CFL.ca Staff

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- When Argonauts head coach Jim Barker and his staff see something they like, they waste no time in getting it. Immediately following 2010 CFL Evaluation Camp presented by Reebok, the Boatmen set their sights on the former Queen’s quarterback and signed him through the 2012 season.

Brannagan sparked the Gaels to the Vanier Cup championship last year in a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Calgary Dinos by a score of 33-31. The six-foot, 198 pound Burlington, Ont. native won the Ted Morris Trophy as the game's Most Valuable Player as he threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns. It was the Gaels first Vanier Cup championship since 1992.

Brannagan closed out his career at Queen's in second spot as the CIS all-time leading passer with 10,714 yards. He is third in attempts with 1,211 and fourth in career completions with 667.

“We are thrilled to welcome Danny to the Toronto Argonauts.  Danny comes from the Pat Sheahan offensive system which is similar to what we do," said Barker. "Based on his success in this offence and his proven leadership, we used the opportunity presented at the CFL Evaluation Camp to see him in action to determine both on the field and in our interview if he possesses the specific skills we were looking for.  We believe he does and he is a special individual who brings a lot to the table.  He can make all the throws and he understands the Canadian game and how to read defences.  We are excited to watch Danny compete with the other quarterbacks we have signed.”

“I’m very excited about this opportunity," said Brannagan. " I’m fortunate to have had a successful university career and realize that not a lot of people get to compete at the next level.  The Argos have a great and storied football program that I’ve followed growing up.  I was lucky to meet several members of the coaching staff at the CFL Evaluation Camp and I was very impressed with them.  I look forward to going out there and competing for a spot on the team.”

"Pound for pound he will be the strongest, most powerful kid there," said Gaels Head Coach Pat Sheahan prior to E-Camp. "He has an exceptionally strong arm and throws a nice tight spiral. In terms of whether or not he can make it, it depends on the CFL. Danny is a winner everywhere he has been but it takes two or three years to develop at that level. If the league is willing to take that time it could pay off for them."

In 2009, Brannagan led the Queen’s Gaels to their first Vanier Cup Championship since 1992, earning Vanier Cup MVP and Yates Cup MVP honours along the way.  In a prolific 5 season career at Queen’s, Brannagan passed former Argo Tommy Denison as the leading passer in Gaels history as he commanded a potent offence with a 62.14% completion rate in 2009 and led the nation in TD passes in 2008 with 24, earning him OUA First Team All-Star accolades.

In 2008, Brannagan was named a CIS All-Canadian (second team) as he lead the nation in touchdown passes with 24. He ranked third in Canada in passing yards with 2,407 and overtook Tommy Denison to become Queen’s all-time leading passer in Week 6 of the season against Ottawa.