Calgary Stampeder Thread

[jerrym]

The Stampeders have signed four American DL: Stefen Banks; J.T. Jones; Lenny Jones; and Garrald McDowell

Banks attended mini-camp with the National Football League’s Cleveland Browns in 2019. He played four seasons (2015-18) at Savannah State and earned all-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honours in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and all-American honours in 2017. In 41 career games for the Tigers, he recorded 226 tackles including 51.5 tackles for loss, 24.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, six pass breakups and two interceptions. ...

J. T. Jones signed with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and attended Atlanta’s training camp in both 2017 before earning a spot on the team’s practice roster. He also attended the Falcons’ training camp in 2018. In 2019, he attended training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones also spent time with the Alliance of American Football’s Atlanta Legends. In college, Jones played 49 games and made 38 starts over four seasons (2013-16) at Miami of Ohio. He earned second-team all-Mid-American Conference as a senior in 2016 and third-team recognition as a junior in 2015. Over the course of his career with the RedHawks, Jones recorded 175 tackles including 41 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks. Upon completing his collegiate career, he ranked third in school history in both tackles for loss and sacks. ...

Lenny Jones signed with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and he has also spent time with the Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. Prior to turning pro, Jones played 51 games and made 31 starts over four seasons (2012-15) at the University of Nevada. He recorded 152 career tackles including 32.5 tackles for loss for the Wolf Pack and added 20 sacks, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown. Jones was named a second-team Freshman All-American in 2012 and earned second-team all-Mountain West Conference honours as a senior in 2015. ...

McDowell played his senior season (2018) at Louisiana-Lafayette after three years (2015-17) at Ole Miss. In his single season with the Ragin’ Cajuns, he recorded 50 tackles including four tackles for loss and added 0.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. McDowell played 25 games over three years at Ole Miss and accumulated 33 tackles including 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.

https://www.stampeders.com/2020/02/0...nsive-linemen/

[jerrym]

GM John Hufnagel is promising more action than is usually the case for the Stampeders in the upcoming free agency. The following article also breaks who Calgary currently has, who has already left, new signees, and possible players who may be pursued in free agency for each position.

Expect the Calgary Stampeders to be more active than normal on the first day of free agency. Just don’t expect them to be pursuing a big-name American receiver. You probably shouldn’t anticipate that they’ll aggressively go after a veteran quarterback to back up Bo Levi Mitchell, either. Their offensive and defensive lines are in nice shape, too, and they’re expecting Ka’Deem Carey to start at running back. So, the Stamps will be looking at getting a defensive back or two signed.

Speaking with the media on Monday morning, Stampeders president/GM John Hufnagel was careful not to reveal too much about his plans for when CFL free agency kicks off on Tuesday (10 a.m.), but he did offer some encouraging words for fans who are hoping the team makes a splash. “I think we’ll have more action tomorrow than what you’d normally expect from our organization,” Hufnagel said.

The Stampeders are in an interesting place heading into free agency. They’ve lost a couple big-name guys, including their 2020 nominee for Most Outstanding Player, Reggie Begelton, and their nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Tre Roberson.
Both of those guys signed with NFL teams, as did the hugely underrated DaShaun Amos. When you combine their departures with the retirements of veteran DB Brandon Smith and punter Rob Maver, it’s understandable that some fans might feel like there’s been yet another mass exodus this off-season.

https://calgarysun.com/sports/footba...ve-more-action

[jerrym]

GM John Hufnagel has also said the team will not be looking for a veteran backup QB until the second or third day of free agency as it pursues re-signing QB Montrell Cozart.

[OV Argo]

GM John Hufnagel has also said the team will not be looking for a veteran backup QB until the second or third day of free agency as it pursues re-signing QB Montrell Cozart.

The Stumps signed Prukop; they could also think of drafting local Dinos product QB Adam Sinagra.

They scored big in free agency IMO by adding 2 quality DBs in Leonard & Dozier.

Many (me included) have predicted they are in for a downfall year after year; but they remain strong under Hufnagel - i believe this will continue.

[jerrym]

Despite the signing of former Argo QB Dakota Prukop, 2019 third string QB Montell Cozart is still expected to have the inside track for the #2 job.

When pundits spoke about the Calgary Stampeders over the past couple weeks, the names of just about every veteran quarterback in the CFL seemed to get tossed about.

If you actually listened to Stamps president/GM John Hufnagel, though, he never wavered about wanting to get Montell Cozart back in the fold.

