The Ottawa Redblacks signed linebacker Les Maruo to the practice squad on Monday.
Les Maruo is six foot and weighs 225 pounds. The 29-year-old from Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan, signed with the Edmonton Elks on June 29, 2024. In 2024, he made eight tackles on special teams in nine games. He became a free agent after the 2024 season.
Maruo started his professional football career playing for the Asahi Soft Drink Challengers of the X-League in 2019. Then, Maruo was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the first round (4th pick) in the 2021 CFL Draft.
In his rookie year, he made six tackles on special teams as the Blue Bombers won the 108th Grey Cup championship in 2021. In 2022, Maruo made 14 tackles, seven tackles on special teams, and one sack in 17 games. Last season, Maruo made 10 tackles, seven tackles on special teams, and one sack in 14 games.
Collegiately, Maruo played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College (2014-15) making 107 tackles (38 solos, 69 assists), 12.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one fumble recovery in 22 games for the Blue Dragons.
Then, he transferred to the University of Texas-San Antonio (2017-18) making 98 tackles (54 solos, 44 assists), six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries in 23 games for the Roadrunners.
