The Ottawa Redblacks signed defensive back Kenzel Lawler on Saturday, according to Dave Naylor. Kenzel is the brother of current Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Kenny Lawler.
Kenzel Lawler is six foot and weighs 190 pounds. A native of Corona, California, Lawler attended a rookie minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026.
Collegiately, Lawler spent four seasons at the University of Utah (2020-23) with one tackle (1 solo) and one pass breakup in 16 games for the Utes. Then, he transferred to the University of Montana (2024-25) with 69 tackles (43 solos, 26 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions for 21 yards, one touchdown, 15 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 28 games for the Grizzlies.
In 2025, he made a career-high 58 tackles (36 solos, 22 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions for 21 yards, one touchdown, 15 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 15 games. He was named the Big Sky Co-Defensive Player of the Week on October 13th when he made two tackles (2 assists) and had a pick-six 21-yard touchdown against Cal Poly.
