URI Football vs Harvard, URI, Kingston, RI, Sept. 16. © Mike Scott 2017.
The CFL recently released a list of 10 players from each team that appears on its negotiation list. Here’s a profile of the players on the Argos list. Some names that have been mentioned in previous articles like this one include current Argos Chad Kelly, Dejon Allen, Javon Leake, and Tarvarus McFadden.
ERIC GARROR, DB, LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE: Garror is a terrific cornerback whose size may be his only detriment. Despite his 5’9” frame, the Mobile, Alabama native doesn’t get picked on often. He had a couple of picks and six knockdowns for the Ragin’ Cajuns this season and finished with nine career INTs. Garror also made his mark as a punt returner, averaging 14.8 yards per return and taking two back for touchdowns. Named a PFF All-American and All-Sun Belt Conference as the top return specialist.
NOLAN HENDERSON, QB, DELAWARE: After redshirting as a freshman, then with the extra year allowed due to the Covid season, Henderson just wrapped up his sixth season with the Blue Hens. The QB was eligible for yet another season, but has opted to try his hand in the pros. He was impressive in 2022, throwing for 3,216 yards and 32 TDs against just 9 interceptions. Henderson made his mark at Delaware, finishing second all-time in touchdown passes and fifth in passing yards. He’s 6’1”, 19 5pounds, is very creative and loves to throw while on the run. Voted Second Team All-CAA.
FOTIS KOKOSIOULIS, WR, FORDHAM: He had a spectacular season for the Rams. In 12 games he caught 103 passes for 1,312 yards with 14 touchdowns. He had six games with over 100 yards, including a ridiculous 13-catch, 320-yard, four-touchdown outing against Ohio. He’s not the biggest receiver in the world at 5’9”, 180 pounds, but is exceptionally quick. Named First-Team FCS All-American, First Team All-Patriot League, and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the FCS.
ISAIAH LAND, DL, FLORIDA A&M: A 6’4”, 225-pound linebacker from Buffalo. A top-notch pass rusher, he had 7.5 sacks this year for the Rattlers and finished the season with a pair of five-tackle games. Named First Team All-SWAC. In his final two seasons at A&M Land totaled 27 sacks, 37.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries and five pass knockdowns. He’s undersized in terms of becoming an NFL pass-rusher, but his speed, tenacity and athleticism make him ideal for the CFL.
JALEEL MCLAUGHLIN, RB YOUNGSTOWN STATE: The leading rusher in FCS history. Coming off a 1,588-yard, 13-TD season with the Penguins. In his final two seasons he caught 39 passes for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Named a First Team FCS All-American. Chosen the Missouri Valley Conference’s offensive player of the year and was selected First Team All-MVFC for a second consecutive year. The 5’9” McLaughlin finished seventh in the voting for the Walter Payton Award.
DEONTA MCMAHON, RB, MCNEESE: A 5’9” running back who just wrapped up his senior season at McNeese. He had a spectacular year, finishing with 1,408 yards and 12 touchdowns, including three remarkable games at the end of the season. He rushed for 211, 197 and 239 yards in those contests, finishing the season with seven games of 100 or more yards. McMahon was named one of the 30 finalists for the Walter Payton Award. He caught 49 passes over the past two seasons and threw a TD pass this year.
AARON PARKER, WR, RHODE ISLAND: A final cut of the Kansas City Chiefs this year, Parker is currently a free agent after NFL stints with the Chiefs, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys. He signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent immediately following the 2020 NFL Draft. A 6’2”, 210-pound alumnus of the University of Rhode Island, he led the CAA in receiving yards in each of his final two seasons. In those two years he caught 142 passes for 2,179 yards and 19 TDs in 23 games. An impressive combination of size and speed, he ran a 4.5-40 at his pro day.
FRED PAYTON, QB, MERCER: He’s coming off the best season a Mercer quarterback ever had. Payton set school marks for passing yards (3,019), passing yards in a game (514), passing TDs in a season (32) and passing touchdowns in a game (5). The 6’2” Mercer QB threw the 32 TD passes against just 8 interceptions. He played at Coastal Carolina before transferring to Macon, Georgia, where he’s started the past two seasons. He’s a pass-first QB who has shown an ability to run when needed.
NATE STANLEY, QB, IOWA: A seventh-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Stanley is currently a free agent after being released in July 2022. Stanley had a stellar career at Iowa, finishing second all-time in passing yards and touchdowns, while going 3-0 in Bowl games. A three-year starter, Stanley finished with 68 TDs against 23 interceptions. He’s a drop-back passer with a big arm and a quick release.
JORDAN TRAVIS, QB, FLORIDA STATE: Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list. He’s been turning heads at FSU for the last couple of seasons and is getting some 2023 Heisman buzz. He’s already announced he’s returning for his senior season with the Seminoles. In 2022 he accounted for 30 TDs; 22 passing, 7 rushing, and one receiving. He threw for 2,796 yards with 22 TDs and 4 interceptions, while rushing for 67 yards.