Is the CFL Screwing Canadian QBs?

[doubleblue]

I haven't heard what Canadian University QB will be coming to the Argo camp yet. Some how I am starting to suspect that may be as close we will ever see a Canadian QB on all CFL teams. Keep bringing them in for a couple of weeks to give them some pro coaching which is good for the CIS. Then maybe we will continue to see the odd QB like Buckley make a team here and there.

[j-ski]

I haven't heard what Canadian University QB will be coming to the Argo camp yet. Some how I am starting to suspect that may be as close we will ever see a Canadian QB on all CFL teams. Keep bringing them in for a couple of weeks to give them some pro coaching which is good for the CIS. Then maybe we will continue to see the odd QB like Buckley make a team here and there.

USports Quarterbacks in CFL Camps

http://www.marshallferguson.com/sing...-Summer-School

[ArgoRavi]

USports Quarterbacks in CFL Camps

http://www.marshallferguson.com/sing...-Summer-School

Chris Jones doesn't seem to have much use for USports players so it isn't surprising that he is not hosting a QB in his camp.

[OV Argo]

Chris Jones doesn't seem to have much use for USports players so it isn't surprising that he is not hosting a QB in his camp.

Don't be ridiculous Ravi - Ego-Jones just loves and respects Canadian talent; the Riders NI "depth" is now just awesome and light years ahead of previous regimes there.

[Topshelf]

Just adds to how underappreciated Russ Jackson is. Different era of course, but a true Canadian QB.
The import rule is ridiculous. It needs to be overhauled but do we even have a league commissioner right now?
This issue was covered a couple years ago when the argos cut Danny Brannigan. I don't think we need to mandate a Canadian qb on each roster, but right now it seems to carry one puts a team at a disadvantage. At least create a framework where an exceptional CIS qb has a fighting chance to develop for a couple seasons.

[Jayahre]

Buckley named as the backup in Calgary and possibly Brandon Bridge as the backup in Sask.
These guys EARNED their spots on the roster, they weren't hired to fill a roster quota. They made the team because they were better than other QBs out there, good for them. I'm sure either could be a starter some day.
The QB position is the most important on the team and it should always be the best player for the job and there should never be any rule that favours a national QB.

[OV Argo]

Buckley named as the backup in Calgary and possibly Brandon Bridge as the backup in Sask.
These guys EARNED their spots on the roster, they weren't hired to fill a roster quota. They made the team because they were better than other QBs out there, good for them. I'm sure either could be a starter some day.
The QB position is the most important on the team and it should always be the best player for the job and there should never be any rule that favours a national QB.

I like Buckley - good QB talent and was very impressive last ex.game for the Stumps - we shall see if he really wins the #2 job there.

However - anybody who believes that the only reason he is there with the Stamps is just because of "talent" - like he is/was the clear cut best CIS QB of the past decade or so and that's why he is getting a CFL shot, are seriously deluded IMO. Good for the Stamps for giving him a shot and he was playing right in there own backyard for them to scout, but sorry, there have been several other CIS QBs with as good or better QB skills than Buckley in the past few years, let alone decades, and basically none of them have been given a real CFL TC shot to compete for a job.

When several CFL teams yearly start giving top notch Canadian QB talent real TCs shots to compete - I'll believe there has been some real change on this file. Not happening - lately, now or doubtful in the forseeable future. Same old GOB CFL. ;o)

[Jayahre]

I like Buckley - good QB talent and was very impressive last ex.game for the Stumps - we shall see if he really wins the #2 job there.

However - anybody who believes that the only reason he is there with the Stamps is just because of "talent" - like he is/was the clear cut best CIS QB of the past decade or so and that's why he is getting a CFL shot, are seriously deluded IMO. Good for the Stamps for giving him a shot and he was playing right in there own backyard for them to scout, but sorry, there have been several other CIS QBs with as good or better QB skills than Buckley in the past few years, let alone decades, and basically none of them have been given a real CFL TC shot to compete for a job.

When several CFL teams yearly start giving top notch Canadian QB talent real TCs shots to compete - I'll believe there has been some real change on this file. Not happening - lately, now or doubtful in the forseeable future. Same old GOB CFL. ;o)

So why would he be named the backup if not for his talent? there is no advantage or incentive to have a Canadian, he doesn't count against the ratio.
CFL teams will start giving "top notch" Canadian QB talent a real shot if they can find "top notch" Canadian QBs.
CIS QBs may shine in the CIS but they don't face the talent that an NCAA QB has to face, the bigger stronger defences, faster strong pass rushes, longer season more games and longer practice schedules, NCAA QBs are better coached and it's a full time job when you get an NCAA scholarship.
CIS QBs are usually in shock when they get to a CFL training camp and they are facing the bigger, faster, stronger ex-NFL or ex NCAA defences, they have never had to face players of that quality.
Sorry but CIS QBs just don't match up against the superior NCAA and ex-NFL QBs. I think it's great that Buckley has overcome the adversity and earned a backup in the CFL.
Buckley proves the point you are trying to make that the CFL does give "top notch" QB talent a real shot. Too bad there are not more "top notch" Canadians out there.

