Quincy Vaughn is quietly putting together an impressive rookie season. He’s played a somewhat quiet, but valuable part in the Calgary Stampeders’ success.

As a team, the Stamps are starting to look like legit contenders, not only in the West, but in the entire league.

KPMG even ranks them as the team with the best chance to win the Grey Cup.

While the lion’s share of credit for this season’s success understandably goes elsewhere, maybe it’s time to give Vaughn his dues as well.

Who is Quincy Vaughn

If you’ve never heard of Quincy Vaughn, don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. He’s not really a household name outside of Calgary, but maybe he should be.

Vaughn was drafted in the second round of the 2025 draft after enjoying a successful college career at the University of North Dakota.

In college, he played a versatile role, both Tight End and short-yardage QB. That skillset has transferred perfectly to the CFL.

Vaughn has three main skills that transfer well to the CFL game.

Short Yardage

To say that Quincy Vaughn has been dominant as the short-yardage QB feels like an understatement.

• 23 carries
• 40 yards
• 20 First Downs
• 2 TDs

The Calgary Stampeders don’t even think about kicking the ball in 3rd and short situations with how well Vaughn has been playing.

And, don’t think for a second the team could simply plug anyone in there and see similar success. Vaughn took over the role after PJ Walker’s struggles in week 1.

Blocking

Blocking is the part of Vaughn’s game that flies the most under the radar. He’s a willing and aggressive blocker who helps open holes for Dedrick Mills.

In fact, watching Vaughn block has been a lot of fun this season. His love of contact really stands out on tape, which is refreshing to see.

He will miss a few blocks at times, though, mostly from being overaggressive. But he’s a rookie, and that will only improve with time and experience.

As Vaughn continues to improve his technique, his blocking will only become more valuable.

Recieving

Ok, I know this one might be a bit of a stretch. Vaughn only has 1 catch for 15 yards this season.

But he is 6’4″ and can move. If the Calgary Stampeders weren’t so stacked at WR, he would probably play a bigger role in the passing game.

If Vaughn can contribute a few catches per game in addition to his blocking and running, he will only get more valuable.

Quincy Vaughn’s Potential

Even if Quincy Vaughn never improves his blocking technique or receiving skills, he will still enjoy a solid CFL career. Elite short-yardage runners simply don’t grow on trees, especially not ones with Canadian passports.

But Vaughn has the potential to be much more than that. He’ll probably never be one of the top players in the league, but he just might become one of the most valuable.

Listen to this overall skillset.

• One of the top short-yardage runners in the league
• An above-average run blocker
• A big-bodied safety valve in the receiving game
• Emergency QB

Most teams need 2-3 different players to fill those roles. The Calgary Stampeders can do it with one guy. Perhaps it’s time for more people to start learning his name.