Defensive Lineman J.R. Tavai Returns to Lions for 2021
January 12, 2021 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release
(Vancouver)- The BC Lions Football Club has re-signed DL J.R. Tavai (A) for the 2021 season. Tavai was eligible to become a free agent in February.
"I can't wait to play with the Lions and I'm really excited to reunite with both Rick Campbell and our defensive line coach Leroy Blugh," said Tavai from his home in Redondo Beach, California.
"We are building a solid group of defensive linemen that will help us compete for a Grey Cup."
Tavai (6'2, 269 lbs)- Enters his third CFL season and first with the Lions after originally joining the squad as a free agent in February 2020. The native of Inglewood, California previously suited up in 22 games over two seasons with the Ottawa REDBLACKS and recorded a team-high seven sacks in 2019 to go along with 49 defensive tackles and three forced fumbles.
Tavai moved north after spending parts of 2015 and 2016 with the Tennessee Titans where he appeared in four games and recorded three tackles, one sack and a forced fumble.
He was a member of the USC Trojans from 2011-14 and registered 130 total tackles and 10.5 sacks in his NCAA career. Tavai was also named a Pac-12 honourable mention in 2013.
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Canadian Football League Stories from January 12, 2021
- Defensive Lineman J.R. Tavai Returns to Lions for 2021 - B.C. Lions
- Sankey Opts Back In - Calgary Stampeders
- Riders Extend Quarterback James Franklin - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Wall Re-Signs with Stampeders - Calgary Stampeders
- Defensive Lineman J.R. Tavai Returns to Lions for 2021 - B.C. Lions
- CFL's 2019 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Van Zeyl Re-Signs with Tiger-Cats - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Riders Add Canadian Linebacker Blair Smith - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Mickael Cote, Raphael Araujo-Lopes Return to RedBlacks - Ottawa RedBlacks
- Blue Bombers Sign 2020 CFL Draft Selections - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
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