Purifoy ready to play ‘wherever I fit’ for Redblacks

Loucheiz Purifoy might be just what the Ottawa Redblacks need at the SAM linebacker position.

However, Purifoy, who signed with the Redblacks on Day 1 of Canadian Football League free agency Tuesday, said he wasn’t worried about where he would line up in the 2018 season.

“I’ll play wherever they need me,” he said.

“I want to play SAM, but I’ll play wherever I fit. I’m there to help win a Grey Cup. That’s my ultimate goal.”

Last year, Purifoy, 25, had 49 defensive tackles and three interceptions while playing in all 18 games for the B.C. Lions. While he has defensive-back cover skills, there’s a strong chance he gets a long look at linebacker.

“That’s the premise under which we signed him, but he’s got the ability to play multiple spots,” Redblacks general manager Marcel Desjardins said.

“We like his length, his athleticism, his physicality and his versatility.”

Purifoy, currently doing twicedaily workouts in Florida, said he was “excited and blessed” for the opportunity to play in Ottawa.

“I feel like we can win over there,” he said.

“They have a great offence and I think I can be a great part of the defence. We can make something happen.”

Expect a couple of more moves to boost the Redblacks’ defence. It looks like Jerrell Gavins won’t be back, but the Redblacks could be trying to bring back another familiar face: defensive back Mitchell White, who played in Ottawa in 2016, then played the latter part of last season with the Toronto Argonauts.