Ottawa Redblacks sign three Global Draft picks plus another Global player

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed three of their picks from the 2021 CFL Global Draft and inked global linebacker Ryan David Gomes, the club announced on Thursday.

Ryan David Gomes, Global linebacker (Brazil)

Although Gomes was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was raised in Brazil but only started playing football at the age of 18. He played for the Belo Horizonte Galo in Brazil as well as for the Mexican university team,  La Universidad de las Américas Puebla in Puebla. According to the Redblacks, Gomes is a player who has great potential with his speed, agility and instincts and will be able to come and compete for a role on the special teams.

Ryan David Gomes, #28, catching a football in front of Greg Quick during CFL Combine in Brazil Photo: Gilson Junior/Divulgação/ Futebol Americano Brasil

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Tyron Vrede, Global linebacker (Holland)

Vrede from Amsterdam in Holland,  was selected by the Ottawa REDBLACKS in the second round (10th overall) of the 2021 CFL Global Draft. He started playing football with his hometown Amsterdam Crusaders and made his way to the University of North Dakota where in his junior year in 2018 he saw action in 11 games for UND. He recorded 15 solo tackles and 23 in total. He was fifth on the team with six tackles for loss. During his senior year, Vrede played in 12 games and made 33 tackles with 4 for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Chris Ferguson, Global offensive lineman (Bahamas)

Ferguson was drafted by the Ottawa REDBLACKS in the third round (27th overall) of the 2021 CFL Global Draft. During his senior year at the University of Cincinnati, Ferguson led the Bearcats offensive line that recorded a total of 343 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. The 2019 season was marked by the third bowl game appearance for Ferguson during his time with the Bearcats. In April 2018, Ferguson earned his degree in criminal justice.

Tony Anderson, Global defensive back (France)

Anderson was drafted by Ottawa in the fourth round (28th overall) of the 2021 CFL Global Draft. He started his football journey in France with Les Templiers D’Elancourt. In 2018, he played his senior year with the Grand View University Vikings. Anderson led the team with four interceptions while adding 48 tackles and a fumble recovery. He declared for the 2019 NFL Draft in 2019 and landed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent.

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