The Edmonton Elks are turning to a Canadian rookie quarterback after losing their first three games of the season.
Tre Ford, picked eighth overall in this year’s CFL Draft, is listed as the starter ahead of veteran Nick Arbuckle for Edmonton’s game in Hamilton against the winless Tiger-Cats (0-3) on Friday.
The reigning Hec Crighton Trophy winner as Canadian university football’s player of the year at Waterloo, Ford made his pro debut in relief of Arbuckle in the season opener in B.C., completing one of three passes for eight yards with an interception. He also rushed for 10 yards.
The 24-year-old Niagara Falls, Ont. native is known as a quarterback who can use his arm and his legs to move the ball.
Arbuckle has completed 61 of 95 passes (64.2 per cent) for 795 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
Ford will become the second Canadian quarterback to start a CFL game this season.
Second-year pro Nathan Rourke has been outstanding as the B.C. Lions’ starter this season, throwing for a Canadian record 436 yards last week against Toronto as the team improved to 2-0.
