The Edmonton Elks signed quarterback William McElvain and offensive lineman Will Marotta while releasing wide receiver Frederik Antoine and offensive lineman Patrick Lavoie on Wednesday according to the CFL Transactions page.
William McLevain is five foot eleven and weighs 185 pounds. The 25-year-old from Des Moines, Iowa, transferred to the University of Central Arkansas (2022-24) completing 610 of 965 passes (63%) for 7,163 yards, 58 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 150 carries for -2 yards, two touchdowns, punting the ball 24 times for 925 yards (38.5 AVG), with a long of 64 yards, two touchbacks, two fair catches, 13 pass breakups, and five from 50-plus yards in 32 games for the Bears.
Collegiately, McLevain played three seasons at Northern Iowa (2019-21) completing 298 of 564 passes (53%) for 3,953 yards, 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 199 carries for 430 yards, and three touchdowns in 24 games for the Panthers.
Frederik Antoine is six foot one and weighs 217 pounds. The 27-year-old from Quebec, Quebec, was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in the fifth round (47th pick) in the 2024 CFL Draft.
Antoine played one preseason game against the Ottawa Redblacks making one catch for seven yards. He was released by the Alouettes on June 1, 2024. The Edmonton Elks signed Antoine on June 18, 2024. In 2024, he appeared in seven games recording no stats.
Collegiately, Antoine played two seasons at Old Dominion (2020-21) appearing in one game for the Monarchs recording no stats. Then, he transferred to the University of Laval (2022-23) making 29 catches for 330 yards, and one touchdown in 13 games for the Rouge Et Or. He helped Laval win the 2022 Vanier Cup. In 2023, Antoine made 10 catches for 117 yards and one touchdown in five games.
Will Marotta is six foot five and weighs 325 pounds. A native of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, Marotta played 12 games for the Great Danes in 2024. In 2024, Albany averaged 19.58 points per game, 108.7 rushing yards per game, 226 passing yards per game, 334.7 total yards per game, 29 touchdowns, and allowed 36 sacks finishing 4-8 for the season. He was named an All-CAA Honorable Mention.
Collegiately, Marotta played five seasons at the University of Albany (2021-24) playing 47 games, of which 38 were starts for the Great Danes. He was named Third Team All-CAA in 2023. In 2023, Albany averaged 28.40 points per game, 121.9 rushing yards per game, 242.27 passing yards per game, 364.2 total yards per game, 56 touchdowns, and allowed 36 sacks finishing 11-4 for the season appearing in the FCS Playoffs.
Patrick Lavoie is six foot four and weighs 294 pounds. The 25-year-old from Gatineau, Quebec, was drafted in the seventh round (63rd pick) of the 2024 CFL Draft. Lavoie did not play for the Elks in the preseason. He was placed on the suspended list on May 19, 2024, and returned to Carleton for his final collegiate season. The Elks re-signed him on December 6, 2024.
Collegiately, Lavoie played four seasons at Carleton University (2019-24) playing guard and center in 37 games for the Ravens. In 2019, he was named the team’s Rookie of the Year. In 2024, Carleton’s offense averaged 28.3 points per game, 399.8 yards per game, 276.3 rushing yards per game, and 23 touchdowns.
