The Hamilton Tiger-Cats continue to add depth to their defensive position groups as training camp approaches. They announced they had signed American defensive back Lawrence Woods III and National linebacker Enock Makonzo. The CFL Transactions list also shows that Hamilton has added American defensive lineman Vonnie Watkins.

Woods III returns to the Tiger-Cats after signing with the BC Lions in December 2023. The 5’9″, 180-pound defensive back returns to the Tiger-Cats after playing the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Hamilton. While playing for the Tiger-Cats, Woods III has played in 21 games and has recorded 34 total tackles, with 23 of those being defensive tackles. Along with playing defensive back, Woods III has established himself as a dangerous kick and punt returner, and he has returned 56 kickoffs for 1,267 yards and a touchdown, 70 punts for 869 yards, and three missed field goals for 48 yards.

Linebacker Enock Makonzo comes to Hamilton after spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Edmonton Elks. The Elks drafted Makonzo in the first round of the 2022 CFL Draft; over the last two seasons, he played in 21 games for the Elks. During that time, he recorded 68 total tackles, with 67 being defensive tackles, two quarterback sacks, and two forced fumbles.

American defensive lineman Vonnie Watkins is a 6’4″, 238-pound native of Lusby, Maryland. He played college football at Ohio University from 2019 until 2023. While playing for the Bobcats, he played in 33 games and registered 83 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 9.5 quarterback sacks, deflected three passes, and forced four fumbles.

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