Canadian QBs shine in CFL pre-season

Not since October 27, 1996 (Giulio Caravatta, BC Lions) has a Canadian quarterback started in the CFL. Looking to buck the trend are Andrew Buckley (Calgary Stampeders), Brandon Bridge (Montreal Alouettes) and Jordan Yantz (Winnipeg Blue Bombers). All three Canadian pivots are looking to solidify roster positions during CFL training camp.

Read CFL.ca article here.

About the trio

Calgary native Andrew Buckley won the 2014 Hec Crighton Award presented to the top player in CIS football. Buckley followed up a monster 2014 season by being selected in the 7th round by his hometown Calgary Stampeders 62nd overall. Not only did Buckley throw for 2,184 yard and 18 touchdowns in 2014 but he showcased his dual threat ability by adding an additional 10 rushing TDs and averaged 63.8 rushing yards per game.

Brandon Bridge (Mississauga, ON) represented Canada at the inaugural IFAF U-19 (Junior) World Championship in Canton, Ohio helping the nation to silver. He started his senior season at South Alabama leading the Jaguars to a bowl game after transferring from DI-AA Alcorn State. Bridge was one of 15 quarterbacks invited to attend the NFL Combine earlier this year. He was selected in the CFL Draft by Montreal Alouettes in the 4th round, 39th overall. Bridge’s mobility and arm strength make him an interesting developmental quarterback at the CFL level. In Montreal, he’ll develop under CFL great Anthony Calvillo who serves as the team’s receivers coach.

Last but not least is Manitoba Bisons QB Jordan Yantz. Originally from Regina, Yantz came to Manitoba by way of the Vancouver Island Raiders where he re-wrote the CJFL record book. The Football Canada Cup alum holds CJFL records for most career passing yards (10,728), most yards in a season (3,243), career passing touchdowns (121), is tied for most passing touchdowns in a season (35), has the highest career QB efficiency rating (160.3) and the highest single-season QB efficiency rating (168.8). In his final season with the University of Manitoba in 2014, Yantz helped lead the Bisons to a Canada West Conference title in an upset over Calgary and an appearance in a national semi-final (Uteck Bowl).