Embracing change Stalwart QB Tachinski’s potential as receiver worth exploring By: Joshua Frey-Sam Posted: 4:53 PM CDT Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

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This article was published 02/04/2025 (485 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This is an audible Jackson Tachinski never thought he’d call.

The University of Manitoba Bisons quarterback anticipated wowing teams with his arm this spring in hopes of hearing his name called in the CFL Draft on April 29. Talent evaluators have been more interested in watching him catch passes, though.

Tachinski worked out as a quarterback and a receiver at the CFL’s Invitational Combine in Waterloo, Ont., in February. After a strong showing and being told there was enough tape on him as a passer, he exclusively ran routes at the CFL’s National Combine in Regina last month.

A potential position change has made for an unusual draft process for the 23-year-old, but it’s something he’s embraced.

“I wasn’t too surprised, just because with the way Canadian quarterbacks are and with my frame and athleticism, I could see myself making the switch,” Tachinski told the Free Press. “When (former Bisons head coach Brian Dobie) told me, and I heard it, I was just ready for the challenge and wanted to show them that I can do it.”

Indeed, there is no doubt that Tachinski, who was recruited out of Vincent Massey Collegiate to play basketball and football for the Bisons, has the athleticism to make the transition. It’s also understandable if the news surprised those who have watched the quarterback dissect defences equally with his arm and legs the last four years.

Tachinski tossed for 4,553 yards, 28 touchdowns and owns a 60 per cent completion percentage in his university career across 35 contests. He earned Canada West Player of the Year honours last season in large part to his dual-threat ability, as he posted single-season career highs in rushing yards (637) and majors (seven).

“I don’t really have too much of an ego when it comes to all that quarterback stuff, so if they want to see me at a different position, and they think that’s gonna help them win, I’m for it,” Tachinski said.

“For me, hearing the news, I wasn’t disappointed. I know I’m a really good quarterback, and I know I could be a really good quarterback at the next level, but, at the same time, I could be really good at a lot of other positions too, and that’s kind of been my mindset about it… just give me some time, believe in me and I’ll make it happen.”

Tachinski, who checked in at 6-3 and 215 pounds, flaunted his athleticism when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds at the Invitational Combine. He followed that up with a solid performance in the testing drills at the National Combine, running the 40 in a respectable 4.8 seconds, leaping nearly 9-7 in the broad jump, and stretching to 30 inches in the vertical jump.

“It was honestly really fun,” said Tachinski, who played a bit of receiver in grades eight and nine while serving as his minor football team’s backup quarterback. “I haven’t done one-on-ones before and, honestly, I really enjoyed it. I was just able to just run around, be free, be an athlete. There were routes where I didn’t really get much, but there were also routes that I ran where I got a lot of separation and I showed some really good flashes.”

“I know I could be a really good quarterback at the next level, but, at the same time, I could be really good at a lot of other positions too.… just give me some time, believe in me and I’ll make it happen.”–Jackson Tachinski

“With the whole receiver thing, I’ve just been thinking, ‘Just be an athlete. Go run, go free. Don’t think too much about it. Just go be you and make a play.’”

The most notable quarterback to change positions recently was Brad Sinopoli, who carved out an excellent professional career as a pass-catcher after being drafted and deployed as a quarterback by the Calgary Stampeders for the first two seasons of his career. The University of Ottawa product ran routes for the next seven years, winning two Most Outstanding Canadian Awards, two Grey Cups and being named a league all-star in 2018.

Mathieu Bertrand, who transitioned to fullback in the early 2000s, and Marc-Olivier Brouillette, who flipped to linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes in 2010, also underwent position changes.

Tachinski wisely called Sinopoli after finding out his path to the professional ranks might run through his hands.

“He was really helpful, and he’s a really good dude, so I was thankful to be able to connect with him and get some advice,” he said.

CFL front offices must discuss what the path to success is for a player like Tachinski. He doesn’t project a burner who can take the top off of a defence, but perhaps he can carve out a role as a cerebral and sure-handed pass-catcher. In any case, there is still a mountain of technical aspects that he must learn about being a receiver.

“He’s a smart guy, and he’ll pick it up, but it won’t be easy for him,” said Bisons offensive co-ordinator Blair Atkinson, who admitted he was a bit surprised that teams weren’t “all in” on Tachinski as a quarterback. “It’s going to take a lot of focus on his behalf and a lot of hard work and patience, as well, on his end.

“Whoever goes with him, whatever CFL team takes him, is going to have to understand where he’s coming in from and they’re going to be picking him for his athletic ability and what he can do, but they have to also realize what he might struggle with initially and allow him to grow.”

Whether Tachinski becomes the latest quarterback to change positions in the pro ranks remains to be seen, but it’s clear that teams are convinced it’s worth exploring.

Tachinski met with Edmonton, Saskatchewan and Hamilton at the National Combine.

“It’s been a bit different,” said Tachinski. “I’ve been doing a lot more athletic stuff (during training), but the process, it’s been really fun talking to different teams and hearing feedback and what they think. I’m just eager for the draft to come.”

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca