yet to locate it, the reaction to Marshall winning the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award was rather subdued. It seemed to consist of a paragraph or two in articles celebrating the group as whole.

Since we're talking about coaches, let's look at a couple of new faces added to the staff when it was  announces in mid-February.

Pat Perles (OL) returns to the CFL, after having previously worked as the Offensive Line Coach in Saskatchewan (1994-96), Winnipeg (1997), and Hamilton (1998-1999), winning a Grey Cup in his final year with the Ti-Cats. Perles was also a Defensive Assistant with the Los Angeles Rams from 1992-1993, and in 2009 joined the Kansas City Chiefs as a Defensive Quality Control Coach, before working as their Assistant Offensive Line Coach in 2010, and 2011. He has also spent time on the NCAA circuit, previously coaching at Toledo, North Dakota State, Syracuse, and Michigan State. 

Deion Melvin (LBs) joins the REDBLACKS for his first season with the club after spending the last four years as Linebackers Coach with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Prior to coming north of the border, Melvin’s coaching career began at East Aurora where he worked as a graduate assistant in the early 1990s. He would go on to coach at Western Illinois (1993 to 1998), Missouri State (1999 to 2005), Georgia Southern (2006), Bowling Green (2007 and 2008), Ball State (2009 and 2010) and Lindenwood University (2011 to 2016), before returning for a second stint at Western Illinois (2017 to 2019). In a coaching career that spans 30 years, Melvin has gained experience working with players in all three phases of the game.

Alex Suber also returns to the fold. 

Alex Suber is back for his fourth season with the REDBLACKS, but first since 2022, after spending the 2023 season as Cornerbacks Coach at Middle Tennessee State. The move followed four years in the nation's capital, where Suber served as Defensive Backs Coach from 2019 until 2022, when he took on the role of Receivers Coach. Before joining the REDBLACKS, Suber coached receivers at Murray State University, after spending time as Lyon College’s defensive coordinator. Suber wrapped-up his CFL playing career with 65 games played and 254 defensive tackles.

This, of course, is in addition to naming Tommy Condell offensive coordinator.

1926, Oct 11th: "Senators Set Sail For Big Four Title Win By 8-6"

Aside from the championship game summary on the Grey Cup page, there is very little content about the 1926 Ottawa Rough Riders / Senators team. We're going to remedy that a little bit today.

The following cut outs are from the Ottawa Journal and recap the team's first game that season. Ottawa were launching the defense of their 1925 championship and doing so in style, winning on a field that had been nothing but trouble for them going back to 1912. 

As a sidenote, the article also mentions that Eddie Emerson was the only player on the field to be present when Ottawa last won in Hamilton. 

He wasn't anywhere near done. According to his Canada Sports Hall of Fame biography, he would play until 1937 and in 22 seasons overall. Upon retiring from the playing field, he held the record the longest playing career, which held until 2000. 

1925, Oct. 5th: "Senators Smother Montreal In Opening Game; Score 17-1"

The game summary below is a joint effort between the Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa Journal. The lineup and scoring recap came from the former, while the unfortunately blurry game details are from the Journal.  

Let's take a moment to properly highlight the top performers.

Connell's first name was Charlie. He is a member of the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame for his success in lacrosse, but also recognized for his ability in football and boxing.

Mulroney is Edgar Mulroney, who also played lacrosse. He played hockey as well, and became a referee following his playing days.

Tubman is Joe, a Canadian Football Hall of Fame member, class of 1968. He played from 1919 to 1931 and was the team's captain for this championship season as well as the next.   

"REDBLACKS name Tommy Condell Offensive Coordinator"

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced Monday that veteran CFL coach Tommy Condell has been named the club's offensive coordinator. 

Condell, 52, has helped lead his teams to five Grey Cup appearances in the last decade and brings a wealth of CFL and collegiate experience to the REDBLACKS. Most recently, Condell spent four years as Offensive Coordinator for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a position he held since he was promoted to the role in 2019 until the end of the 2023 campaign. In his first year as OC with the Tabbies, the team went 15-3 and reached the 107th Grey Cup. He added Quarterback Coach to his duties the following season. 

“Throughout the process of getting to know Bob Dyce, time spent exchanging values and beliefs of all things related to football and beyond, made this the ideal situation for myself and family,” said Condell. “The commitment that is tangibly shown in all areas by the Ottawa REDBLACKS and OSEG to bringing another Grey Cup championship to this great city was evident early on.”

