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. 

We play football this week🫡

— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) May 21, 2024

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. 

We've made the following moves today:

SIGNED
🇨🇦 OL Cooper Hamilton

RELEASED
🇨🇦 RB Jared Chisari#ALLIN | 🔗: https://t.co/84peo3S0iS pic.twitter.com/gLECtjQk7r

— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) May 21, 2024

Who is Cooper Hamilton? 

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tanding 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. 

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amilton 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.