The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed defensive linemen Julian Howsare and Philip Ossai on Monday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Julian Howsare is six foot three and weighs 256 pounds. The 32-year-old from Altoona, Pennsylvania, re-signed with the Calgary Stampeders on January 19, 2024. In 2024, he made 36 tackles and five sacks in 17 games.
The New York Jets signed Howsare as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2015. He made two tackles (2 solos) in eight preseason games from 2015-17. In 2016, he had one kick return for 15 yards in two regular season games. He also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Howsare on February 28, 2018. He played four seasons in Hamilton making 112 tackles, five tackles on special teams, 21 sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 65 games. He was named a CFL East All-Star in 2022.
The Calgary Stampeders signed Howsare on February 15, 2023. In 2023, he made 48 tackles, one tackle on special teams, six sacks, and two forced fumbles in 18 games.
Collegiately, Howsare played four seasons at Clarion University (2011-14) making 256 tackles (131 solos, 125 assists), 47.5 tackles for loss, 33 sacks, three interceptions for 36 yards, 17 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, ten blocked kicks, four kick returns for 36 yards, four punt returns for 51 yards, and one touchdown in 43 games for the Golden Eagles.
He is a two-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-West defensive player of the year, a two-time third-team all-American, and a second-team all-American in 2012.
Philip Ossai is six foot and weighs 258 pounds. The 24-year-old from Conroe, Texas, attended the Atlanta Falcons rookie minicamp in 2024.
Collegiately, Ossai played three seasons at Houston Baptist (now Houston Christian) (2019-21) making 89 tackles (46 solos, 43 assists), nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 22 games for the Huskies.
Then, he transferred to the University of North Alabama (2022-23) making 90 tackles (50 solos, 40 assists), 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, three pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries in 20 games for the Lions. He was named First Team All-ASUN Conference by Phil Steele and Second Team All-ASUN by the United Athletic Conference.