The Utica, NY native joined the Argos as Receivers Coach in 2017 and won a Grey Cup championship that year. He was promoted to Offensive Coordinator in 2018. Prior to joining the Argos, Condell had his initial run with the Ticats as Offensive Coordinator and Receivers Coach, twice reaching the Grey Cup game while also losing to the REDBLACKS in the 2015 East Division Final. 

"We are excited to welcome Tommy and his family to Ottawa. The search process for an offensive coordinator was extensive and throughout it, Tommy’s name kept rising to the up of the list," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "Not only were we impressed with Tommy's history of successful offensive production, but he has a proven ability to win at the professional level and play to the strength of his personnel. He has a track record of coming into teams and improving offenses, especially through explosive plays and red zone success."

This will mark Condell's second time coaching in Ottawa, having served as Quarterbacks Coach, Receivers Coach and Passing Coordinator with the Ottawa Renegades. Following a two-year stint in Ottawa and a year as Offensive Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Condell again spent time coaching south of the border before returning to the CFL. 

Condell first coached in the CFL in 1997 when he was Special Teams Coordinator for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His American collegiate coaching credits include time with the McNeese State Cowboys, Louisiana-Monroe Indians, Southeastern Louisiana Lions and Cornell Big Red. 

Four REDBLACKS named CFL East All-Stars

OTTAWA - The Canadian Football League announced, today, that four Ottawa REDBLACKS players have been named among the 2023 East Division All-Stars.

Receiver Justin Hardy, Defensive lineman Bryce Carter, defensive back Brandin Dandridge, and punter Richie Leone have been recognized for their outstanding performances during the season, and have been named to this year's All-Star squad.

Hardy, 31, earns his first All-Star nod, in just his second CFL season. The Washington, D.C. product broke the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time, hauling in 85 passes for 1,009 yards, and three touchdowns. He posted two games of 100+ yards through the air, and made a career-long 54-yard touchdown catch in Week 19 at Toronto.

Carter, 25, broke out with 12 sacks in his sophomore season, finishing tied for second in the CFL. A native of Steelton, Pennsylvania, Carter also ended the year with 31 defensive tackles, and two forced fumbles. He set a new single-game career high in the REDBLACKS' Week 16 win over Saskatchewan, getting to the quarterback three times.

Dandridge, 27, enjoyed an outstanding defensive season; with five interceptions, a pick six, a forced fumble, and 24 defensive tackles. He also made equally significant contributions in the return game, as when DeVonte Dedmon went down with an early-season injury, Dandridge immediately stepped in, and the Lee's Summit, Missouri native returned a punt 79 yards to the endzone in Week 2 vs Calgary. Dandridge racked up a total of 867 return yards, in just 13 games.

Leone, 31, is now a six-time divisional All-Star, and four-time East All-Star, having earned the honour with the REDBLACKS in 2018, 2019, 2021, and now 2023. The Roswell, Georgia native appeared in all 18 games, totalling 5,567 punt yards, including a a pair of 74-yarders.

2023, July 4th: Redblacks Acquire National LB Kevin Francis From Elks

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have acquired National linebacker Kevin Francis from the Edmonton Elks, today, in exchange for Ottawa’s fourth-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft.

The full trade breakdown is as follows.

TO OTTAWA

National LB Kevin Francis

TO EDMONTON

2024 Fourth-round draft pick

Francis, 30, is in the midst of his eighth CFL season, having also spent a pair of stints each with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, REDBLACKS, and BC Lions, respectively. The Toronto native spent the 2022 campaign with the Lions, appearing in all 18 games, and recording a league-leading 22 special teams tackles.

He signed with the Elks on February 14, 2023.

He sure did. Then a month later asked for a trade or his release. Evidently he felt the terms of his contract were not being honoured by Edmonton to his satisfaction and understanding.

There is an additional detail to this deal that is not being reported by the REDBLACKS, though Edmonton included it in their own announcement.

The trade is for Ottawa's highest pick in the fourth round, not simply Ottawa's own pick. Ottawa looked to receive a conditional fourth-round draft choice from BC in a trade made last year for Terry Williams.  If BC were to pick higher in the round than Ottawa, Edmonton gets BC's selection in the round, not Ottawa's.

The photo of Francis above was copied from a 3DownNation article which credited Scott Grant for the work. 

