The Hamilton Tiger-Cats claimed defensive lineman Deionte Knight from the Toronto Argonauts practice squad and released linebacker Enoch Penney-Laryea on Wednesday.
Deionte Knight is six foot three and weighs 290 pounds. The 25-year-old from Ajax, Ontario, was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in the second round (10th pick) of the 2022 CFL Draft. He played four games in his rookie season making two tackles as the Argonauts won the 109th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
In 2023, Knight made 17 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble in 17 games. In the 2024 preseason, Knight made one tackle against the Montreal Alouettes. This season, Knight played two games recording no stats.
Collegiately, Knight played four seasons at Western University (2018-21) making 96 tackles (34 solo, 62 assists), 17 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown in 28 games for the Mustangs.
In 2021, Knight made 52 tackles (17 solo, 35 assists), 13 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one pass breakup, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown in 11 games helping the Mustangs win the Vanier Cup. He won the J. P. Metras Trophy after the season.
Enoch Penney-Laryea is six foot one and weighs 230 pounds. The 26-year-old from Tuckahoe, New York, was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts drafted Penney-Laryea in the third round (26th pick) in the 2022 CFL Draft. In 2022, Penney-Laryea made two tackles on special teams, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in 15 games for the Toronto Argonauts in 2022 helping them win the 109th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Then, Penney-Laryea signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on August 1, 2023. He made two tackles on special teams in two games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023. This season, Penney-Laryea appeared in one preseason game against the Ottawa Redblacks recording no stats, and was placed on the practice squad.
Collegiately, Penney-Laryea played two seasons at Union College (2015-16) as a running back with 17 carries for 90 yards, and two kick returns for 20 yards in eight games for the Dutchmen. In 2016, he earned the Liberty League All-Academic Team.
Then, he transferred to McMaster University (2018-19, 2021) and switched to positions playing linebacker and defensive lineman with 55 tackles (38 solo, 34 assists), 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and two pass breakups in 21 games for the Marauders.
