Former Eastern Washington quarterbacks chase more glory in Canada
Has there ever been a football season with more intrigue than what awaits three former Eastern Washington quarterbacks this year in Canada?
The fun is about to begin for Matt Nichols, Bo Levi Mitchell and Vernon Adams Jr. – the newly-arrived veteran, the champion and the second-year hopeful, in that order.
All were legends in Cheney, and all have plenty to look forward to north of the border, where former Eagles have found uncommon success in the Canadian Football League.
Nichols is the new big thing in Winnipeg, Mitchell has helped Calgary to three Grey Cup appearances and Adams still hopes to break through in Montreal.
Nichols ready to “explode”
Matt Nichols has been in the Canadian Football League for seven years, but he’s only just arrived.
Armed with a new three-year, $1.2 million contract – yes, there’s money to be made up north – the former Eastern Washington quarterback is suddenly “The Man” in Manitoba.
A four-year starter at Eastern from 2006-09, the 29-year-old Nichols has overcome doubters and injuries.
Nichols’ salary will start at $400,000 this year, putting him in the middle of the pack among CFL starters. It will increase to roughly $440,000 in 2019.
“It’s awesome,” Nichols told the Winnipeg Sun. “Obviously you have a family to take care of and those types of things, so that side of it’s awesome.”
“But really I play this game because I love the locker room. So just to be able to continue living that life and having that brotherhood with your teammates, that’s what I’m excited about,” Nichols said.
And why not? Nichols took over the Blue Bombers’ offense from a struggling Drew Willy five games into the 2016 season, then won 10 out of 13 games and took Winnipeg to its first postseason berth in five years.
“Matt’s a winner,” Winnipeg general manager Kyle Walters said. “There’s a quiet confidence about him. He believes in himself and all his teammates do as well.”
Nichols certainly believes in his offense. After Tuesday’s practice, he used the word “explosive” six times during an interview.
However, the fireworks will have to wait seven more days, as Winnipeg has an opening-week bye.
Mitchell does nothing but win
Since Bo Levi Mitchell took over as starting quarterback in Calgary in the summer of 2014, the Stampeders have been to two Grey Cups in the last three years.
The last one – a 39-33 overtime loss last year to Ottawa – still stings a bit. Mitchell threw three early interceptions, then led a remarkable comeback to reach overtime.
Winning the CFL’s most valuable player award was the consolation prize for Mitchell, who took Calgary all the way in 2014 and hopes to do it again.
The first step back is on Friday, when Calgary opens the season at none other than Ottawa.
“It was a good learning point,” Mitchell said. “And now it’s a burning drive. It’s a passion. I’ve been working out harder than I ever have and pushing myself more to try to find new limits.”
Only 27, Mitchell has a bright future. He’s at the top of his game and will earn $460,000 this season.
“Bo just keeps getting better – every week, every game, every year,” slotback Marquay McDaniel said. “Bo has that Texas swag. He has that humbleness. He has that cockiness. And he’s talented. He’s like the total package, really.
“And he’s the best in the league,” McDaniel said.
Numbers bear that out: Last year, Mitchell, completed 68 percent of his passes for 5,377 yards, 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
He did that by spreading the wealth to his playmakers – the same formula that helped him lead Eastern to the FCS title in 2010 and earn him the Walter Payton Award the following year.
Adams hopes to break through
Vernon Adams has overcome adversity at every stop – southern California, Cheney, Eugene and now Montreal.
Last year, Adams made the most of his chances for the lowly Alouettes (7-11), taking over the starting quarterback role late in the season.
Now he’s starting over, after Montreal made one of the biggest off-season moves by signing CFL veteran Darian Durant from Saskatchewan.
Even if the oft-injured Durant goes down, Adams must beat out former Miami University star Jacory Harris and rookie Matthew Shiltz from Butler.
Adams, who earned $70,000 last year, is undaunted.
“Ready to get Year 2 poppin’ ” he Tweeted last week after going 10 for 19 for 109 yards in a 38-5 win over defending CFL champ Ottawa in the preseason finale last week.
The teams will meet again in the season opener Thursday in Montreal.