Montreal – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that the club has signed international defensive backs Jovon Johnson and Dominique Ellis to one and two-year deals respectively.
Johnson (5’9″, 189 lbs.) played nine seasons in the CFL, including the last two with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, which he helped reach the Grey Cup game last November. In 2015 with Ottawa, the 32-year-old made 54 defensive tackles while picking off five passes. During his CFL tenure, the former University of Iowa Hawkeye amassed 464 defensive tackles, including two sacks while pilfering 28 passes and forcing eight fumbles. He was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player following the 2011 season when he made 55 defensive tackles and no less than eight interceptions with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“Jovon brings experience to the position. He has played at a consistent all-star level for many years and has also added the threat of being a dangerous returner to the mix,” said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp.
Ellis (5’11”, 185 lbs.) will return to the Alouettes for his third season. In 2015, the 26-year-old Wendell, NC native cumulated 45 defensive tackles and two interceptions. He had his best game on August 27 when he made six defensive tackles helping the Alouettes become the first team to beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field.
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“Dominique has continued to grow during his time with us. He had a stellar first year as a starter in 2015 and he brings an added value with attitude to our special teams,” declared Popp.