Cozart has been the Stampeders’ third-string quarterback for roughly a season and a half now. With backup Nick Arbuckle moving on to the Ottawa Redblacks this off-season, though, there’s finally an opportunity for Cozart to step into a bigger role. That was always what the Stamps wanted. Any hesitation came on Cozart’s part, and on Tuesday the two sides were able to come to an agreement to keep the young quarterback in Calgary for 2020.

“Montell decided that this was his best place to compete,” Hufnagel said. “He’s very familiar with things, there will be competition. Obviously, I signed another quarterback today but I’m pleased he came back on board.” ...

That other quarterback is Dakota Prukup, who has been with the Toronto Argonauts for three years. He’ll want to claim the backup job for himself, to be sure, but there’s no question that Cozart will have the inside track for that job heading into training camp.

https://calgarysun.com/sports/footba...-backup-qb-job

[jerrym]

Former CFL Most Outstanding OL Derek Dennis, who played four of his five years in the CFL with Calgary, including 16 in 2019, has signed with the XFL. He has yet to be assigned to a team. He says that he plans to come back to the CFL after the XFL season is over.

[jerrym]

Below is a review of Stampeder's free agent signings, including former Argos OL Sean McEwen, QB Dakota Prukop and K Ronnie Pfeffer:

Combined with free-agent signing Sean McEwen, who they signed on Saturday because he was released early by the Toronto Argonauts, the Stampeders got six new players to sign contracts to play in Calgary during free agency. ...

The team did manage to find a couple former all-stars and they added real depth to their defensive line and special teams units while plugging a couple notable holes in their defensive backfield. By any measure, it was a successful day for Stamps president/GM John Hufnagel, who took full advantage of the CFL’s new weeklong negotiating window prior to free agency and extended qualifying offers to five of the newly-signed additions. ...

Richard Leonard Position: Defensive back Previous team: Hamilton Tiger-Cats Age: 28 Nationality: American
What’s his deal: The last time Leonard played in Calgary, it was in the Grey Cup back in November. Leonard is coming off a career season for the Ticats in which he registered 55 tackles and four interceptions, including one pick-six, and forced two fumbles and eight knockdowns. That was enough to earn him CFL all-star honours after being named an East Division all-star in 2017. He’s the biggest name on this list and will surely be starting at halfback this season. With Brandon Smith retiring, that’s a position the Stampeders were eager to fill with an experienced hand.
Why he signed: “It just came down to one thing. This is a great organization and they know how to win, so I just want to come into a great program and learn from the great coaches they have.”

Branden Dozier Position: Defensive back Previous team: B.C. Lions Age: 26 Nationality: American
What’s his deal: Dozier is one of those guys who Stamps defensive backs coach Josh Bell loves. He can play pretty much anywhere in the defensive backfield. Last year, he excelled as a safety with the Lions and led the team with 70 tackles. Royce Metchie is most likely going to be the Stamps’ starting safety after a spectacular first season as their go-to-guy at the position last year, but it’s worth noting that Dozier was an East Division all-star for the Montreal Alouettes in 2018 and has been on the CFL field in all sorts of different roles. He’s a solid special teams player, something the Stampeders needed last year.
Impact of Josh Bell on his signing: “He called me on the first day of that window and we just talked football and he definitely came off as somebody I’d like to play for.”

Connor McGough Position: Defensive lineman Previous team: Hamilton Tiger-Cats Age: 24 Nationality: Canadian
What’s his deal: This is a genuine homecoming for McGough, who played his college football with the University of Calgary Dinos before being drafted No. 4 overall by the Ticats in the 2017 CFL Draft. He’s played in 51 games for the Ticats over three seasons and has 33 special-teams tackles and 14 defensive stops in that time. He won’t be starting on the d-line right away, but with McGough and Vincent Desjardins available, the Stamps will have real Canadian depth behind Derek Wiggan at defensive tackle. He’s a real force on special teams, too.
On returning to McMahon: “There were other offers, but Calgary for sure holds a special place in my heart and every time I came here to play when I was against them, it was meaningful and special to me. This field and this city, I’m very passionate about it.”

Ronnie Pfeffer Position: Punter Previous team: Toronto Argonauts Age: 27 Nationality: Canadian
What’s his deal: The Stampeders wanted to move fast and secure the services of a punter after Rob Maver retired. There’s likely someone they could have drafted, but signing Pfeffer allows them to be a little more flexible when they’re making their picks in early May. The Wilfrid Laurier University product is coming off a season with the Argos where he ranked second in the CFL with a net punting average of 37.7 yards in 12 games.
What Hufnagel said: “That’s one thing we wanted, to capture a punter, that way we can sleep well at night going into the draft. Whether we draft a punter or not, that’s not as important right now.”

