OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced on Friday the signing of nine players, including American defensive backs C.J. Coldon, Woo Governor, Kenyon Reed, and Chris McDonald. The roster additions also feature American defensive lineman Sam Latham, offensive linemen Kendrick Sartor and Kobe Rios, and receivers Lincoln Victor and Ayir Asante.
C.J. Coldon, who initially joined the REDBLACKS on September 3, 2024, appeared in one game against his former team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The 26-year-old had a stint with the Roughriders in the 2024 preseason after spending time on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice roster in 2023. Coldon shone during his college career, earning an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention at Oklahoma in 2022, where he tallied 26 solo tackles, four interceptions, and six pass breakups in 12 games. Before that, he played 24 games for Wyoming from 2018 to 2021, amassing 48 solo tackles, two interceptions, and 17 pass breakups.
Woo Governor joins the team after a notable college career at Northern Iowa, where he recorded 62 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in 2023. He was a Second Team All-MVFC selection in 2022, thanks to 61 tackles and four interceptions, including two pick-sixes. Before transferring to Northern Iowa, he appeared in 10 games for Central Michigan between 2019 and 2020. Governor also participated in the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 preseason.
Kenyon Reed brings CFL experience, having played three games for the Calgary Stampeders last season, where he recorded 10 tackles and a sack. In his CFL debut in 2019 with the Stampeders, Reed achieved a single-game career-high of six tackles. During his college days at San Jose State, Reed played in 37 games, making 102 tackles and recording two interceptions. He also redshirted for Kansas State in 2019.
Sam Latham is a versatile defensive lineman who transferred to Texas State for the 2024 season, appearing in six games and recording 15 tackles, including six for loss and 2.5 sacks. At Incarnate Word, Latham played 41 games from 2019 to 2022 and registered 88 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and six-and-a-half sacks.
Kendrick Sartor signed with the REDBLACKS on September 18, 2024, after playing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023. Sartor made six appearances for Hamilton, including two games against Ottawa, and returned for the 2024 preseason. At Marshall University, Sartor made 24 starts during his four collegiate seasons from 2019 to 2022.
Kobe Rios fortified Illinois State’s offensive line during his two-year starting tenure in 2022 and 2023, where he made 12 starts across 15 games and helped the team limit sacks. Before transferring to Illinois State, Rios played at Iowa Western Community College, where he contributed to a conference and regional championship in his final season.
Lincoln Victor, another September 18, 2024 signing, earned a tryout with the New York Giants after his college career at Washington State. Over 37 games for the Cougars, Victor caught 137 passes for 1,401 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 27 kickoff returns for 542 yards and played for Hawaii from 2019 to 2020, where he added three touchdowns and 511 return yards.
Ayir Asante spent the 2024 preseason with the New York Giants after playing for Wyoming in 2023. He logged 21 receptions for 372 yards and six touchdowns and added a rushing score during his lone season with the Cowboys. Prior to Wyoming, Asante excelled at Holy Cross, where he was a three-time Second Team All-Patriot League honoree. Across 40 games for Holy Cross, he recorded 117 catches for 1,718 yards and 16 touchdowns.
These signings reflect the REDBLACKS’ commitment to building depth and versatility as they strengthen their roster heading into the upcoming season.
