The Ottawa Redblacks signed offensive lineman Kobe Rios and defensive back Chris McDonald on Wednesday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Kobe Rios is six foot six and weighs 315 pounds. The 24-year-old from Rock Island, Illinois, signed with the Orlando Predators (AFL) on March 22, 2024. In 2024, Rios played seven games as the Predators went 5-2 for the season making the playoffs. They were eliminated by the Nashville Kats in the first round. He re-signed with the Predators on October 16, 2024.
Collegiately, Rios started at Northern Illinois in 2018 but did not play for the Huskies. Next, he transferred to Iowa Western Community College (2019-21) playing 19 games for the Reivers. In 2021, Iowa Western averaged 33.7 points per game, 132.9 rushing yards per game, 224.2 passing yards per game, 357.1 total yards per game, and 41 touchdowns finishing 10-2 for the season appearing in the NJCAA National Championship game.
Then, he transferred to Illinois State (2022-23) playing guard in 15 games, of which 12 were starts for the Redbirds. In 2023, Illinois State averaged 32.82 points per game, 197.5 rushing yards per game, 236 passing yards per game, 433.5 total yards per game, 49 touchdowns, and allowed seven sacks finishing 6-5 for the season.
Chris McDonald is five foot ten and weighs 192 pounds. The 25-year-old from Miami, Florida, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, he made eight tackles (6 solos, 2 assists) in three preseason games. The Buccaneers released him on August 27, 2024.
Collegiately, McDonald played five seasons at Toledo (2019-23) making 141 tackles (101 solos, 40 assists), three tackles for loss, five interceptions for 117 yards, two touchdowns, 37 pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 57 games for the Rockets.
In 2023, he made 34 tackles (29 solos, 5 assists), two interceptions for 58 yards, one touchdown, and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. He was named Third Team All-MAC.
