g">Tobias Harris, Defensive Back, Old Dominion

This move came as somewhat of a surprise. Harris is a rookie defensive back who spent his final season with Old Dominion as a starting cornerback. He played in 9 games collecting 33 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 12 pass deflections, and 1 interception. He also added 2 punt returns for 36 yards. 

While playing for West Texas A&M Harris was heavily involved on special teams which could be a big reason he finds himself on Ottawa’s practice roster. Having lost Dedmon, their top cornerback Brandin Dandridge had been asked to step in as the primary punt returner, while appearing on kick return as well. While Dandridge has shown a knack for finding the end-zone so has Harris. 

Harris playing in 34 games over four seasons scored seven touchdowns while playing primarily defense. With 53 kick returns he managed 1,160 yards, and 1 touchdown. On 61 punt returns he managed 804 yards and 2 touchdowns, more importantly this ball-hawk managed 17 interceptions for 323 yards and 4 touchdowns. 

Adding 162 tackles, 5.5

for a loss, .5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and an astounding 42 pass deflections it’s clear Ottawa just added a promising young prospect, and didn’t care if it meant losing some depth at linebacker where they saw key players return from injury last week. I personally will be keeping an eye on Harris, he could be a starter before we know it if he can flash his unbelievable ability to play the ball in the air. 

Maurice Ffrench, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh

The Redblacks have added another receiver. Bringing in Maurice Ffrench a 5’11 200 pound wideout from Pittsburgh. At just 24 years old, French is still very young despite the fact that he graduated from Pittsburgh in 2019.

Originally listed as a wide receiver, as a true freshman Ffrench would play both ways lining up at defensive back due to injuries. He would play in 45 games during college, starting 22. He would show his versatility, and value on special teams along the way. Acting as a “wideback” he took 22 carries for 49 yards and 4 touchdowns while also racking up 156 receptions for 1,637 yards and 10 touchdowns despite the fact that he didn’t catch a single pass until his sophomore season.

Over his career he quit

e literally played all phases of the game and managed to collect a total of 27 kick returns for 652 yards and 2 touchdowns, 28 punt returns for 164 yards and 6 tackles. As a senior Ffrench had a career year catching 96 passes for 850 yards and 4 touchdowns, 9 carries for 22 yards, adding 5 kick returns for 94 yards, 27 punt returns for 166 yards as well as 2 tackles.

After falling out of the NFL draft, he signed with the Chiefs who kept him on the practice squad for two seasons. After that he had a brief stay with the Chargers ultimately being called up in week 9. He appeared on just one play in three games, a 17 yard kick return before being waived and re-signed to the practice squad. He would sign a futures deal, and compete for a roster spot with the Chargers all off-season before being let go in August.

He ultimately made the leap to the CFL with the Elks in 2023. He would start four games for the Elks before being let go in July. He caught 15 passes for 190 yards and 1 touchdown, as well as 1 tackle. He was not used in the return game. Now he resides on Ottawa’s practice roster. This is likely just a precursor to an inevitable move up to the active roster down the line.