The Ottawa REDBLACKS added local product Brendan Gillanders on Tuesday, signing the national fullback to a two-year contract.
The 25-year-old Orléans native most recently played with the Toronto Argonauts after signing with the club in 2013. Gillanders featured in 16 games for the Argos during his two years there, including 15 games last year when he caught seven passes for 104 yards. He played his first game at TD Place with the Argos last July.
“We’re always looking to add quality Canadian players to the roster because you can never have enough of those guys,” said REDBLACKS general manager Marcel Desjardins, adding he expects Gillanders to contribute on both offence and on special teams. “The fact that he is a local product is a bonus but we would have tried to sign him regardless.”
He played for his hometown University of Ottawa Gee-Gees from 2009-2013 and the 5’11, 211-lb fullback was named a first-team OUA all-star in 2013 after running for 740 yards and pulling down 321 yards in receptions while adding five touchdowns.
Gillanders’ arrival in Ottawa will see him reconnect with former Gee-Gees teammate and current REDBLACKS wide receiver Brad Sinopoli.
Gillanders was the second former Argonaut to join the REDBLACKS on Tuesday after the club announced the signing of 2015 standout quarterback Trevor Harris earlier in the day.
Season tickets for the 2016 REDBLACKS season are available by clicking here or calling 613-232-6767, x1.
