Things to watch for as Ottawa Redblacks form CFL roster that should contend for Grey Cup

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The Ottawa Redblacks had a taste of success last season when they made the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Now they’re hungry for more.

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The team’s main training camp began Sunday at Queen’s University in Kingston, with the roster moulding continuing through two pre-season games — Saturday, May 24 (4 p.m.) in Montreal and a return match with the Alouettes at TD Place on Friday, May 30 (7 p.m.) — before the Redblacks open their 2025 schedule in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday, June 5 at 9 p.m. (EDT).

Players, coaches and management are anxious to build on last year’s 9-8-1 record and redeem themselves after a 58-38 loss to the Toronto Argos in the East semifinal.

This season, the Redblacks should be considered a Grey Cup contender.

“It’s exciting whenever something new begins,” GM Shawn Burke said from his camp vantage point in Kingston. “You’re excited to see the returns on your hard work in the off-season. Coach (Bob) Dyce and his staff, and the personnel staff, did a lot to put this group together, and you’re excited to get out there and see it.

“It’s the start of the 2025 Redblacks’ journey,” added Burke. “Everyone talks about previous seasons being good or bad, but the reality is, everyone in the league right now is undefeated and winless, and you just want to get out there and see what you have.”

As is the case with every team, much will rest on the pitching arm of the No. 1 quarterback.

Despite missing some time with injuries, Dru Brown established himself as a strong leader last season, his first as a starter.

The 28-year-old former Winnipeg Blue Bomber backup was third in league passing yards (3,959) with a 67.2 completion rate, 18 touchdown tosses and 10 interceptions.

Deeming him the answer to the problems they’ve had at the position since Trevor Harris led the team to the Grey Cup game seven years ago, the Redblacks signed Brown to a contract extension that runs through the 2026 season.

“We have a strong belief in him,” said Burke. “I think with him coming in now, his second year in the city, knowing the organization, knowing the offence, knowing his teammates … he expects to make strides. Dru’s a very process-oriented quarterback that doesn’t leave any page unturned, and we’re excited to see him pick up where he left off and continue to grow.”

Here are a few things to watch for from the Redblacks as they battle for jobs at camp:

Backing up Brown

Replacing Jeremiah Masoli as the veteran in the QB room is Matt Shiltz, a 32-year-old who spent last year in Calgary, where he missed seven games with an ankle injury, but played in 10 and started two. It was his first season out west after the previous two with Hamilton and the first five of his CFL career with the Alouettes. He’ll compete for the role of Brown’s primary backup, but he’ll get pushed by returnees Dustin Crum and Tyree Adams, who lacks pro experience, but has the most raw ability of the bunch.

Lugging the pill

After spending last year battling back from a torn Achilles he suffered in off-season training, former 1,000-yard rusher Devonte Williams decided to retire in April to pursue business opportunities in the U.S. Fortunately, the Redblacks addressed their need for a dependable ball carrier when they signed William Stanback, a 30-year-old Virginian. Stanback was second in league rushing last year with 1,175 yards for the Lions. It was his third CFL season in triple digits as he also hit the milestone in 2019 (1,048) and 2021 (1,176) with the Als. At 6-feet, 200 pounds, he’ll carry the load, and be a load, for Ottawa. Battling for the backup American spot behind him are Jaylen Daniels and Elijah Collins, both of whom have NFL camp experience. Daniel Adeboboye, who was acquired in a trade with the Argos, will serve as the multi-dimensional Canadian, while veteran homebrews Anthony Gosselin and Marco Dubois are solidified in roles at fullback and on special teams.

Moving targets

Ottawa’s marquee signing of the offseason was Geno Lewis, a three-time 1,000-yard receiver who should improve an aerial attack that was already among the league’s best. On Monday, the Redblacks announced they had re-signed Kalil “The Thrill” Pimpleton to an extension through the 2027 season, and it should be fun to watch what he can do as a starter right out of camp. He’ll team with veterans Justin Hardy, who was second in CFL receiving yards last year with 1,343, and Bralon Addison to form the foundation of Ottawa’s pass-catching group, while Andre Miller is expected to get more playing time this year, as should Maurice Ffrench. Other Americans pushing for work include Ayir Asante, Jaelen Gill, Je’Quan Burton, Latreal Jones, Lincoln Victor and Sam Schnee. Nick Mardner, a former second overall pick, will have competition for his job as the lead Canadian receiver from Keelan White, who the Redblacks picked third overall in last month’s draft. Other Canadians in the mix include Ethan Jordan and Darius Simmons.

Protectors and hole makers

American Dino Boyd has returned from a season-ending biceps injury and will be back as the starting left tackle, while at the other end of the line will be former University of Ottawa Gee-Gee Zack Pelehos, an imposing Gananoque native who made big strides last year. Between those pillars will be Peter Godber, an established veteran who will start at centre immediately surrounded by a couple of exceptional veteran guards in Drew Desjarlais and Dariusz Bladek. Jacob Ruby and Eric Starczala are back to provide depth, with the likes of Daniel Keys, Kobe Rios, Tristan Fortin, Malcolm Lamar Sr., Darta Lee, Kendrick Sartor, Isaac Moore and second-round pick Samuel Carson also battling for employment. Former first overall pick Dontae Bull retired to mend a biceps injury, but could resurface at some point.

Forming a solid front

Entrenched in the middle of the Redblacks’ defensive line are veterans Cleyon Laing and Bryce Carter, while ends Lorenzo Mauldin and Michael Wakefield, who were tied for the league lead in sacks last year, will get back to hunting down quarterbacks. Also playing an important role will be Canadians Aidan John and Kene Oneyka, with more positive development expected from Saskatoon’s Daniel Okpoko, an 11th overall draft pick in 2024. Nigel Romick, an original Redblack and leader, will be back to provide depth and special teams expertise, while returnee Blessman Ta’ala has the inside track on a backup job. Others pushing include Jason Williams, Ronheen Bingham, John Morgan, Deandre Johnson, Chase McGowan, Jake Heimlicher, Deionte Knight and and Toronto’s Muftah Ageli.

Linebacker land

Veteran leader and middle man Jovan Santos-Knox returns as the foundation, while Frankie Griffin and Davion Taylor are back to form a competitive battle for starting work at WILL. Lucas Cormier is in the mix, as is Tyron Vrede, James Peter, Dawson Pierre, Cam Bright, Ayinde Eley, Brendan Jackson and Jayden Griffiths.

The back end

A big plus should be the return of all-star Adarius Pickett, a.k.a. “The Party Starter”, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 15 of the 2024 season and is back on a one-year deal. Also returning from injury is safety Alonzo Addae, with depth provided by Justin Howell, Yani Gouadfel, Charlie Ringland and Eric Cumberbatch. Competing at the corner spots are Alijah McGheee, C.J. Coldon, Craig James and Derrek Pitts Jr.  Among those in the halfback battle are the likes of returnees Deandre Lamont, Tobias Harris, Bennett Williams and Adrian Frye, along with Amari Henderson,  Robert Priester, Shakur Brown, Chris McDonald, King Ambers, Kenyon Reed, Woo Governor and Gavin Heslop.

Best foot forward

The reliable Lewis Ward will be once again booting balls through the uprights, with reliable incumbent Richie Leone back in his role as punter while being pushed by Australian Callum Eddings and Noah Gettman. Last but not least, Peter Adjey returns to handle long snapping chores.