2023 CFL College Draft Results

Updating through the evening. 


01-01 - OL Dontae Bull - Fresno State

Bull, 24, has spent the last five seasons with Fresno State, appearing in 37 games, altogether. The Victoria, British Columbia native started at right tackle for all seven games he suited up in during the 2022 campaign, before his season was cut short due to injury. He entered the year with no shortage of accolades, however; earning All-Mountain West offensive lineman honours, and participating in the 2022 Senior Bowl.

At Fresno State's Pro Day, Bull put up 20 reps on the 225lbs bench press, as well as a 25.5in vertical jump, and eight-foot three-inch broad jump, despite still rehabbing his injured leg.

GM Sean Burke via the Ottawa Sun: "We’re excited to get him. I truly believe he can be a tackle in this league. I believe he has the size, I believe he has the feet to do it. He can be very successful; when he gets his hands on people, he can take them out of the play. We went back and watched every game he’s played, but we focused on some games against some high-level NFL defensive ends where he competed hard and held his own against those guys."

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: “We like his size, he’s got some tenacity – he’s feisty. He can play left tackle, right tackle. I went down to the Pro Day and watched him jump. He still wasn’t running at that point, with his broken leg last year. But he looked great. He has a fantastic demeanour and work ethic which was totally vouched for by the staff (at Fresno State).”

02-10 - DB Lucas Cormier - Mount Allison

Phot credit unavailable

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: “He’s a strong kid with a great personality. He has an aggressive mindset and plays hard all the time. We see him maybe sliding into a linebacker position for us; we’ll try him out there. He’s got great speed, he’s a great tackler, he’s a tough kid.”


02-12 - LB James Peter - uOttawa

Photo by Dylan Benoit, Sharpshooter Media

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "He really impressed me early. I saw him at the (College Gridiron Showcase) game in Texas up close against good competition and he really looked good. He was taking snaps with the first team all week and I was really impressed with his overall effort and ability. He’s highly intelligent and has that dog mentality."

02-17 (T) - WR Daniel Oladejo - uOttawa

Photography by Emir Atli 

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "He’s a great receiver, a nice route runner with great hands. He’s another personality that fits. He’s aggressive, tough, he’s smooth and he wants to play hard. He’s a wants-to-win type of guy. He looked great at the (CFL Combine)."

03-19 - DT Aiden John - Saint Mary's

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "He’s tall; he’s got a great defensive line body type, he’s got a lot of room to grow into his body. He’s got a very athletic frame, very muscle bound. He has a high ceiling and came with a great recommendation from (former Carleton coach) Coach Sumarah out there at SMU."

03-25 - LB Josh White - Regina

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "I think it was one of his coaches who said, ‘He’s a blunt instrument out there.’ He just wants to hit guys as hard as he can and make tackles. He plays fierce and he’s super smart."

05-37 - WR Daniel Perry - Saskatchewan

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "He’s a great receiver with a great work ethic. He’s a pretty smooth route runner with good hands and lots of length. He was a top receiver on one of the top teams in the country. Some of these guys we’re talking about I’m really surprised we got them where we did, especially Daniel."

06-46 - DL Quintin Seguin - Charleston Southern

Photo credit unavailable

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "He’s a big boy who’s tough. I saw him when he was a freshman at North Dakota and I’ve followed him ever since. It’s a steal (to get him this late), it’s kind of lucky."

07-55 - DL Alexander Fedchun - St. Francis Xavier

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "He’s going back to school, we knew that. He’s going to set the sack record at St. FX this year. That tells me he loves football and wants to play. He’s a big-bodied, tall kid and he’s also very aggressive."

07-58 - RB Amlicar Polk - uOttawa

Chad Hudson, via the Ottawa Sun: "He didn’t get first-team reps at tailback (last season, playing behind J-P Cimankinda). We want to see how he fits in for us. Because he didn’t get all the reps on offence, he had some fantastic reps on special teams. He didn’t shy away from anything. We love that."

REDBLACKS add two players in 2023 CFL Global Draft

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS selected Samoan defensive lineman Blessman Ta'ala with the first overall selection in the 2023 CFL Global Draft on Tuesday. 

With their second selection, 10th overall, the REDBLACKS chose Swedish offensive lineman Lucas Lavin.

"We’re excited to add two quality players we had identified as being good fits for our club,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. “We're looking forward to seeing them in camp, and welcoming them to Ottawa.”

