The Ottawa Redblacks re-signed defensive lineman Ramon Puryear and signed defensive lineman Jelani Stafford on Thursday. Stafford signed a future contract earlier this year.
Ramon Puryear is six foot three and weighs 275 pounds. The 24-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, went undrafted in 2025. The Ottawa Redblacks signed Puryear to the practice squad on September 2, 2025. The Redblacks released him on October 1, 2025.
Collegiately, Puryear played five seasons at Louisville (2020-24) with 87 tackles (35 solos, 52 assists), 14.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception, one pass breakup, five fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns in 62 games for the Cardinals. He was named an All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2024.
Jelani Stafford is six foot one and weighs 300 pounds. The 24-year-old from Brownsville, Pennsylvania, signed a future contract with the Ottawa Redblacks on October 7, 2025.
Collegiately, Stafford played two seasons at Youngstown State (2020-21) with 14 tackles (10 solos, 4 assists), two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and two carries for one yard in 16 games for the Penguins.
Then, he transferred to the University of Connecticut (2022-24) with 107 tackles (53 solos, 54 assists), 16.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, 15 carries for 22 yards, six rushing touchdowns, and one catch for 12 yards in 38 games for the Huskies. He was named to the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
