The Edmonton Elks signed defensive back J.J. Ross to the practice squad on Wednesday.
J.J. Ross is six foot three and weighs 195 pounds. The 23-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft and attended the Detroit Lions rookie minicamp.
Collegiately, Ross played two seasons at Eastern Illinois University (2019-20) making 42 tackles (35 solo, 7 assists), four interceptions for 55 yards, 11 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 18 games for the Panthers. In 2019, he was named Third Team All-American as a Freshman making 24 tackles (19 solo, 5 assists), four interceptions for 55 yards, and six pass breakups in 12 games.
Then, Ross transferred to Western Illinois University (2021-23) making 113 tackles (80 solo, 33 assists), 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 18 pass breakups, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one punt return in 30 games for the Leathernecks.
In 2023, Ross made 43 tackles (31 solo, 12 assists), 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception, four pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and one punt return in 11 games.