Ta'ala, 24, is a 6-2, 305-pound defensive tackle from Pago Pago, American Samoa. He appeared in 64 games over five seasons with the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, racking up a total of 142 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four sacks. 

Lavin, 27, most recently played for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, after transferring from Northern Colorado in the summer of 2022. A native of Nykoping, Sweden, Lavin helped the Mocs to a 7-4 finish, last season.

Ta'ala raised some eyebrows at the Edmonton combine earlier this year when he tied for the most bench-press reps of 225 pound with 29. The Redblacks announced later in the day that Ta'ala had signed with the team. 

1964, Nov 14th: "Riders Run TiCats Ragged - Pick Up 17-Point Bulge"

Continuing to focus on the three players about to enter the TD Place Wall of Honour, today we have a look at Gene Gaines, who played for the Rough Riders from 1962 to 1969.

As mentioned in the press release announcing his addition to the Wall, he returned a kickoff 128 yards for a score against Hamilton in the first of two game for the 1964 Eastern Final. The summary of that game is clipped below, along with an additional snippet in which the accomplishment is put into perspective.

Gaines was a league all-star in 1965, 1966 and 1967 and a Grey Cup champion in 1968 and 1969.

1960, Sept. 15th: "Riders Grind Argos to First Defeat, Thelen Nears Big 4 Rushing Mark"

This post is inspired by the Redblacks' announcement earlier this week that three former Rough Rider players would be added to the stadium's wall of honour, including Dave Thelen.

The announcement lists Thelen's accomplishments quite thoroughly so there's no point in rehashing them here. Rather, the Ottawa Journal story below summarizes a game in which Thelen ran for 209 yards on his way to leading the league in rushing yards that year (1960) and being named an Eastern all-star. The Rough Riders would win the Grey Cup that year, 16-06, against Edmonton.  

March 2nd, 2023: REDBLACKS add Nadia Doucoure to coaching staff

Photo credit unavailable

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have hired Nadia Doucoure as Offensive Quality Control Coach, heading into the 2023 season.

"I'm glad to be back full-time with the REDBLACKS and to be taking this next step in my career," said Doucoure. "I can't wait to get on the field this season representing this great organization. Let's get to work!"

Doucoure served as a scout for the REDBLACKS, in 2022, after taking part in the team's Women in Football internship program during training camp. She becomes the second full-time female coach in CFL history, after previously becoming the first female coach in Carleton Ravens history, joining the program in May of 2021.

"We are pleased to have Nadia join our coaching staff for the 2023 season," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "She will be a valuable addition to the offensive staff."

A native of France, Doucoure's football background is an extensive one. She became involved in the sport in 2002, coaching her local club in La Courneuve. Doucoure also played high-level flag football and rugby, and in 2006, was named technical advisor of France’s National Federation of American Football. Doucoure moved on to Saskatoon from there, learning the rules of Canadian football by coaching locally, and playing for the Saskatoon Valkyries, while coaching women's flag football. Doucoure then returned to Ontario, and took a position with Ontario Football.

February 21st, 2023: "REDBLACKS hire Jykine Bradley to coach defensive backs"

This came as a mild surprise. Following Alex Suber's departure, I assumed DB coaching duties would be managed by defensive coordinator Barron Miles but evidently they preferred to have someone dedicated to that specific position.   

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that former CFLer Jykine Bradley has been hired as the team's Defensive Backs Coach heading into the 2023 season.

"We are very pleased to have Coach Bradley joining our staff as the Defensive Backs Coach," said REDBLACKS Head Coach Bob Dyce. "His breadth of CFL playing and coaching experience will be a definite asset to our coaching staff." 

Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, Bradley was most recently the defensive backs coach for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in 2022: his first foray into the CFL coaching ranks. The 42-year-old previously coached the defensive backs at Northwood University (Division II NCAA) in 2021, and was the wide receivers coach of the Waterloo Warriors (U Sports) from 2017 to 2019. 

As a player, Bradley spent his collegiate career with Middle Tennessee, before a stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2004. He then moved on to Hamilton, where he suited up from 2004 to 2010, and finished his CFL career with Edmonton in 2011.

I choose to see this as a good sign. The team often states that they have all the tools to succeed including the money to spend and the willingness to spend it to improve the club. They could have given the DBs over to Miles or transferred responsibilities around between coaches but they added a salary instead. 