[AngeloV]

So why would he be named the backup if not for his talent? there is no advantage or incentive to have a Canadian, he doesn't count against the ratio.
CFL teams will start giving "top notch" Canadian QB talent a real shot if they can find "top notch" Canadian QBs.
CIS QBs may shine in the CIS but they don't face the talent that an NCAA QB has to face, the bigger stronger defences, faster strong pass rushes, longer season more games and longer practice schedules, NCAA QBs are better coached and it's a full time job when you get an NCAA scholarship.
CIS QBs are usually in shock when they get to a CFL training camp and they are facing the bigger, faster, stronger ex-NFL or ex NCAA defences, they have never had to face players of that quality.
Sorry but CIS QBs just don't match up against the superior NCAA and ex-NFL QBs. I think it's great that Buckley has overcome the adversity and earned a backup in the CFL.
Buckley proves the point you are trying to make that the CFL does give "top notch" QB talent a real shot. Too bad there are not more "top notch" Canadians out there.

I think I'll stay out of this one. The new me.

[1971GreyCup]

I think I'll stay out of this one. The new me.

Haha, Good one AngeloV!

[OV Argo]

So why would he be named the backup if not for his talent? there is no advantage or incentive to have a Canadian, he doesn't count against the ratio.
CFL teams will start giving "top notch" Canadian QB talent a real shot if they can find "top notch" Canadian QBs.
CIS QBs may shine in the CIS but they don't face the talent that an NCAA QB has to face, the bigger stronger defences, faster strong pass rushes, longer season more games and longer practice schedules, NCAA QBs are better coached and it's a full time job when you get an NCAA scholarship.
CIS QBs are usually in shock when they get to a CFL training camp and they are facing the bigger, faster, stronger ex-NFL or ex NCAA defences, they have never had to face players of that quality.
Sorry but CIS QBs just don't match up against the superior NCAA and ex-NFL QBs. I think it's great that Buckley has overcome the adversity and earned a backup in the CFL.
Buckley proves the point you are trying to make that the CFL does give "top notch" QB talent a real shot. Too bad there are not more "top notch" Canadians out there.

And no doubt you could name all sorts of CIS all-star or great stat QBs you've seen play who weren't near as good as Buckley and hence that's why they got zero real CFL shot from any of the GOBs running CFL teams? Carry on with your tired cliche ridden excuses on this file - nice job !

[Argo57]

And no doubt you could name all sorts of CIS all-star or great stat QBs you've seen play who weren't near as good as Buckley and hence that's why they got zero real CFL shot from any of the GOBs running CFL teams? Carry on with your tired cliche ridden excuses on this file - nice job !

Proud of you OV, I can imagine you were so mad you were shaking when typing your response.

[Jayahre]

And no doubt you could name all sorts of CIS all-star or great stat QBs you've seen play who weren't near as good as Buckley and hence that's why they got zero real CFL shot from any of the GOBs running CFL teams? Carry on with your tired cliche ridden excuses on this file - nice job !

So why did Buckley get named as the backup in Calgary? he obviously impressed the coaches. I'm sure there are dozens of examples where a player had better stats or played better in the CIS or NCAA but were cut in training camp. We've seen lower draft picks winning starting jobs and higher draft picks being cut.
I don't know why you are getting so upset over someone's opinion. There is no conspiracy in the CFL to prevent Canadian QBs, the fact is there are dozens of QBs coming out of the NCAA that have more talent, better trained, faster, better coached.
The top Canadian football players are being scouted in high school by the NCAA, Bridge was scouted and then signed by an NCAA school and trained there.
We are seeing NCAA schools scouting Canadian high schools for the cream of the crop.
There is a reason why the last Canadian CIS player to win the CFL MOP was almost 50 years ago.

[argolio]

LOL, now you've done it!

[ArgoGabe22]

But not every CIS QB is pro ready, just like not every NCAA QB is ready for NFL (or even the CFL). Heck, you even have Heismann winning QBs who amount to nothing professionally. All of these records broken in college and some QBs don't get a shot in the NFL. Just because a QB is successful in USports and has thrown for a million yards doesn't automatically make him a CFL QB. Will agree though, that they probably could get an invite to camp before teams assume that. Although, torching York and Waterloo (for example) might not necessarily mean much.

