February 16, 2013

Alouettes welcome back Brown, add Octavien

MontrealAlouettes.com

MONTREAL – The Alouettes announced on Saturday the signings of defensive back Jerald Brown and linebacker Steve Octavien. Both import players have inked two-year deals with the club.

Brown (5’11”, 185 lbs.) had a comeback season in 2012 after suffering a season-ending broken right ankle in 2011’s season-opener. Last year, the 32-year-old defensive back finished tied for third among Alouettes with 52 defensive tackles. He also snagged a pair of interceptions, including one which he returned 33 yards against the Calgary Stampeders in Week 3, setting up a last-minute come-from-behind-win for the Alouettes. The Washington, D.C. native has racked up a career 154 defensive tackles over four seasons with the Alouettes, including 57 in 2010, the year he was named a CFL East Division All-Star.

“We are happy Jerald has decided to extend his stay with our team,” said Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp. “Jerald is versatile and can play all positions on the back end. He brings a lot of self-confidence and leadership to our secondary.”

Octavien (6’0″, 238 lbs.) was previously a member of the NFL’s Kansas Chiefs (2008), Washington Redskins (2008), Dallas Cowboys (2008-2009) and Cleveland Browns (2010) as well as the AFL’s Tampa Bay Storm (2012) before joining the Omaha Nighthawks in the UFL last fall. The 28-year-old played collegiately at Nebraska, racking-up a team-high 92 tackles during his final season of eligibility in 2007. He also recorded 15 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks that season, his efforts earning him the nod as the Huskers’ 2007 Defensive MVP and an honourable mention on the All-Big 12.