Stampeders.com
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders made a pair of roster moves Wednesday including the signing of national quarterback Andrew Buckley.
The club also announced the retirement of offensive lineman Brander Craighead. Craighead made seven starts for the Stamps as a rookie in 2014 but he missed the entire 2015 season because of a concussion.
Buckley is a Calgary native who starred for the University of Calgary Dinos, capturing the Hec Crighton Trophy as the top Canadian Interuniversity Sport player in both 2014 and 2015. He was the Stamps’ seventh-round selection (62nd overall) in the 2015 draft and attended training camp before returning to university for his senior season.
“Andrew was impressive for us in camp and in the pre-season and he followed that up with another great season for the Dinos,” said Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel. “He’s a talented quarterback and I’m looking forward to seeing him in camp.”
Buckley saw action in the Stamps’ pre-season game against BC on June 12 and completed eight of 10 passes for 72 yards.
2015 Rewind: Buckley reflects on first CFL pre-season game
After returning to school, he led the Dinos to an 8-0 record in 2015 while setting a CIS single-season record with 3,162 passing yards. He also established a Canada West conference record by completing 72 per cent of his passes. Buckley threw for 19 touchdowns and just one interception and added 33 carries for 256 yards and three scores.
In addition to winning a second consecutive Hec Crighton Trophy, Buckley was named an Academic All-Canadian.
In 2014, Buckley helped the U of C become the first team in Canada West history to break the 5,000-yard mark in total offence. He had a 64.3 completion percentage, 2,175 passing yards and 18 touchdowns while throwing only four interceptions. Buckley also finished fifth in Canada West rushing with 510 yards, the most of any quarterback in the country. His 10 rushing touchdowns put him second among all CIS players.
Buckley attended Calgary’s Rundle College before attending the U of C.
“I’m extremely excited to continue my football career with my hometown team,” said Buckley.
