Blue Bombers add quarterback to roster - January 18, 2024

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers add quarterback to roster - January 18, 2024
 
WINNIPEG, MB., January 18, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American quarterback Eric Barriere.

Barriere (6-1, 210; Eastern Washington; born: December 27, 1997, in Inglewood, CA) joins the Blue Bombers after an outstanding collegiate career at Eastern Washington and following stints in the USFL with the Michigan Panthers (2022) and in the New Jersey Generals (2023) and after attending mini-camp with the Denver Broncos in 2022.

A dual threat QB, Barriere appeared in 51 games at Eastern Washington, completing 62 percent of his passes for 13,809 yards, 121 touchdowns against 29 interceptions while adding 22 rushing TDs and 1,585 yards along the ground. In 2021 he was the recipient of the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision. He was the runner-up to the same award in 2020.

[LXTSN]

Is there a bigger story around Eastern Washington?
Bo Levi Mitchell, Matt Nichols, and Vernon Adams all come from this tiny Div 1 school?
I'll have to watch the film on this guy, but seems like an interesting prospect!

[Blue In BC]

IDK. A raw talent perhaps that could be the short yardage guy this season. Released by XFL/USFL teams and had little playing time. Didn't get picked up in the dispersal draft for the UFL.

Regardless can never tell how he'll do.

[theaardvark]

USFL rostered, but not played. Not a huge ding on him, USFL teams were thrown together, and the QB's that started were often known to the coaches. 

He might have the CFL game in him, though.  That's always the key, how a NCAA trained QB adapts to the waggle, one yard off the ball, the extra DB...

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

IDK. A raw talent perhaps that could be the short yardage guy this season. Released by XFL/USFL teams and had little playing time. Didn't get picked up in the dispersal draft for the UFL.

Regardless can never tell how he'll do.

I've seen so many tons of physically talented QB's come from US Colleges and fail in the CFL over the years, that I'll reserve judgement on this guy's highlight film. Physical talent is great, but what's going on between the ears is so much more important in becoming a good QB.

[theaardvark]

I've seen so many tons of physically talented QB's from US College come and fail in the CFL over the years that I'll reserve judgement on this guy's film. Physical talent is great, but what's going on between the ears is so much more important in becoming a good QB.

100%.  Until you see how he handles the waggle, all bets are off.  There have been great QB's come north and sputter because of that difference.

On the other hand, there are players like Schoen who are perfect for the CFL, who thrive in the 12 man game but struggle trying to crack the NFL.

Until we some snaps with any new QB, all bets are off...

[The Zipp]

100%.  Until you see how he handles the waggle, all bets are off. There have been great QB's come north and sputter because of that difference.

On the other hand, there are players like Schoen who are perfect for the CFL, who thrive in the 12 man game but struggle trying to crack the NFL.

Until we some snaps with any new QB, all bets are off...

I have not heard of a single QB or coach who says the reason the QB had problems was because of the waggle...enlighten  me on that...I do agree that until we see a player - especially a QB play in a pre-season game or two it is impossible to predict or judge based on college experience.

[theaardvark]

I have not heard of a single QB or coach who says the reason the QB had problems was because of the waggle...enlighten  me on that...I do agree that until we see a player - especially a QB play in a pre-season game or two it is impossible to predict or judge based on college experience.

Reading a defence is the toughest part of QBing.  Defences in the CFL have to react to the waggle in their pre-snap adjustments, and that is a LOT of info for a QB to take in.  Adjusting to those reads, figuring out which Rec has his man beat off the line, there is a lot more information to process.  And the 12th player, one more read. 

Its a totally different game from behind centre in the CFL.  How quick you can learn the new reads and make them second nature.  Once it slows down enough that you can go through all your reads an not just the first few before the pocket collapses, then we can see what a QB has.

[Blue In BC]

Reading a defence is the toughest part of QBing.  Defences in the CFL have to react to the waggle in their pre-snap adjustments, and that is a LOT of info for a QB to take in.  Adjusting to those reads, figuring out which Rec has his man beat off the line, there is a lot more information to process.  And the 12th player, one more read. 

Its a totally different game from behind centre in the CFL.  How quick you can learn the new reads and make them second nature.  Once it slows down enough that you can go through all your reads an not just the first few before the pocket collapses, then we can see what a QB has.

The differences in the Canadian game are difficult for many American QB's. Motion, yard off the ball, wider field and 12 men on the field.

He may adjust quickly so we'll see how he does. His athleticism is a good start.

[The Zipp]

Reading a defence is the toughest part of QBing.  Defences in the CFL have to react to the waggle in their pre-snap adjustments, and that is a LOT of info for a QB to take in.  Adjusting to those reads, figuring out which Rec has his man beat off the line, there is a lot more information to process.  And the 12th player, one more read. 

Its a totally different game from behind centre in the CFL.  How quick you can learn the new reads and make them second nature.  Once it slows down enough that you can go through all your reads an not just the first few before the pocket collapses, then we can see what a QB has.

I think the extra man is a big deal for a QB...still not sold that the Waggle is the biggest deal for them though.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The differences in the Canadian game are difficult for many American QB's. Motion, yard off the ball, wider field and 12 men on the field.

He may adjust quickly so we'll see how he does. His athleticism is a good start.

Being able to think on your feet is essential, pre-programmed QB's do not do well in the CFL.

[GCn19]

Eastern Washington has had immense success supplying the CFL with QBs because their offensive system is about as close to a CFL offensive system as you will find South of the border. Their coach takes particular pride in grooming CFL QBs and really works with them on the opportunity to do so. All of Adams, BLM, Nichols etc have all said that they were very comfortable in the CFL playbooks very early on.

[Jesse]

Eastern Washington has had immense success supplying the CFL with QBs because their offensive system is about as close to a CFL offensive system as you will find South of the border. Their coach takes particular pride in grooming CFL QBs and really works with them on the opportunity to do so. All of Adams, BLM, Nichols etc have all said that they were very comfortable in the CFL playbooks very early on.

The coach who developed those guys moved on years ago, though.

EDIT: looking into it, their long time OC/OL coach took over the job, so major continuity.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

I've seen so many tons of physically talented QB's come from US Colleges and fail in the CFL over the years, that I'll reserve judgement on this guy's highlight film. Physical talent is great, but what's going on between the ears is so much more important in becoming a good QB.

same....the reason why my favourite Bomber QBs are Kenny Ploen, Tom Clements and Zach Collaros.....

[LXTSN]

He seems to have a great feel for the pocket.
Quick enough to scramble for first downs.
Really nice touch on the short/medium routes.

Doesn't have the greatest arm strength, but I wouldn't say it's terrible.

Can't wait for preseason and training camp to see some of these guys in action!