Edmonton Elks Sign Three Players to Roster

The Edmonton Elks bring in three Americans to the roster, signing Reynard Ellis, Justin Rankin and Tony Tate.

The Edmonton Elks signed three Americans to the roster, adding wide receiver Tony Tate, linebacker Reynard Ellis and running back Justin Rankin.

Tate was a star wide receiver in the European League of Football last season playing for the Wroclaw Panthers. In 10 games, Tate recorded 895 yards receiving and finished second in the league in receiving touchdowns with 16. He previously was an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honorable mention in 2021 for Western Illinois.

TRANSACTIONS | The Elks sign three players.

🇺🇸 Reynard Ellis (LB)
🇺🇸 Justin Rankin (RB)
🇺🇸 Tony Tate (WR)

DETAILS | https://t.co/sfTMZG3o1u

Make your next transaction with @PlayAlbertaCA | https://t.co/maFOe5uWmr#OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/BP22ozZays

— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) November 23, 2023

Ellis played part of his college football days at UAB in 2022, recording 53 tackles in 13 games. Prior to UAB, he was a star linebacker at Georgia Southern earning first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors by Pro Football Focus in 2020.

Rankin rushed for 1,050 yards and 13 touchdowns in 14 games for Northwest Missouri State in 2019 before turning pro. He has spent the last three seasons in the Indoor Football League playing for the Bismarck Bucks and Frisco Fighters before joining the Bay Area Panthers in 2023.

While playing for the Panthers, Rankin finished second in the IFL in rushing yards (923) and touchdowns (45). He played a key role in Bay Area winning its first IFL title at the end of the season.

The Elks signed a fourth player on Nov. 15, adding linebacker Markail Benton to the roster.

Edmonton went 4-14 in 2023 and missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

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