I have no idea what kind of coach Bradley is, but we can at least appreciate that they used the resources available to them and avoided cutting corners.  For a team that gave every indication of going cheap from 2019 to 2021 and still has some work to do to shed that perception, it's a step in the right direction, in my view.

February 17th, 2023: Free Agency, Day 4

The team was still adding bodies four days into FA. Much like the previous day, one was a new face, the other a familiar one.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed National receiver Lemar Durant to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Durant, 30, has suited up in seven CFL seasons, most recently with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2022. He appeared in 11 games, hauling in 12 passes for 112 yards, and a touchdown.

A native of Vancouver, BC, Durant was drafted in the second round, 18th overall, by the Calgary Stampeders in 2015. He spent four seasons in Calgary, highlighted by a Grey Cup victory in 2018, in which he earned Most Outstanding Canadian honours for the championship game. He then spent two seasons with the BC Lions, before moving on to Hamilton.

Through 85 career CFL games, Durant has caught 195 passes for 2,465 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns, to go with 67 rushing yards on nine carries.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed American defensive back Sherrod Baltimore through the 2023 CFL season.

Baltimore, 30, heads into his sixth CFL season, all of which have been played with the REDBLACKS. The Fort Washington, Maryland native appeared in 13 games during the 2022 campaign, tallying 22 defensive tackles, as well as eight pass knockdowns: the fifth-highest total in the league. 

A product of the Maine Black Bears program, Baltimore has become a fan favourite in Ottawa, through 60 career games. He arrived to the REDBLACKS in 2017, putting together a debut season that earned him a Most Outstanding Rookie nomination from the team, and has gone on to record 136 total tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

We need to celebrate having the fifth highest pass knockdown total in the league because Baltimore hasn't recorded an interception since the end of the 2018 season. He's played in 34 games since the start of 2019. 

I know that statistic isn't completely indicative of level of play and one can't make too much of it.  I also get that Baltimore is a community guy and well-liked.

It doesn't seem like there was much interest in him in this free agency period yet here he is again. We appear to be the only team to sign him over and over...

I can't shake the perception that some guys are retained longer than they should be because it's a popular thing to do for the locker room. GM Shawn Burke swears there'll be competition and that jobs won't be handed out. I'll believe it when a popular but unspectacular player like Baltimore is shown the bench so someone else can be given the chance to shine.

Baltimore was the 49th player from the 2022 squad to be retained, and the 20th from the 2021 edition. You probably don't need a reminder that the team has won seven games during that period and lost 25. When the team talked about having "building blocks" in place, I didn't think they meant 49 of them.

February 16th, 2023: Free Agency Day 3

Just a couple of signings to announce from this day, one new face and one returning one.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed National running back Ante Milanovic-Litre to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Milanovic-Litre, 28, spent the 2022 campaign with the Edmonton Elks, after four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders. The Vancouver, British Columbia native appeared in all 18 games, notching 241 rushing yards, and a touchdown, as well as 89 receiving yards.

Drafted 28th overall by Calgary in 2017, Milanovic-Litre was a member of the Stampeders team that captured the Grey Cup in 2018. Through 73 career games, he has racked up 592 rushing yards, and three touchdowns, to go with 319 receiving yards.

Litre was an odd deal because the Edmonton Elks had signed him to an extension in January only to release him on February 13th. Not sure what that was about.

The next gentleman hardly needs introduction...  

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American defensive back, and former CFL All-Star Abdul Kanneh to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Kanneh, 32, is a veteran of eight CFL seasons, five of which have been with the REDBLACKS, in two separate stints. Injury limited him to 12 games in 2022, but Kanneh was still a contributing factor on a stout Ottawa defence; posting 37 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. 

Born in London, England, Kanneh earned a CFL All-Star nod in 2015, and CFL East All-Star honours following the 2016 season, in which he helped the REDBLACKS to their first Grey Cup victory. He has also spent time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Toronto Argonauts.

Full disclosure, I thought that bringing in Cariel Brooks and re-signing Damon Webb meant the end for Kanneh, at least in Ottawa.

The team also quietly added Darius Williams last October, who played defensive back for Montreal in 2022. He'll be 25 in August and already has 24 games under his belt. I look forward to seeing what he can contribute. 

February 15th, 2023: "REDBLACKS re-sign National offensive lineman Hunter Steward"

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed National offensive lineman Hunter Steward through the 2023 CFL season.

