The B.C. Lions released running back Elelyon Noa on Friday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Elelyon Noa is five foot eight and weighs 200 pounds. The 22-year-old from La Mesa, California, signed with the B.C. Lions on December 3, 2024.
Noa played two seasons for the Okanagan Sun (BCFC). In 2023, he had 42 carries for 425 yards, four touchdowns, 10 catches for 125 yards, two touchdowns, two kick returns for 35 yards, and one punt return for 23 yards in 11 games.
In 2024, Noa had 216 carries for 1,612 yards, 23 touchdowns, 28 catches for 324 yards, two touchdowns, and one tackle. In the 2024 playoffs, Noa had 29 carries for 128 yards, three touchdowns, four catches for 56 yards, and one touchdown in 10 games.
His 1,612 yards rushing broke the single-season conference record previously held by former Lion Jamel Lyles (1,604 yards in 2016 with Westshore). He was named the CJFL Offensive Player of the Year and the BCFC Outstanding Offensive Back.
Collegiately, Noa played two seasons at Utah State (2020-21) with 169 carries for 678 yards, four touchdowns, and 14 catches for 100 yards in 20 games for the Aggies. Then, he transferred to Boise State in 2022 with 33 carries for 133 yards, two catches for 16 yards, one kick return for 19 yards, and three tackles (3 solos) in 12 games for the Broncos.
Ayinde Eley is six foot three and weighs 233 pounds. The 26-year-old from Olney, Maryland, signed with the B.C. Lions on April 3, 2024. In 2024, he made 60 tackles, six tackles on special teams, and one forced fumble in 17 games.
The Carolina Panthers signed Eley as an undrafted free agent on May 16, 2023. In 2023, he made six tackles (2 solos, 4 assists), one sack, and one quarterback hit in three preseason games. Next, he signed with the Houston Roughnecks (UFL) on January 22, 2024, and was released on March 21, 2024.
Collegiately, Eley played three seasons at Maryland (2018-20) making 111 tackles (58 solos, 53 assists), five tackles for loss, half a sack, two interceptions for 35 yards, six pass breakups, and fumble recoveries in 25 games for the Terrapins. He was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by the coaches in 2019.
Then, Eley transferred to Georgia Tech (2021-22) making 208 tackles (100 solos, 108 assists), 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, four forced fumbles, and four pass breakups in 23 games for the Yellow Jackets. He was named Second Team All-ACC and Second Team All-ACC by the Associated Press in 2022.
