OTTAWA — Running back Ed Ilnicki, Canadian university football's outstanding player last season, signed a two-year deal with the Ottawa Redblacks on Tuesday.

The five-foot-10, 220-pound native of Spruce Grove, Alta., ran for 1,468 yards and 11 TDs last season for the University of Alberta Golden Bears. The Hec Crighton Trophy winner set a single-season Canada West rushing record and led Canadian university football in rushing TDs and carries (196).

Ottawa selected Ilnicki in the seventh round of last year's CFL draft.