Canadian QB Nathan Rourke earns invite to New York Giants rookie mini-camp

Photo courtesy: Ohio Athletics

Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke has earned an invite to New York Giants rookie mini-camp, per NFL sources.

The 22-year-old went unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft and due to COVID-19 there were no rookie mini-camps last year. The Giants are holding rookie mini-camp from May 14-16, it’s an opportunity for Rourke to impress and earn a contract.

New York currently has four quarterbacks on the roster, which include starter Daniel Jones who was selected sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Mike Glennon, Clayton Thorson, and Joe Webb.

During his senior season at Ohio University, Rourke threw for 2,676 yards, 20 touchdowns against five interceptions with a 61.4 completion percentage. He rushed for 780 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards-per-carry.

The Bobcats went 6-6 and earned a Famous Idaho Potato Bowl spot, a game they would go on to win with Rourke being named MVP. The physical activity and sport coaching major earned 2019 All-Mid-American Conference first-team honours.

Rourke started all 13 games as a junior in 2018 and led the Bobcats to a win in the Frisco Bowl and a 9-4 overall record. He completed 164-of-274 of his passes (59.9 per cent) for 2,434 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions while carrying the ball 134 times for 860 yards (6.4 yards-per-carry) and 15 touchdowns.

The dual-threat QB finished his Ohio career with a 24-13 record as a starting quarterback and was under centre for three-straight bowl victories. Ohio matched the University of Toledo (1969-1971) and Miami University (1973-1975) for the most consecutive bowl wins in Mid-American Conference history. 

Over three seasons at Ohio, Rourke produced 7,313 passing yards, 60 touchdowns compared to 20 interceptions and 2,552 rushing yards with 48 touchdowns plus three receptions for 20 yards and two touchdowns — program-record 110 total touchdowns.

The six-foot-two, 210-pound dual-threat passer has the skills to succeed at the pro level. Rourke was selected by the B.C. Lions in the second round, 15th overall during the 2020 CFL Draft, tying former Giants quarterback Jesse Palmer for the highest selected Canadian QB in league history.

Justin Dunk
Justin Dunk is a football insider, sports reporter and anchor.