The Ottawa Redblacks have released seven American players, including quarterback Matthew McKay, receivers Dontay Demus, Sam James Jr., and Garett Maag, offensive lineman Des Holmes, defensive lineman Michael Anderson, and defensive back Elijah Blades. The club also cut Canadian kicker Michael Domagala.
McKay completed 61.0 percent of his passes at Elon University, an FCS program located in Elon, N.C., for 2,709 yards, 21 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also ran the ball 119 times for 458 yards and three touchdowns.
The native of Raleigh, N.C. started his collegiate career at North Carolina State University where he threw for 997 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He also rushed for 99 yards and five touchdowns with the Wolfpack.
The 24-year-old transferred to Montana State University in 2020, though the season was cancelled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He went 9-2 as a starter the following season, throwing for 2,037 yards, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also rushed for 316 yards and two touchdowns.
The six-foot-four, 212-pound passer ran a 4.90-second forty-yard dash at his pro day in 2023 along with a 4.72-second shuttle, 7.26-second three-cone drill, 114-inch broad jump, and 29.5-inch vertical. He has since had a stint with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL.
CFL teams were required to shorten their rosters to 75 players plus non-counters as of Wednesday morning.
The Redblacks also moved American running back T.J. Hammonds and Canadian linebacker Josh White to the team’s retired list.