[jerrym]

But not every CIS QB is pro ready, just like not every NCAA QB is ready for NFL (or even the CFL). Heck, you even have Heismann winning QBs who amount to nothing professionally. All of these records broken in college and some QBs don't get a shot in the NFL. Just because a QB is successful in USports and has thrown for a million yards doesn't automatically make him a CFL QB. Will agree though, that they probably could get an invite to camp before teams assume that. Although, torching York and Waterloo (for example) might not necessarily mean much.

Very few American or Canadian college QBs are "ready' for the NFL or CFL. Most take years of seasoning, even if they become first stringers in the end, before they can handle the job masterfully.

[jerrym]

Although I understand why Andrew Buckley took the opportunity to study medicine, I'm sad to see Andrew Buckley retire, as he had established himself as a Canadian backup QB. But Brandon Bridge is still speaking up for Canadian QBs.

With all the big plays he made in 2017, the 26-year-old kept hearing over and over again from his teammates he was sending a powerful message to aspiring quarterbacks in Canada that they can play the position in the CFL. ...

“If I actually failed, then it really closes the door for a lot of younger kids,” said Bridge, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 235 pounds. “My success is definitely really important, and that is definitely what I am going to try and do. I want to leave a legacy.
“For opening up a door and changing and breaking down a barrier and having the younger generation have an opportunity, I think that means way more than having all the accolades in the world.” ...


He discussed the issue with CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie in the off-season.
“Actually, it went well,” said Bridge. “I just told him that we were sending a terrible message to our youth.
“The CFL wants to encourage football development, but we’re not helping our development if we don’t change this ratio and let a quarterback having a Canadian nationality actually have that opportunity to actually play quarterback.” ...


Even with Collaros on the Roughriders roster, Bridge said he has to play as if he is trying to win the starting job.
“Obviously, every day I am going to have to compete no matter what, even if Zach (Collaros) wasn’t here,” said Bridge. “I would just still compete and still put my best foot forward, because there are other guys that definitely want to be the guy.
“We are all fighting for the same job, but we are all going to be supportive and help each other out.” ...


Bridge elected to remain with the Roughriders because of his comfort level with head coach and general manager Chris Jones. The signal-caller believes he has a legitimate chance to prove himself under Jones.

http://3downnation.com/2018/05/25/ri...-canadian-qbs/

[rdavies]

He discussed the issue with CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie in the off-season. “Actually, it went well,” said Bridge. “I just told him that we were sending a terrible message to our youth.

“The CFL wants to encourage football development, but we’re not helping our development if we don’t change this ratio and let a quarterback having a Canadian nationality actually have that opportunity to actually play quarterback.” ...

I have long thought this and am glad somebody has finally voiced it. I call a Canadian QB the Jackie Robinson position in the CFL. And while I applaud Bridge's great efforts, for me, it won't totally come to fruition until we see a USports trained QB leading a CFL team.

[paulwoods13]

I have long thought this and am glad somebody has finally voiced it. I call a Canadian QB the Jackie Robinson position in the CFL. And while I applaud Bridge's great efforts, for me, it won't totally come to fruition until we see a USports trained QB leading a CFL team.

I actually believe that day is coming. Buckley was No. 2 in Calgary and might have ended up starting somewhere had he not retired. O'Connor looks like an outstanding prospect (who IMO might get an NFL shot next year) and there are a few others coming through CIS who could knock that door down. The fact that the NFL is now taking the kinds of QBs who used to have to come to Canada (e.g. Russell Wilson) makes it necessary for CFL teams to widen their search. I really believe that Picton's invitation to camp was not just a PR move. Whether he'll end up as one of the QBs here all year remains to be seen, but I won't be surprised if he does (especially if we trade one of the other guys to Mtl or Wpg).

[rdavies]

I actually believe that day is coming. Buckley was No. 2 in Calgary and might have ended up starting somewhere had he not retired. O'Connor looks like an outstanding prospect (who IMO might get an NFL shot next year) and there are a few others coming through CIS who could knock that door down. The fact that the NFL is now taking the kinds of QBs who used to have to come to Canada (e.g. Russell Wilson) makes it necessary for CFL teams to widen their search. I really believe that Picton's invitation to camp was not just a PR move. Whether he'll end up as one of the QBs here all year remains to be seen, but I won't be surprised if he does (especially if we trade one of the other guys to Mtl or Wpg).

Agree, but like/unlike Buckley, does anyone have the patience to wait it out? And who's going to play the role of Branch Rickey? Not only does the player have to be good enough to make it and survive, but he's going to have to blaze the trail for the next guys. I thought Buckley had the character to be that guy and obviously he had that to choose the future he has but the next guy has to give his life and soul to the game.

I say all this without disrespecting Bridge, (he is doing a great thing) but for full impact (to me) it has to be a USports guy.