The Edmonton Elks signed running back Ja’Won Howell and released defensive lineman Olivier Charles-Pierre on Wednesday.
Ja’Won Howell is six foot one and weighs 220 pounds. The 23-year-old from Lanett, Alabama, played three seasons at the University of North Alabama (2018-20) with 30 carries for 158 yards, one touchdown, and 14 catches for 122 yards in 16 games for the Lions.
Then, Howell transferred to Alabama State (2022-23) with 173 carries for 680 yards, six touchdowns, and 20 catches for 197 yards in 22 games for the Hornets.
Olivier Charles-Pierre is six foot one and weighs 350 pounds. The 27-year-old from Laval, Quebec, played three regular season games for the Elks in 2023 making three tackles.
Collegiately, Charles-Pierre played two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute (2017-18) with 32 tackles (20 solo, 12 assists) and 5.5 tackles for loss in ten games for the Colts. He was named a preseason Junior College All-American by GridironRR.com in 2018.
Next, Charlies-Pierre transferred to Houston (2019-21) with 23 tackles (10 solo, 13 assists), three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery in 24 games for the Cougars. Then, Charles-Pierre transferred to Incarnate Word in 2022 with 37 tackles (11 solo, 26 assists), 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble in 13 games for the Cardinals.
