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ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – December 16, 2013 marked a momentous day in the Canadian Football League as Ottawa returned to the league, joining the Toronto Argonauts in the East Division.
As part of their return to the league the Ottawa REDBLACKS and the CFL conducted an Expansion Draft that saw Ottawa select three players from the other eight CFL teams. Ottawa received one import and two non-imports from each club.
In round one, the Ottawa REDBLACKS selected Defensive Lineman Jonathan Williams out of South Carolina.
Appearing in 12 games in 2013, Williams totalled 28 tackles and two quarterback sacks a member of the Argos defensive line.
Williams joined the Argos for training camp and cracked the starting roster out of camp, helping Khalif Mitchell, Cleyon Laing and the rest of “Dirty Dog Nation” anchor the defensive front.
In round two came possibly the biggest blow of the day as the REDBLACKS selected non-import OL Joe Eppele.
Drafted as the second overall pick in 2010 and extended by the Argos on December 31, 2012, Eppele appeared in all 18 games for the Argos in 2013 at guard, making multiple starts at the position.
During his time in Toronto, Eppele was actively involved in the Double Blue’s community initiatives as part of not only the Tim Horton’s Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program, but also with his own charity, Big Joe’s Little Giants. His community impact in the city of Toronto will surely be missed.
At the conclusion of the Expansion Draft, REDBLACK GM Marcel Desjardins expressed that Eppele is, “probably a starter for us,” expecting Eppele to come in and act as a Canadian anchor on their offensive line.
Following the submission of an additional six non-import players, the Ottawa REDBLACKS selected LB Jason Pottinger from the Argos as their final selection from the club.
An eight year CFL veteran, and a member of the Boatmen for the past five seasons, Pottinger played multiple roles for the Argos playing both linebacker and special teams for the club.
Totalling 13 tackles and 14 special teams tackles in 2013, “Jay-Po’s” tenacity and passion for the game on both the defensive and special teams side will certainly be missed by the club.
REDBLACKS GM Marcel Desjardins commented that Pottinger’s impact will be, “significant on special teams” and that if need be they would not miss a beat starting him at middle linebacker.
For full coverage of the Expansion Draft, click here for the Draft Hub on CFL.ca.