Redblacks sign University of California defensive back Marloshawn Franklin, one other

Courtesy: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

The Ottawa Redblacks signed American defensive backs Marloshawn Franklin and Vincent Calhoun on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Franklin joins the Redblacks after spending last year starring in the European League of Football with the Hamburg Sea Devils, recording 22 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in just six games.

He spent the 2019 pre-season with the B.C. Lions and was signed by the Montreal Alouettes before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the 2020 CFL season.

The 23-year-old Calhoun comes to Ottawa via Michigan State University, where he was the all-time leader in the school’s history with 49 career games started. He’s also ranked third all-time in Spartans history with 196 career solo tackles.