Dinos QB Andrew Buckley signs with CFL's Calgary Stampeders

Source: Ben Matchett, Calgary Assistant Athletic Director, Operations & Communications

CALGARY – Two-time Hec Crighton Trophy winner Andrew Buckley doesn't have to go far to continue his football career - in fact, just down the hall at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel announced Wednesday that Buckley has signed with his hometown Canadian Football League club, just weeks after winning his second straight national MVP trophy in Canadian university football..

A Calgary native, Buckley was the Stamps' seventh-round selection (62nd overall) in the 2015 draft and attended training camp before returning to university for his senior season. He is a graduate of Calgary's Rundle College.

"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 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.

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 a Top 8 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.

"I'm extremely excited to continue my football career with my hometown team," said Buckley.

Buckley is wrapping up his degree in the Faculty of Kinesiology this semester and hopes to attend medical school in the future.