The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to sign linebacker Brian Cole II when free agency starts next Tuesday according to 3DownNation reporter Troy Durrell.
Brian Cole II is six foot two and weighs 207 pounds. The 27-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan, re-signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on January 2, 2024. In 2024, he made 24 tackles, four tackles on special teams, one interception, and one forced fumble in 11 games. He missed most of the season with a foot injury.
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Cole II in the seventh round (249th pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Edmonton Elks. In 2021, he made three tackles (2 solos, 1 assist) in two preseason games for the Carolina Panthers.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed Cole II on July 13, 2022. In 2022, Cole II made six tackles on special teams in 11 games. In 2023, he made three tackles, 14 tackles on special teams, and three forced fumbles in 15 games.
Collegiately, Cole II played one season at Michigan in 2015 as a wide receiver with one catch for -1 yard in two games for the Wolverines. Next, he transferred to East Mississippi Community College in 2016 switching to defensive back with 54 tackles (45 solos, 9 assists), one tackle for loss, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked punts in 11 games for the Lions.
Then, Cole II transferred to Mississippi State (2018-19) with 78 tackles (43 solos, 35 assists), 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 16 kick returns for 329 yards in 17 games for the Bulldogs. He was named Team Captain in 2019.
