December 11, 2018

REDBLACKS extend Leone, Feoli-Gudino and Lattanzio

Calgary Stampeders defensive back Ciante Evans (0) fails to tackle Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver Julian Feoli-Gudino (83) during the first half of the 106th Grey Cup in Edmonton, Alta. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced on Tuesday contract extensions for three players from last season’s run to the Grey Cup.

Defensive lineman and Ottawa native Ettore Lattanzio and Canadian receiver Julian Feoli-Gudino have both signed on for another season with the REDBLACKS. American punter Richie Leone will also return in 2019 after an outstanding first season in Ottawa.

“The goal from the beginning was to try and get as many of our own players back as possible, so this is a really positive step in the right direction,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Marcel Desjardins.

 

Though limited to three regular season games due to injury in 2018, a healthy Lattanzio returned to the lineup for the stretch drive and added another physical element for the REDBLACKS in the East Final and Grey Cup games.

In his first season with Ottawa, Feoli-Gudino had 11 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns. The seven-year CFL veteran also hauled in a 55-yard touchdown pass in the Grey Cup game against Calgary.

Leone found instant chemistry with standout rookie kicker Lewis Ward and long snapper Louis-Philippe Bourassa in 2018. Leone’s work was ultimately rewarded with a spot on the CFL’s East Division All-Star team.