MONTREAL – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Monday that international running back Brandon Rutley signed a new two-year deal with the club, while international defensive back Jovon Johnson signed a new one-year contract.
Brandon Rutley
Rutley (5’11”, 192 lbs.) experienced his best season in 2016, as he collected an impressive 800 combined yards in 12 outings, including eleven as the starter. Rutley displayed great versatility, carrying the ball 113 times for 495 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 35 passes, adding 305 receiving yards and two scores. He ranked seventh in the CFL for rushing yards last season.
“It is imperative for a team to have multiple key components at all positions, and Brandon’s new contract allows us to keep an elite running back on our team”, commented Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. “He is a double threat on the field, as well as a reliable teammate, as is Jovon, who continues to perform at a high level, all while mentoring our young players”.
In his professional career, the San Jose State University product amassed a total of 622 receiving yards on 58 receptions, including three touchdowns. In four seasons in the CFL, the 27-year-old carried the ball 199 times, amassing 972 rushing yards, and scoring seven touchdowns. In his two playoff outings with the Alouettes, he collected a total of 199 combined yards. He also returned 20 kickoffs for 437 yards in his CFL career. The Tuscaloosa, AL native, played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during his first year in the CFL.
Jovon Johnson
Johnson (5’09”, 177 lbs.) returns to Montreal for a second season, which will mark his eleventh in the CFL. The dynamic defensive back was key member to the success of Noel Thorpe’s defensive squad last season, as he registered 59 defensive tackles, six quarterback sacks and three interceptions. The 34-year-old also knocked down eight passes in 18 starts.
Johnson previously played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Ottawa REDBLACKS. He was elected a CFL All-Star on two occasions (2009 and 2011) and an East Division All-Star five times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015).
TAKE A LOOK AT BRANDON RUTLEY’S PROFILE!