Dakota Prukop Position: Quarterback Previous team: Toronto Argonauts Age: 26 Nationality: American
What’s his deal: While Prukop dressed for 41 games with the Argos over three seasons, he only recorded his first passing stats last year. He’s not going to be competing for Bo Levi Mitchell’s starting job or anything like that, but he provides competition in camp for Montell Cozart for the backup spot. He’s been around the CFL for a couple years so has an understanding of how the Canadian game works, and make no mistake, that has value.
What Hufnagel said: “I’m comfortable with all (the quarterbacks’) talent-level at this time. It’s who comes in and seizes the moment and grabs the opportunity.”

https://calgarysun.com/sports/footba...t-the-new-guys

[jerrym]

Having undergone shoulder surgery for a labral tear, Bo Levi Mitchell hopes to start throwing by the first of May, but post-operation timetables don't always go according to plan, so a question remains whether he will be ready for the start of the season. Therefore, the Stamps may be depending on Prukop and Cozart in their first game(s) if the don't sign a more experienced QB before the start of the season.

[jerrym]

Below is an analysis of the two Stampeder starting QBs last year.

	BO LEVI MITCHELL	NICK ARBUCKLE
1st Down Pass Production Grade	59.4	57.4
2nd Down Pass Production Grade	46.2	49.2
TD:INT Ratio	1.73	2.20
Yards Per Pass Attempt	8.34	8.83

In Nick Arbuckle, the Stampeders found a sturdy and reliable backup, but a passer unwilling to attack in the same way Bo has become known for.
For perspective, look at a comparison of the two quarterbacks passing location tendencies with the superior attempt percentage being listed.

Mitchell owned 15 of a possible 20 throw locations beyond 10 yards in the air while Arbuckle’s charting showed his willingness to take safer throws under 10 yards and behind the line of scrimmage, where he owned eight of 10 available throw locations.
The result? A league-leading completion percentage and user-friendly accuracy mark.

NICK ARBUCKLE STATS
Completion %	73.1%	Rank: 1st
Accuracy Grade	70.7	Rank: 1st
TD:INT Ratio	2.20	Rank: 4th

Here you can see how Arbuckle took over Mitchell in 2019 completion percentage including throws down the heart of the field.

It’s worth noting here as well that Calgary quarterbacks completed 96.6% of passes at or behind the line of scrimmage — the highest mark in the CFL last season.

https://www.stampeders.com/2020/02/2...ry-stampeders/

[jerrym]

The CFLPA has filed a grievance on behalf of LB Nate Holley, who signed an agreement with the Stampeders after playing with LA Rams and played in 18 games while making 78 DTs and 22 ST tackles in 2019, thinking the NFL window would be open to him, even though he signed through 2020. The case is heading to arbirtration. Calgary had released Tre Robertson who signed with the Chicago Bears earlier, but the NFL and especially the NFLPA have not agreed to the NFL window.

[jerrym]

Calgary has signed German League LB Basil Jackson.

The Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League have announced the signing of linebacker Basil Jackson (Tarleton State University Texans, NCAA Div. II, Braunschweig New Yorker Lions)

The 25-year-old, 6′, 231 lb native of Arlington, Texas, was the leading tackler for the champions of the German Football League, the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in 2019. In helping the Lionscapture their 12th German title, he recorded 89 tackles as well as two sacks, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Jackson spent two years playing or the Texans after transferring from Trinity Valley Community College. He earned a reputation as a tackling machine. In his senior year, he led the team in tackles with 122 (third nationally) in just 10 games, and as a junior was second in tackles with 84 while returning two interceptions for touchdowns. At one point, he was flirting with a 15 tackle per game average. Also in his Texan career, he totaled 17 tackles for loss and five sacks and earned a master’s degree in Business Administration. He was named to the CCA 2nd Team All Region Team.

Prior to signing in Germany, Jackson had been invited for tryouts with the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks and had also attracted interest from other Canadian Football League teams.

https://www.americanfootballinternat...basil-jackson/

[jerrym]

The Stampeders are providing hints about their new uniform.

https://3downnation.com/2020/03/09/s...se-new-jersey/

[jerrym]

Former Calgary DB Brandon Browner, who was a CFL All Star three times and helped Seattle and New England win the NFL Super Bowl, has been imprisoned in the US for eight years after being convicted of attempted murder and child cruelty involving his ex-girlfriend and her two children.

