The Ottawa RedBlacks said goodbye to 12 players on Thursday, while adding one.

CFL teams can only have 75 players under contract as of May 1, so the RedBlacks were forced to make some tough decisions a day after the conclusion of a three-day mini camp at TD Place.

Among those released: Running back Roy Finch, quarterbacks Alex Carder and Jordan Johnson and receiver Eddie Poole. Also gone: Defensive backs Hakeem Smith and Charles Clay, linebacker Evan Frierson, defensive end Youri Yenga, offensive linemen Eric Schultz and Dashawn Johnson and running backs LaVance Taylor and Shawn Johnson.

The RedBlacks announced they have signed defensive back Forrest Hightower out of San Jose State.

"They're good football players, in some cases we have too much depth at that position, ie. Eddie Poole," said RedBlacks GM Marcel Desjardins. "We knew going into mini camp we had too many running backs. We signed good football players. But we can't keep them all.

"It's not fun and it's worse to have to tell these guys. It's only going to get harder going forward."

Twitter: @TimCBaines