Ottawa Redblacks
The Ottawa Redblacks signed offensive lineman Jaqavius ‘Quez’ Yates on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Jaqavius ‘Quez’ Yates is six foot six and weighs 320 pounds. A native of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, Yates began his collegiate career at Jones Community College (2019-21), playing a total of 15 games for the Bobcats. In 2019, he was named Second Team All-MACJC after starting 10 games at tackle.
The Bobcats averaged 26.9 points per game, 359.7 yards per game, 165.5 passing yards per game, 194.2 rushing yards per game, and 37 touchdowns. The o-line helped running back La’Damian Webb head the conference in rushing with 156 carries for 940 yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns, along with 12 catches for 151 yards, and two touchdowns.
In 2020, Yates was named First Team All-MACJC after starting five games in a COVID-shortened season. The Bobcats averaged 27 points per game, 374.6 yards per game, 217 passing yards per game, 157.6 rushing yards per game, and 18 touchdowns.
In 2021, he was named First Team All-MACJC for the second consecutive season, along with the MACCC’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman and All-Region 23 after starting nine games. The Bobcats averaged 31.5 points per game, 400.6 yards per game, 180 passing yards per game, 220.6 rushing yards per game, and 45 touchdowns. The o-line once again helped running back La’Damian Webb finish second in the nation with 220 carries for 1,400 yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, and 10 catches for 113 yards.
Then, Yates transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2022-24), playing 28 games for the Blazers. In 2024, Yates started 12 games. UAB finished the season averaging 26.2 points per game, 392.6 yards per game, 261.6 passing yards per game, 131 rushing yards per game, and 36 touchdowns.