Quincy Vaughn: Your 2025 Calgary Stampeders Short-Yardage Specialist

The Calgary Stampeders lost their short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens, in free agency this offseason. They opted not to sign a replacement in free agency. They may have drafted his replacement although he was not listed as a quarterback. Quincy Vaughn followed a similar path to that of Stevens, being asked to change positions to tight end in an effort to maximize his chances of getting on the field.

It turns out his first opportunity to score in the pros was ironically taking a snap once again. Looking back on his college career, converting short yardage situations into first downs or touchdowns is nothing new for him. Chances are that will not be the last time we see this formation. Quincy Vaughn may have moved to tight end, but his ability as a runner may have been his most valuable trait during his collegiate career.

Stevens may be one of the best short yardage specialists in the league, but Quincy Vaughn has the potential to be even more valuable without having to fill any single role. His value to the Stampeders is actually in his ability to fill many needs without having to carry a player at multiple positions, instead they can simply plug Quincy Vaughn in and keep moving.

Table of Contents

1 Quincy Vaughn’s Unique Versatility Breeds New Opportunities

Quincy Vaughn’s Unique Versatility Breeds New Opportunities

Despite transitioning to tight end at North Dakota, Quincy Vaughn was still utilized him as a short-yardage runner. Quincy Vaughn scored 13 rushing touchdowns in two seasons, finishing with 16 rushing touchdowns and 4 receiving touchdowns. He has not thrown a regular-season pass in a game since 2022, and only had 28 attempts at UND, however, he still presents the threat of the pass, which could be just enough to keep defenses on their toes when he comes in.

The genius of this selection, however, is that the Stampeders could in theory opt to only carry two true quarterbacks and free up a roster spot elsewhere, or they can carry three true quarterbacks and keep them out of harm’s way by not using them in the short-yardage role.

I expect Calgary to utilize the first tactic. Keep Adams and Walker active, keep a third QB on the practice squad, and suit up Quincy Vaughn each game. They have both Josh Love and Logan Bonner, whom could potentially be snuck onto the practice squad. Quincy Vaughn can then be used in many facets and provide more value than carrying a traditional third quarterback. Playing as a fullback in the base offense, as well as playing on nearly every special teams unit.

Looking at Quincy Vaughn’s Potential Role

I don’t expect the production to be apples to apples, but to put things in perspective, Tommy Stevens carried the ball 160 times for 685 yards and 25 touchdowns in 3 seasons. During that same stretch, he attempted just 20 passes. He was never credited with a reception or a special teams tackle. All of this came following a collegiate career spent primarily playing quarterback before moving full-time to tight end in the NFL with the Saints.

Do I expect Quincy Vaughn to attempt 20 passes over the next three seasons? No, but what he could lack in the passing game, he should more than make up for in other ways. It would not shock me in the slightest to see him put up somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 carries, a handful of rushing touchdowns, 3 to 5 receptions, and a few special teams tackles.

This is one of those draft picks that I would liken to playing Chess when some other teams were playing Checkers. Calgary saw his value, knew he was likely going to be able to contribute right away, and selected him 17th overall with their third selection of the draft. Through two games he has two carries for 2 yards and 1 touchdown.

Aggressive Approach Signals Win-Now Mentality

Calgary went out and addressed their deficiencies aggressively this offseason. This included shaking up the coaching staff, revamping the quarterback room, as well as adding depth and competition at running back and receiver.

Bringing in Vernon Adams and retaining P.J. Walker, trying to ensure they had the players necessary to solidify their quarterback position. They also signed Dominique Rhymes, adding to a veteran-laden group including players like Reggie Begelton, Jalen Philpot, Cam Echols-Luper, Clark Barnes, as well as promising players coming in from other leagues like Joesph Ngata (NFL) and Ishmael Hyman (USFL).

This approach did not stop at the receiver. They signed recent NFL running back Eno Benjamin, CFL veteran Jeshrun Antwi, and promising American player Tiyon Evans, on top of 900-yard rusher Dedrick Mills, and fullback William Langlais.

It only made sense to approach the draft the same way, building around your newly minted quarterback room. Selecting Damien Alford, Christian Fortin, Quincy Vaughn, and Ludovik Choquette should surround their quarterbacks with the talent to be successful for the foreseeable future.

If you enjoyed this article and want to see more like it check out our CFL section.

Sponsor: Upside

This content and so much more is brought to you by Upside. Upside is a free not strings attached app that will pay you cashback for the purchases you already make. Gas, Groceries, or a Good Meal, with just 3 clicks, you can earn CashBack today at HUNDREDS of locations. Use our code Sam363682 to save an additional 15 cents per gallon on your next fuel purchase. With discounts up to 25 cents per gallon, you could earn 40 cents back per gallon on your first purchase. Again use our code Sam363682 at sign up.

YouTube

Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support and we hope you continue to tune in! We return with #CFL Summer Showcase Northern Lights following the preseason! Tune in live with us at 8:00 am Eastern Time. Click the reminder below now!