The Ottawa Redblacks came into the 2024 off-season, knowing they needed help on the offensive line. They went out and brought in several players including multiple starting-caliber players. That has not stopped them from being concerned about their depth heading into week one of the preseason. 

With their preseason game just days away, the Redblacks signed OL Cooper Hamilton. In a corresponding move, Ottawa released undrafted rookie running back Jared Chisari. Chisari’s time with the Redblacks lasted just a matter of weeks, but he also is now on the radar of other teams. 

Who is Cooper Hamilton? 

Standing 6’7 310 pounds Hamilton is a national player from Innisfil, Ontario. He attended Wilfrid Laurier for five seasons filling out his 6’7 frame by adding 35 pounds of muscle after arriving at University. 

He was named a team captain in 2021, and 2023. During the 2022, and 2023 campaigns, he was named an OAU Second Team All-Star. 

Hamilton is a left tackle by trade, and a player that had at least turned a few NFL heads even if it didn’t result in a contract. A participant in the FCS National Bowl alongside fellow Canadians Tyson Hergott, and he gets to reunite with Dawson Pierre. 

Hamilton seemingly took a back seat to other players on his team who were garnering more attention. He has now found his way onto a CFL roster. The question is can he stick past final cuts or is this a temporary bandaid for preseason? The latter part is up to Hamilton.