West Alabama Standout DB Inks Canadian Football Contract

LIVINGSTON, AL — University of West Alabama standout defensive back TJ Newell has signed a professional contract with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League.

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The organization made the announcement this week as Newell signed with the club as an undrafted free agent.

"I can't express how excited I am to head to Canada to play the sport I love," Newell said. "It is really an honor to have this opportunity that could potentially change my life and the people around me. I would like to thank everyone who has helped and stood by me along the way, especially Coach Gilliland, Coach Sisa, and Coach Hampton.

During the 2022 campaign, Newell logged 37 tackles over 11 games this season and had 31 solo tackles. Newell also recorded five pass deflections.

The best performance of the season for the native from Clinton, Mississippi came against West Florida on Oct. 29 when he logged six tackles.

Over the course of his 23-game UWA career, Newell — a transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College — had 68 tackles, 59 solo-tackles.

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