Quarterbacks headline Riders’ negotiation list
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are stockpiling quarterbacks, at least based on Tuesday’s glimpse at some of the prospects on their negotiation list.
CFL teams revealed 10 names from each of their previously confidential 45-player negotiation lists as part of a league initiative to be more transparent.
Three of Saskatchewan’s prospects are quarterbacks — Trace McSorley (Penn State), B.J. Daniels (Southern Florida) and Luis Perez (Texas A&M Commerce).
McSorley is among the top quarterbacks in the Big 10 and is eligible for the 2018 NFL draft if he decides to forego his senior season with Penn State. The Riders are gambling McSorley might not be drafted or fails to land an NFL job.
CFL teams have the exclusive rights to negotiation-list players.
Here are the prospects revealed by the Roughriders:
JOSH BOYCE — Position: receiver; College: Texas Christian University; 5-foot-11, 205 pounds; Age: 26; Status: Free agent.
The skinny: Selected in fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Had stints with the Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns.
B.J. DANIELS — Quarterback/ running back; South Florida: 5-11, 217; 28; free agent.
The skinny: Attended Riders’ Florida mini-camp in the spring of 2013. After being selected in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, had NFL stints at quarterback, receiver and running back.
AKEEM DAVIS — Linebacker; Memphis; 6-1, 200; 28; free agent.
The skinny: Can play safety. Had NFL stints with the Colts, Washington, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars. In 21 NFL games, had 13 tackles and two forced fumbles.
CURT MAGGITT — Defensive end; Tennessee; 6-3, 230; 25; free agent.
The skinny: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Colts in 2016, recorded seven defensive tackles in nine games. Played defensive end and linebacker at Tennessee.
TRACE McSORLEY — Quarterback; Penn State; 5-11, 205; 22; 2018 NFL draft eligible.
The skinny: 22-5 record as starter with Penn State. Holds Penn State records for career touchdown passes (77) and touchdown passes in a single season (39).
LUIS PEREZ — Quarterback; Texas A&M Commerce; 6-3, 220; 22; 2018 NFL draft eligible.
The skinny: Guided Texas A&M to 37-27 win over West Florida in 2017 NCAA Division II championship. Perez was named 2017 NCAA Division II player of the year after completing 49 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions.
ERIC PINKINS — Defensive back; San Diego State; 6-3, 230; 26; free agent.
The skinny: Selected in sixth round of 2014 NFL draft by Seattle Seahawks. Spent time with Seattle and New York Giants. Fits mould Riders seek in a big-bodied defensive back. Timed at 4.40 seconds in 40-yard dash.
KEVIN SNEAD — Wide receiver; Carson-Newman; 5-10, 175; 26; free agent.
The skinny: In 2016, Snead was called “fastest man in college football” after running a 4.22 40-yard dash during a Tennessee pro day. Signed with Giants as undrafted free agent.
DAXTON SWANSON — Defensive back; Sam Houston State; 5-11, 190; 26; free agent.
The skinny: Had stints with Colts, 49ers, Patriots, Buccaneers, Giants, Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.
ADAM ZARUBA — Fullback/ tight end; Simon Fraser; 6-5, 265; 26; signed with Philadelphia Eagles.
The skinny: Prospect signed futures contract with Philadelphia on Jan. 3. Tried out for Eagles in 2017, signed three-year contract, but was released in September.