MONTREAL – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that the club has signed five new defensive talents, including international defensive lineman Ivan McLennan, international defensive backs Branden Dozier, Vincenté Miles, Tyran Finley, Aaron Sibley as well as offensive tackle Cory Tucker.
McLennan (6’03”, 238 lbs.) will be heading north to the CFL for the first time in his career, after having played for the Super Bowl finalist Atlanta Falcons. The 23-year-old defensive end established himself as a prolific pass rusher during his days with the Washington State Cougars. In two seasons, he amassed a total of 63 tackles, and an impressive 10.5 sacks in 22 games. McLennan played an important role in the Cougars’ victory over the Miami Hurricanes, during the 2015 Sun Bowl, when he made four tackles, including a quarterback sack. The Hawthorne, CA native had two pass deflections, and one forced fumble during his time in Washington State. McLennan agreed to a two-year deal with the Alouettes.
Dozier (5’11”, 201 lbs.) played in stellar fashion during the two seasons he suited up for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The 23-year-old athlete established new school records in his first year with the 49ers, recording a career-high 86 defensive tackles, all while becoming the first UNCC player to score two defensive touchdowns. He ended his collegiate career having recorded 135 defensive tackles. Prior to joining the CFL, Dozier had a tryout invitation to the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie mini-camp. Dozier and the Alouettes both agreed to a three-year contract.
Miles (6’01”, 196 lbs.) is coming to the CFL having suited up for the San Jose State University Spartans for two seasons after transferring from the University of Arizona Wildcats program. The Palo Alto, CA native recorded 28 defensive tackles and forced a fumble during his tenure with the Wildcats in 2012. The 24-year-old defensive back experienced his best moments in career with the Spartans in 2015, where he registered 64 defensive tackles as well as a quarterback sack and two knockdowns. Miles signed a two-year deal with the club.
Sibley (5’09”, 173 lbs.) spent the last four seasons in the Vikings uniform at Portland State University where he played 42 games. The Decatur, GA native, accumulated an impressive total of 147 defensive tackles, six of which were for losses. Sibley left his mark on the Vikings defensive unit during his stay, as he made 21 knockdowns on top of two forced fumbles and three interceptions, including one returned for a major. Sibley displayed great athletic abilities throughout his collegiate career, he who also played as kick returner the last two seasons at Portland State.
Finley (5’09”, 175 lbs.) played three seasons at the University of Wyoming before making the leap in Canada. In 18 games with the Cowboys, the 25-year-old cornerback collected 32 defensive tackles and made two interceptions, one of which was returned for 51 yards. Finley, a native of Birmingham, AL, inked to a two-year deal.
Tucker (6’04”, 315 lbs.) arrives in Montreal with a rich football background at his young age, as he wore the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns uniformsprior to joining the Alouettes. The 24-year-old tacklepreviously made 48 consecutive starts during his four-year tenure at Slippery Rock University. Tucker was a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Lineman of the year award for the NCAA Division II football. He was also honored as first team All-American by four different organizations. The offensive lineman played most of his career at tackle, but he also saw action at guard at the professional level. Tucker agreed to a two-year deal.
