MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has re-signed defensive back and special teams ace Ed Gainey to a new three-year contract with the team. The Alouettes have also added a trio of import defenders to the roster, signing cornerback Mitchell White and defensive end Collins Ukwu to a pair of new two-year deals, and defensive back Trevard Lindly to a new three-year contract.
Gainey (5’11”, 185 lbs.) had a breakout season with Montreal in 2013 and was one of the most consistent players for the Alouettes on special teams, with a knack for making big plays. The second-year pro scored his first career CFL touchdown after blocking Stampeder Rob Maver’s punt and returning it 38 yards for the score in Week 3 at Percival Molson Stadium.
WATCH: ED GAINEY’S BLOCKED-PUNT RETURN TD »
“Ed brings a physical presence to the secondary and to special teams,” said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. “His development will continue heading into his third year and we expect Ed to have a great shot at starting for us in 2014.”
The 23-year-old followed up on his Week 3 outing with a near encore performance on September 8, scooping up a forced fumble by teammate Bear Woods on Toronto punter Noel Prefontaine before running it back 33 yards to the Argos one-yard line to set up the major on the following play. He finished the season with eight tackles on special teams.
WATCH: GAINEY SETS UP THE TD »
In addition to his duties on special teams, the Winston-Sale, NC native also contributed on defence and recorded a career-high 13 defensive tackles.
White (5’11”, 185 lbs.) joined the Alouettes’ practice roster last October having previously signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent earlier in the year. The 23-year-old played five seasons at the Michigan State University from 2008 to 2012 where he appeared in 43 career games.
The Livonia, MI native recorded 26 tackles playing both cornerback and safety for the Spartans. During his senior year in 2012, White amassed seven tackles in 13 games. He was also a high-jumper for the Spartans track and field team and competed at the Big Ten Championships. White has an identical twin brother who is currently a member of the Green Bay Packers.
Ukwu (6’4”, 260 lbs.) signed with the Minnesota Vikings and participated in the team’s training camp in 2013 prior to joining the Alouettes’ practice roster last October. The La Vergne, TN native played for the University of Kentucky, appearing in 46 games with the Wildcats. During his four-year collegiate career from 2009 to 2012, Ukwu tallied 109 defensive tackles and was voted by his peers as a permanent team captain for the 2012 season. During his junior year in 2011, he led the Wildcats’ defensive linemen in both sacks with 2.5 and in tackles for losses with 6.5.
Lindley (6’0”, 183 lbs.), a fourth-round draft pick (105th overall) of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, played in 11 games in his rookie campaign and tallied 21 tackles and an interception. He was released as part of the team’s final roster cut down in 2011, but rejoined the Eagles during the 2012 offseason. A four-year starter at the University of Kentucky (2005-2009), Lindley amassed 158 tackles and 10 interceptions while also holding the school record with 34 pass breakups.
The Alouettes also announced on Tuesday that the team has released non-import linebacker Curtis Dublanko.
