EDMONTON – The Edmonton Elks have signed American defensive backs Jalen Green and Leon O’Neal Jr., the club announced Wednesday.
O’Neal Jr. returns to the CFL after being released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders following training camp in 2023. In two preseason games with the Riders, he had four tackles and one rush for 11 yards. The Texas product most recently spent time with the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL), recording 20 tackles and three pass deflections in three games in 2023. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft but was later released due to injury.
The 25-year-old played four seasons at Texas A&M University (2018-21). In 48 career games with the Aggies he tallied 161 total tackles, one sack, six interceptions and 12 pass deflections. O’Neal Jr. was named the top defensive back on the American roster at the 2022 Senior Bowl and earned the Aggie Heart Award which is presented to a senior who has completed his eligibility and displays the intangibles such as effort, desire, determination, competitiveness, accountability, leadership and courage.
Pick 6️⃣ !!@WakeEmUp9 #GigEm pic.twitter.com/y7KxmM8IYb
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) September 5, 2021
Green joins the Double E following two seasons at Mississippi State University (2021-22). The Houston, TX., native appeared in 25 career games for the Bulldogs compiling 91 total tackles, four interceptions, 15 pass deflections and two forced fumbles, while taking part in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January 2023. Prior to joining Mississippi State, he played three seasons at the University of Texas (2018-20), racking up 46 total tackles and one interception in 30 games with the Longhorns.
Green would sign with the Houston Gamblers of the United States Football League (USFL) in June 2023, but did not see any game action.
2024 marks the 75th season of pro football in Edmonton, as the Elks open a new CFL campaign on Saturday, June 8 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium. Season tickets are available now, with all youth season tickets $75 (17 and under) and adult tickets starting at $175.
The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
The club, officially renamed the Elks in June of 2021, has a tradition of excellence having won 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015). Since its founding, the club has been community-owned and remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.
Elks Football…Our Team. Our City.