Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford and former BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke share a lot of similarities and Ford has the potential to become the “Next Nathan Rourke” and a superstar in his own right.
Both Ford and Rourke are dual-threat quarterbacks who can run and throw the ball effectively in the pro leagues. They both played minor football in Ontario when they were in high school. They are both 6’1” and both went undrafted by the NFL. Their journeys also both began by playing in the CFL. While Rourke’s professional journey has ultimately taken him to Jacksonville, Florida to backup star NFL QB Trevor Lawrence, Tre Ford’s professional journey is just getting started, and he’s currently challenging incumbent starter Taylor Cornelius for the Edmonton Elks starting QB position.
Here are the numbers compiled by both quarterbacks during their U Sports & NCAA college careers:
Tre Ford with the Waterloo Warriors (U Sports):
- Completion percentage: 69%
- Passing yards: 8,003 yards
- Passing touchdowns: 64
- Interceptions thrown: 22
- Rushing yards: 2,816 yards
- Rushing touchdowns: 19
- Total touchdowns: 83
- Total yards: 10,819 yards
- Collegiate Accomplishments: Peter Gorman Trophy (2017) and Hec Crighton Trophy (2021)
Nathan Rourke with the Ohio Bobcats (NCAA):
- Completion percentage: 59%
- Passing yards: 7,457 yards
- Passing touchdowns: 60
- Interceptions thrown: 20
- Rushing yards: 2,639 yards
- Rushing touchdowns: 49
- Total touchdowns: 109
- Total yards: 10,096 yards
- Collegiate Accomplishments: 2x Jon Cornish Trophy (2017 & 2018).
When you compare the two QBs based on their college statistics, Tre Ford had higher numbers in terms of passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total yards. While Nathan Rourke had an impressive number of rushing touchdowns and played for a Division 1 Football Program in the United States. The level of play between U Sports and NCAA is clearly not on par but both managed to put up fairly similar numbers in college.
Comparing Tre Ford’s rookie CFL season with Nathan Rourke’s rookie season and the similarities are even more evident. Rourke threw for 754 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 5 interceptions and rushed for another 5 touchdowns during the 2021 season. Ford threw for 461 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions but didn’t score any rushing touchdowns during his limited action in the 2022 season.
Rourke’s numbers exploded to MVP levels in his second season and the Elks are surely hoping the same will happen with Ford in 2023. Taylor Cornelius appears to be the frontrunner to be the Elks starting quarterback again but a lot can change between now and the Elks home opener on June 11th.