Five takeaways from the Redblacks’ cuts

The Ottawa Redblacks made 29 transactions this weekend in order to trim their active roster to the league mandated 46 players. To do so, they released 19 players and added ten to their practice roster.

Released:

• International receiver Garry Brown (California – PA)
• International defensive back Victor Gamboa (Eastern Washington)
• International defensive lineman Bruce Gaston (Purdue)
• International offensive lineman David Goldsby (Buffalo)
• National running back Ed Ilnicki (Alberta)
• International running back Cedrick O’Neal (Valdosta State)
• International linebacker D.J. Sanders (Middle Tennessee State)
• International defensive back Brandon Stewart (Kansas)
• National receiver Stephen Ugbah (Manitoba)
• International receiver Chance Allen (Houston)
• International linebacker Ezekiel Bigger (East Carolina)
• International defensive back Dejaun Butler (Hawaii)
• International kicker Sergio Castillo (West Texas A&M)
• National linebacker Tanner Doll (Calgary)
• International receiver Kieren Duncan (Colorado State – Pueblo)
• International offensive lineman Kendall Pace (Columbia)
• International offensive lineman Jordan Rose (Idaho)
• International defensive lineman Teidrick Smith (Mary Hardin – Baylor)
• National running back Wayne Moore (McMaster)

Added to practice roster:

• International quarterback Will Arndt (Wetern Connecticut State)
• International defensive back Sherrod Baltimore (Maine)
• International offensive lineman Armando Bonheur (Samford)
• International defensive lineman Harold Brantley (Northwest Missouri State)
• International receiver Seth Coate (St. Francis – IN)
• National linebacker Mickael Cote (Concordia)
• National offensive lineman Jacob Cjaza (St. Francis Xavier)
• International defensive back Reggie Daniels (Oregon)
• International defensive back Aarion Penton (Missouri)
• International receiver R.J. Shelton (Michigan State)

Here are a few quick takeaways:

– The release of Sergio Castillo means the Redblacks will use a dual kicker approach. Look for Canadian Lewis Ward to handle placekicking and American Richie Leone to do punts and kickoffs.

– Given that William Powell and Mossis Madu are firmly entrenched atop the running back depth chart, it’s no real surprise to see a trio of running backs released. That said, Canadians Wayne Moore and Ed Ilnicki didn’t look out of place when given carries.

– Surprised to see Kieren Duncan leaving the nation’s capital. In two pre-season outings he returned eight punts for 78 yards and two kickoffs for 74 yards. He also had long returns of 57 and 34 yards. As a receiver, he made a single catch for 54 yards. Typically players with a habit of making big explosive plays stick around.

– The release of linebacker Tanner Doll leaves Ottawa with a single long snapper on their roster (second year pro Louis-Philippe Bourassa).

– I never imagined Sherrod Baltimore would land on the practice roster. Coming off a strong rookie season, Baltimore was expected to take his game to the next level this year. His demotion speaks to the quality of defensive backs added in the off-season.