It’s been nearly 20 years since a Canadian quarterback started under centre in the CFL; Simon Fraser product Giulio Caravatta suiting up for the BC Lions in 1996. CIS quarterbacks are getting closer of late with top names popping up across the country in training camps every June, but none yet have broken through to end the 19-year drought.

Former Montreal Alouettes quarterback and future Hall of Famer Anthony Calvillo thinks that can change, all Canadian quarterbacks need is to be given a chance.

“We’re always hoping that a Canadian quarterback will play in the CFL,” Calvillo told TSN.ca. I just think that in order for them to have a great shot at this, they’re going to have to have some kind of spot on a roster.”

Calvillo saw some CIS products first hand in training camp late in his career with Acadia’s Kyle Graves and McMaster’s Kyle Quinlan participating in Alouettes training camp in 2012. The three-time Grey Cup champion admits he’s not a scout, but was encouraged by what he saw from the homegrown products.

“As long as they complete the ball, get rid of it on time, anticipate the throw; those are the guys I’ve seen stick around. But I’ve seen the CIS quarterbacks do that and of course I’ve seen the NCAA guys do that.”

Training camp cameos are just the first step however. The idea of designating one roster spot per team for a Canadian QB has been kicked around by fans and pundits for some time now, and it’s one Calvillo would be in favour of.

“I definitely agree with that and I think the only way anybody’s going to be able to develop is to be on a team.”

“Most of these third stringers just sit, they don’t get on the field, so it’s more of a development (role) unless there’s an injury. I would have loved to have seen the QBs we had in camp stick around and get a chance to play,” Calvillo said, referring to Graves and Quinlan.

Now retired from playing, the 42-year-old is looking to do his part to help Canadians develop at the position. The Anthony Calvillo Leadership Academy for Quarterbacks was created by the Alouettes and will see Calvillo share his expertise with QBs from Quebec at the university and CEGEP level across two weekends.

Learning from pro football’s all-time leader in passing on the field will be an invaluable experience, but as Calvillo tells it, the off the field lessons will be just as vital.

“I want to focus on leadership. I want to make sure that they get a better understanding that it’s not just about the x’s and o’s of going out there and executing plays. It’s about being a leader and influencing others in a positive way that can make a huge difference to the success of a football team.”

“I’m just sharing with them the things that I know helped me have success. I never really sit down with a quarterback and say this is what you should or shouldn’t do. I just go out there and lead by example and then it’s up to them to figure out their course as they go along.”

While he makes it clear it’s still on the players to they take what they can from his experience and carve their own path, Calvillo is hopeful his two cents can accelerate an end to the 19-year drought.

“I think this will speed up the process because now they’re going to be able to see what they’re going to have to do to take that next step.”

“Then they’re going to relay that information back to all the other CIS quarterbacks. And to me, it’ll give them a better opportunity of understanding exactly what it takes.”