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OTTAWA\u00a0\u2013 Former San Jos\u00e9 State linebacker Taniela Latu<\/a> has signed a professional contract with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).<\/p>\n Latu, who recently participated in multiple NFL rookie minicamps, transitioned to the professional ranks following an outstanding three-year career (2023\u201325) anchoring the Spartans’ defense.<\/p>\n The 6-foot-2, 231-pound native of San Mateo, California, was a model of consistency and production during his time in San Jose. Over 36 career games with the Spartans, Latu racked up an impressive 179 total tackles (86 solo, 93 assisted), 18.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, five pass breakups, one interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.<\/p>\n Beyond his on-field production, Latu exemplified excellence in the classroom and the community. In September 2025, he was named a semifinalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy\u2014commonly referred to as the “Academic Heisman”\u2014which recognizes the nation’s absolute best football scholar-athlete for combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership. He was also nominated for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and was a multi-time recipient of Academic All-Mountain West honors.<\/p>\n Latu joins former teammate\u00a0Jordan Pollard<\/a>\u00a0in the CFL,\u00a0who\u00a0recently signed with the Toronto Argonauts<\/a>.<\/p>\n