OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American defensive lineman Moton Hopkins to a one-year contract, the club announced Thursday.

Hopkins has been a REDBLACK since the organization’s inaugural season in 2014 after being selected by Ottawa in the expansion draft, following two seasons in Montreal. While playing a key role on the field for the REDBLACKS, Hopkins has been a pillar in the community and is very popular within RNation.

“I have loved being part of this organization and I’m very happy to be back for another year playing in front of the best fans in the CFL,” said Hopkins. “I’m excited to get back on the field and start working towards keeping the Grey Cup in Ottawa.

Hopkins featured in 11 regular season games during Ottawa’s Grey Cup-winning 2016 campaign and has played in 35 games for the club overall. In those games, Hopkins has recorded 50 defensive tackles, 8 sacks, one interception and a forced fumble.

“We’re always happy when we can keep a quality player in the mix who has been here since day 1,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Marcel Desjardins. “Moton is a popular player with his teammates and RNation and we’re happy to have him back.”

The Florida native has played in 64 career regular season CFL games with Winnipeg, Montreal and Ottawa.