Photo by Valerie Wutti
OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks have announced the signings of fullback Mitch Raper and defensive lineman Shaiheem Charles-Brown.
Raper was originally drafted 68th overall by Edmonton in the 2020 CFL Draft before signing with Ottawa in July of 2021. He returned to Carleton for the 2021 season scoring the team’s final touchdown of the season in their OUA East semi-final loss to Queen’s.
A core member of the Ravens offense, the six-foot fullback embodies everything the Ravens look for in their players. “He represented what it means to be a Raven,” said Interim Head Coach Paul Saint-Vilien. “He was the heart and soul of our offense and on special teams, and while he never got the spotlight on him he was pretty much the guy that was making us a success on every offensive and special teams play.”
Saint-Vilien would further credit Raper for his contributions to the program. “He was the perfect example of what we ask of the guys. A good student in engineering and, for me in my eyes, a perfect player for the program.”
Shaiheem Charles-Brown did not appear in any games for the Ravens in 2021 after an off-season injury kept him out of the lineup. Now fully recovered the towering lineman looks to return to his 2019 form where he had 25.5 tackles, including 21 solos, 3.5 sacks, and 5 tackles for a loss.
Asked about Charles-Brown, Saint-Vilien was quick to praise the linesman’s athleticism and play-making ability. “Shaiheem was a leader on our team and we missed him a lot on the defence last year. He’s so athletic and powerful, he makes a difference on every play.”
