Do we have our first RedBlack?

As of midnight this morning, the Ottawa RedBlacks could begin signing street free agent.  Earlier today, general manager Marcel Desjardins mentioned on TSN1200 radio that a few contracts had gone out already.

It may be that one has already been accepted, based on this Twitter comment:

LewisGavins
@REDBLACKS just picked up a Great cornerback!! Congrats Jerrell Gavins!!

So who is this guy?  The following article from the Idaho Statesman takes us through some of his university experience.  He last played for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League.

Former Boise State cornerback Jerrell Gavins doesn't know what he'll run in the 40-yard dash Thursday in his long-awaited chance to show NFL scouts his skills.

He isn't worried about it, either.

He hasn't run a 40 in nearly two years because of the knee injury that cost him most of the 2011 season and slowed him at times in 2012.

"All I know is I can play football and shut down receivers," Gavins said. "That's all I can say. I've got film on that."

Gavins was overshadowed last season by teammate Jamar Taylor, who has climbed to No. 4 in the cornerback rankings by ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay.

...

Gavins didn't play in an all-star game or draw a combine invite. He and the other Boise State prospects who didn't attend the combine will perform the same athletic tests done there.

...

Gavins is healthy for the first time since he severely damaged a knee in a freak practice accident three games into the 2011 season. He played every game last season, but coaches eased him back into the lineup.

Gavins combined with Taylor and the rest of the Broncos defense to hold opponents to a national-low four touchdown passes against 18 interceptions (four for Taylor, two for Gavins).

"Since high school, I've thought about this day," said Gavins, whose 5-foot-9 frame is a key liability. "Every day I was in the weight room training, I was thinking about having to bench 225 (pounds, the combine strength test). … That's why I don't feel any pressure. I've prepared for this so much and I've been through it so many times in my mind that whatever happens, happens. I just know I can play football."

For what it's worth, Gavins was credited with 20.5 tackles for the Storm in three games.

So no announcement as of yet, and therefore no confirmation, but since the team had a tryout in Florida a couple of months ago, it would seem likely that Gavins showed up and made an impression.

If so...Good on ya, and welcome aboard, Jerrell!