The Edmonton Elks have officially signed Canadian linebacker Woodly Appolon after acquiring his rights via trade from the Ottawa Redblacks in February.
The Elks gave up a second-round pick, 12th overall, in the 2023 CFL Draft in exchange for the Montreal native, who was selected with the 40th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft. Head coach and general manager Chris Jones recently told 3DownNation that the deal was a “bargain” for the team.
Appolon began his collegiate career at Highland Community College in Kansas, before transferring to Butler Community College. He played safety at both stops but eventually earned a shot as a linebacker at the University of Northern Illinois, dressing for one game during the 2020 season.
The six-foot-four, 220-pound backer eventually transferred to Tuskegee University, a historically black Division II program in Alabama. He played 10 games in 2021, amassing 70 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass deflections, an interception and a forced fumble. He returned to school in 2022 despite being drafted, recording 18 tackles including one for a loss in eight games.
Edmonton drafted his identical twin brother, Wesly Appolon, one spot before him in the 2022 CFL Draft. He earned the starting job at weakside linebacker out of training camp before suffering a season-ending knee injury on the first defensive play of the season opener.
The club also announced the signing of American punter Noah Gettman.
The 22-year-old specialist began his collegiate career at Sacred Heart University, suiting up in 40 games over four seasons with the Pioneers. He was named an FCS second-team All-American in 2021, averaging 39.6 yards on punts and 49.5 yards on kickoffs during his tenure.
Gettman transferred to the University of Akron for his final collegiate season in 2022. He averaged 40.6 yards on 61 punts and 56.6 yards per kickoff in 12 games for the Zips.