The 10 years of Ottawa REDBLACKS history have produced many highlights, celebrations, and memorable moments. For the fans, the players on the field have become idols, important figures in the community, and in some cases, close friends.
In celebration of the REDBLACKS’ All-Decade game on August 24th, members of the media were given the opportunity to vote on who they believed earned a spot on the All-Decade Team, and now, you’ll find out who made the list. Today, it’s the guys quarterbacks see in their nightmares, the defensive line.
Defensive end – Lorenzo Mauldin IV
Lorenzo Mauldin is now in his third season with the REDBLACKS, and his tenure in the nation’s capital has come with a good bit of history. Wrangling 17 sacks in his first season with the club, he set a franchise record for the most in a single season, and with that number now up to 26, he has overtaken Justin Capiccotti for the most as a REDBLACK.
Prior to coming to Ottawa, Mauldin spent a pair of seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he bagged three sacks. The former New York Jets’ career took off with the REDBLACKS, and now, his picture hangs on a 20+ foot banner outside of the stadium.
Mauldin took home the honours of being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, leading the league in quarterback sacks. He was also named a CFL All-Star that same season.
Defensive end – Avery Ellis
From 2017 until 2021, Avery Ellis was a feared member of the REDBLACKS’ pass rush. In four seasons, the Temple alum sacked the quarterback 18 times, and forced a pair of fumbles, while making 129 tackles, using his mobility to his advantage.
Ellis helped the REDBLACKS to the 2018 Grey Cup in Edmonton.
Defensive tackle – Moton Hopkins
Moton Hopkins was always a fan favourite in his time in Ottawa, which began when the REDBLACKS selected him with the third overall pick in the expansion draft. Anchoring the middle of the defensive front, Hopkins collected eight sacks in his three seasons with the REDBLACKS, pairing them with 66 tackles.
The crowning achievement for the Miami, Florida native is the 2016 season, which followed many career highs in 2015. He helped the REDBLACKS to a first-place finish in the East Division, and subsequently a Grey Cup championship.
Hopkins retired following the 2017 season, wrapping up his career with 17 sacks, and most importantly, a ring.
Defensive tackle – Cleyon Laing
Cleyon Laing has been one of the top defensive tackles in the CFL for a number of years, so it’s only fitting he cracks the All-Decade team. His first stint with the REDBLACKS came at the tail end of the 2016 season, when he was released by the Miami Dolphins. He stepped up, and helped Ottawa win their first Grey Cup in 40 years.
After returning to the Toronto Argonauts, he came back to Ottawa in 2021, and has been here ever since. He has been a steady presence on the field, and a mentor off of it.
The four-time East All-Star has 13 sacks in his REDBLACKS tenure.