[jerrym]

WR/KR Bernard Reedy, who spent five years in the NFL but played in only 11 games of spot duty, has signed with Calgary.

[jerrym]

Former TC and PR NFL Kansas City, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Redskins DB Ashton Lampkin has signed with the Stampeders.

[carlos]

Calgary has signed German League LB Basil Jackson.

Will this guy be considered a global?

[jerrym]

Calgary has signed two Americans: DL Dadi Nicolas and LB JoJo Tillery.

Nicolas was selected in the sixth round (203rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2016 National Football League draft. He played 11 games for the Chiefs in 2016 but missed the 2017 season due to injury. He has also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.

Collegiately, Nicolas played 49 games over four years at Virginia Tech. He earned second-time all-Atlantic Coast Conference honours as a junior in 2014 after recording 71 tackles including 18.5 tackles for loss while adding nine sacks and one fumble recovery. For his career with the Hokies, Nicolas had 166 tackles including 36 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception. ...

Tillery signed with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He played four pre-season games for the Titans, recording eight tackles and one interception.

Prior to turning pro, Tillery played 51 games and made 27 starts at safety in four seasons at Wofford College. He recorded 160 total tackles for the Terriers including 106 solo stops and also had two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and 14 pass break-ups. He was named second-team all-Southern Conference in 2018 after amassing 49 tackles, one sack and three interceptions.

https://www.stampeders.com/2020/04/1...nsive-players/

[jerrym]

Calgary is willing to trade its first overall pick if the price is right. Here's a look at their needs and available prospects in the draft. There is also a difference of opinion of who the Stampeders would pick first overall, if they take that route: LB Jordan Williams or DE Isaac Adeyemi-Bergland.

Calgary currently has 18 players on their roster who were drafted in the third round or later. Even more of a surprise is that only four of them were drafted in the second round or higher.

If the Stampeders hold on to the No. 1 one pick, it seems likely they will use it on Jordan Williams. At the moment, last year’s starting middle linebacker Cory Greenwood remains unsigned and is 34 years old. Williams would fit in nicely in a linebacking corps that includes Riley Jones and Fraser Sopik as national backups.
Linebacker is a position of need for the Stamps as well, potentially, given Nate Holley’s situation. Last season’s rookie of the year nominee has filed a yet-to-be-heard grievance with the CFLPA. He was not released to pursue NFL opportunities despite some of his teammates being given that chance.

There are currently eight offensive linemen with a Canadian passport, which means the team has pretty substantial depth along the line of scrimmage. ... f a big man gets picked by Calgary on Thursday, one of three selections between 26 and 34 is likely where the Stamps select a blocker.

Defensive line could potentially be addressed at pick 15 if Sam Acheampong (Wilfrid Laurier) or Cameron Lawson (Queen’s) are still on the board. Injuries to Junior Turner and Derek Wiggan proved costly last season and increased depth at defensive tackle would be welcome.

The free agent losses of Juwan Brescacin and Lemar Durant in successive years have weakened a strong national presence within the Stamps’ receiving corps. Look for Hufnagel to balance that out in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. Some intriguing options include Tyler Ternowski (Waterloo), Kian Schaffer-Baker (Guelph), and Brendan O’Leary-Orange (Nevada).

At the same time, given that the No. 1 one pick came via trade for the rights to Nick Arbuckle, it’s possible that Hufnagel could wheel and deal on draft day if the right price is there.

​https://3downnation.com/2020/04/28/2...ry-stampeders/

The Stampeders covet Southeastern Louisiana defensive end Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund. The native of Dartmouth, N.S. makes sense for a Calgary team that starts a national player along the defensive line. Veterans Jabar Westerman and Ese Mrabure weren’t retained in free agency, which leaves Derek Wiggan and Vincent Desjardins as the club’s only remaining defensive tackles.

The Stamps signed local defensive end Connor McGough in free agency, a move designed to bolster the team’s pass rush and provide depth along the defensive line. Adding Adeyemi-Berglund into the fold could allow Calgary to mix-and-match Canadians along the line, rotating them at the interior or on the edge.

https://3downnation.com/2020/04/29/s...020-cfl-draft/

[jerrym]

Calgary's trading down to #3 still allowed them to get the player, according to rumours, they wanted in DE Isaac Adeyemi-Bergland.

[jerrym]

Having lost Lemar Durant and Jewan Brescacin in free agency in the last two years, it is not surprising the Stampeders went after a WR in Trivel Pinto, who would have one of top picks last year, if he had not faced a drug suspension. He is flashy, fast and a potential returner as well.