Lions Land Defensive Lineman J.R. Tavai

The BC Lions Football Club added yet another piece on Tuesday’s free agent frenzy, signing former Ottawa RedBlacks defensive lineman J.R. Tavai to a one-year contract.

The 26-year old is coming off a productive season in the nation’s capital where he recorded a team-leading seven sacks to go along with 49 defensive tackles and three forced fumbles.

J.R. migrated north after spending parts of two seasons (2015-16) on the Tennessee Titans practice roster. He originally signed with the Titans as a non-drafted free agent in 2015 after four productive seasons at the University of Southern California.

In 40 games with the Trojans, J.R. recorded 130 total tackles and 10.5 sacks while also being named an All-Pac-12 honourable mention in 2013.