Steward, 31, spent last season with the REDBLACKS, after having been with the BC Lions since 2014. The Calgary, Alberta product suited up in all 18 games, and was a key fixture on a retooled, and improved Ottawa offensive line. He played his 100th CFL game in Week 14, at home against the Toronto Argonauts.

Playing his collegiate career with the Liberty Flames, the 6’6 315 lbs Steward was selected sixth overall by the Lions in 2013, and officially began his CFL career the following season.

February 14th, 2023: Free Agency, Day 1

Free agency began at noon Eastern on February 14th. The press release to announce their first acquisition was issued at 13:14.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed American offensive lineman Terran Vaughn to a one-year deal, the team announced today.

Vaughn, 28, has been with the Saskatchewan Roughriders since 2018, and returned to the lineup this season, after missing the 2021 campaign due to injury. The 6’3 305lbs native of Beaumont, Texas, lined up at tackle, and suited up in 10 games during the 2022 season.

Playing his collegiate football at Stephen F. Austin, Vaughn appeared in 46 games, starting in 38, and earned an Honourable Mention All-Southland Conference nod in 2014.

There will a theme among some of the signees, particularly those who previously played for Saskatchewan, of productivity being affected by injury. If Vaughn can stay healthy, he could turn into a solid pick-up. It might be worthwhile to note that he was active for 15 games in 2019.   

The Ottawa REDBLACKS made a splash in free agency, today, signing All-Star American linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox to a two-year deal.

Santos-Knox, 28, has spent the last two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, after stints with the Edmonton Elks, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Waterbury, Connecticut product appeared in 17 games during the 2022 campaign, finishing third in the CFL with 105 total tackles. He also recorded a sack, and earned CFL East All-Star honours, following the season's conclusion.

"I'm extremely excited to call the Nation's Capital my new home and play in front of the amazing fans of RNation!," said Santos-Knox. "After hearing the vision Shawn Burke has for this team and my talks with Coach Dyce, it felt right that this was the place to continue my career and pursuit of a Grey Cup. Can’t wait to throw on the red and black and get to work with the squad!"

After playing his collegiate football at UMass, Santos-Knox signed with the Blue Bombers in 2017, and spent two seasons with the team, before moving on to Edmonton in 2019. He opted out of his contract in August of 2020, and signed with the Ti-Cats on February 6, 2021. 

This one is bittersweet in that it led to the release of Avery Williams a few days earlier. No doubt Santos-Knox is a hell of a player but among the list of priorities for upgrades, this did not seem like it would be near the top. But who knows, maybe after a few games he'll make me realize that we could have been getting even more production from that position. 

Michael Wakefield is coming back to the Ottawa REDBLACKS, with the team announcing that they have signed the American defensive lineman to a one-year deal, today.

Wakefield, 29, played in the nation’s capital from 2017 to 2019, before moving on to the Montreal Alouettes. He suited up in 14 games during the 2022 season, recording 20 tackles, and three sacks.

The Valdosta, Georgia native has appeared in 67 CFL games, all told, posting 99 total tackles, 14 sacks, and an interception. 

After a collegiate career at Florida International from 2012 to 2015, Wakefield attended training camp with the now-Washington Commanders in 2016.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have signed American linebacker Gary Johnson Jr. to a one-year contract.

Johnson, 26, has appeared in the last three CFL seasons, all with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He appeared in six games, last season, recording five total tackles, and has posted 25 tackles, as well as a sack, in 14 career games.

A native of Douglas, Alabama, Johnson played his college football at the University of Texas, where he recorded 150 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, through 26 appearances. 

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed American receiver Shaq Evans to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Evans, 31, has spent four seasons in the CFL, all with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Inglewood, California native suited up in 10 games during the 2022 campaign, hauling in 32 receptions, for 487 yards, and a pair of touchdowns.

In what has been a productive CFL career, Evans has appeared in 52 games with the Riders, making 179 receptions, for a total of 2,830 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. He earned CFL All-Star honours following the 2019 season, after posting career-high’s across the board; including 1,334 receiving yards on 72 receptions, and five touchdowns.

A fourth-round, 115th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Evans also spent time with the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys, from 2014 to 2017.

And so closed the Day 1 activities, 90 minutes or so later.  There wasn't a lot of flash to it; no big splash like a highly-productive WR along the lines of Geno Lewis or Jake Weineke, more of a low-risk, high-potential-reward approach for the most part.

