A notable name from north of the border will begin NFL workouts next week. Nathan Rourke, the standout quarterback of the British Columbia Lions, has multiple visits set up, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link).
The 24-year-old had a highly productive career at Ohio University, where he threw for 7,457 yards and 60 touchdowns in three seasons. He displayed a dual-threat skillset as well, adding 2,634 yards and 49 touchdowns on the ground. That set the stage for his impressive first season as the Lions’ starter in 2022.
Taking on the No. 1 role for his hometown team, Rourke set an all-time CFL record for completion percentage in a season (78.7%) while leading the team to an 8-1 record to begin the year. A foot injury stalled his campaign, limiting him to just 10 regular season contests, though he did return in time for the playoffs. Overall, the 6-2, 210-pounder finished the year with 3,349 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He rushed for 304 yards and another seven touchdowns, leading to Most Outstanding Canadian honors at this week’s league awards ceremony.
Veteran CFL reporter Farhan Lalji notes that Rourke will begin workouts on Nov. 21, and that more than two dozen NFL teams have expressed interest in him. His ongoing recovery to full health will require a follow-up surgery and prevent him for participating in certain drills, however (Twitter links). Rourke will be seeking an opportunity to compete for an NFL backup role during the spring.
While he attempts to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Warren Moon, Joe Theismann and Doug Flutie in making the CFL-to-NFL jump, here is one other workout note from the NFL this week:
- Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes that veteran linebacker Brennan Scarlett will be visiting the Dolphins for a workout, one which could result in a practice squad deal. The 29-year-old played 13 games for Miami last year, after spending five seasons in Houston. He primarily played on special teams, and originally re-signed with the Dolphins this offseason before being released with an injury settlement in September. Now healthy, he could provide depth in the front seven as Miami enters the second half of the campaign.
As a former Ohio Bobcat, please know that it’s Ohio University and not the University of Ohio. It’s not as bad as people thinking that OU and Ohio State are the same, but it’s close. I hate to be that guy but it’s a big pet peeve lol
Anyway, Rourke has developed a ton since leaving school. He won a lot of games in college but was mostly a runner out of necessity and was pretty inconsistent throwing it. In college, he was basically a Mariota type, so he got a single rookie minicamp invite from the Giants but it was as a receiver.
He’s become a lot more consistent as a passer since then though, and already doesn’t have much more left to prove in the CFL. He missed a few games with an injury this year but was on pace to break a few records.
I imagine the grads of Miami (Ohio) share the same frustrations when mistaken as Miami (FL).
Rourke would be a good fit in Seattle would give them a younger QB to develop behind Geno but would stop them from drafting a QB either
Never heard them be called the British Columbia Lions and I’ve lived in the province my whole life haha. BC Lions. I don’t watch CFL anyways, just thought it was funny.
All the CFL teams should be named the Roughriders. It’s been a while since Lions roamed either Britain or Columbia.