Rumours of signing Hamilton DE Julian Howsare never came to fruition, though I believe that one just grew out of lazy assumption. He was being associated with his club's former co-GM in Shawn Burke. I don't recall coming across anything concrete to suggest he was ever coming to Ottawa.

We did see reports of the team agreeing to terms with another Hamilton player in running back Wes Hills, however upon the end of his contract Hills chose to sign with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL instead.

February 14th, 2023: "REDBLACKS sign American defensive back Cariel Brooks"

This move actually took place a couple of hours prior to the start of the free agency period as Brooks had been released by Hamilton a few days prior. 

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have signed free agent American defensive back Cariel Brooks to one-year contract.

Brooks, 31, is a veteran of five CFL seasons, all of which have been spent with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Miami, Florida product suited up in 12 games during the 2022 season, recording 35 tackles, and six pass knockdowns. 

Across his career, Brooks has appeared in 70 CFL games, notching 207 total tackles, two sacks, 12 interceptions, and four forced fumbles, helping the Ti-Cats to Grey Cup appearances in 2019, and 2021. He was named a CFL East All-Star in 2018, and a CFL All-Star in 2021. 

Upon graduating from the Adams State program, Brooks signed with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2015, before moving on to the Toronto Argonauts practice squad in 2017, and eventually to Hamilton, that season.

I continue to appreciate that General Manager Shawn Burke is not intimidated by a player's age. It doesn't always work out; he signed one or two players last year that were clearly past their best-before date. Brooks will be 32 before camp starts but having been named an Eastern All-Star as recently as the 2021, hopefully still has a little gas in the tank.

February 9th, 2023: "Original REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau announces retirement"

PRESS RELEASE - Original Ottawa REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau is calling it a career, today, announcing his retirement after a decorated eight-season CFL career.

"Antoine Pruneau is synonymous with REDBLACKS football," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "The passion he brought to the field was unmatched. He took great pride in wearing the “R” and it was evident in his leadership and play. I know he will bring the same energy to the next chapter of his career. We thank him and wish he and his family nothing but the best."

A product of Laval, Québec, Pruneau played his collegiate football at the University of Montreal, before being drafted fourth overall by the REDBLACKS in 2014. His rookie campaign saw him record 79 total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, earning CFL Rookie of the Month honours for October. He helped the REDBLACKS to Grey Cup appearances in 2015, and 2018, as well as their first championship victory in 2016.

"Antoine Pruneau has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to this organization which will be tough to replace," said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. "We congratulate him on a job well done, a great career and wish him all the best in what comes next. He will always be a REDBLACK."

The 33-year-old Pruneau ends his CFL career as the REDBLACKS' all-time leader in games played (122), and total tackles (448), to go with 10 interceptions, four sacks, and four forced fumbles.

"Antoine personifies what it means to be a REDBLACK," said OSEG CEO Mark Goudie. "He left everything he had on the field, played through broken bones and helped bring a Grey Cup back to this city. But his contributions extended far beyond his play; he has been a leader in the community, the self-proclaimed leader of the French Mafia and a key piece in ushering along the next era of talented REDBLACKS players. Thank you, Antoine, on behalf of the REDBLACKS, OSEG and everyone who loves this game in Ottawa."

Away from the field, Pruneau long ago cemented his status as a fan favourite in the community. From working with local university football players, to guest coaching youth football, and acting as an all-around ambassador for the team in the Ottawa-Gatineau community, Pruneau's impact will remain an unforgettable part of REDBLACKS history. 

A statement from Antoine Pruneau:

"I had the best job in the world and I will forever be grateful to the people that accompanied me during this journey! 

To RNation: Thank you for your unconditional support throughout my career. Through the great moments and the tougher ones, you were incredible towards me and I will never forget this moment spent at your side. 

To my coaches: Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the countless hours. Mostly, thank you for all the conversations that led me to be a better man. You were all great mentors! 

To my teammates: Thank you for being so inspirational. I am going to miss our time on the field but I'll miss the time away from the game with you all even more. FrenchMafia! Thank you for all the fun, all the jokes, all the wild times. Details on a succession plan to come. 

To my family and friends: I truly believe that I am surrounded by the best people. You have been by my side from the very beginning and the influence you have had on me has allowed me to live my dream for nine beautiful years. I love you."