While many will know Dakota Prukop from his time in the CFL, the Oregon alum put together quite a performance upon his return to the Great White North. The former Generals Quarterback has had quite a 2023 upon his release from the Blue Bombers after the 2022 CFL season.
Prukop has had some ups and downs for sure. Earning an opportunity to play in the states to earn close to $60,000 with the New Jersey Generals Prukop was also able to get on the field and add a bit of film to his resume. While coming into the USFL as a backup Prukop managed to throw for over 300 yards, 3 Touchdowns, while adding another one on the ground over 4 games with 1 start for the Generals. While Prukop’s play wasn’t blowing the doors off the league he continued to remain a solid backup for Mike Riley.
Upon the end of the USFL season Prukop returned to Canada and helped the Blue Bombers to a West Division championship. After working through a 10-game season in the USFL, Prukop would appear in 17 more games in the CFL, becoming the Blue Bombers short yardage QB hitting paydirt 7 times in the regular season along with 2 times during the 110th Grey Cup.
While Prukop was by no means a star a QB in the USFL, it should not loss the sacrifice and his work ethic over the past 365 days. Going from the 2022 CFL season, to the USFL back to the 2023 CFL season, is an incredibly impressive feat that we’ve seen from players like KaVontae Turpin, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, and even Breakers RB Wes Hills as athletes who have played multiple seasons in one calendar year.
For the Generals there is a bit of question marks at the QB position. Per the Fox Sports website, only Eric Barriere a former Michigan Panther remains on the roster. Over the past two seasons New Jersey has seen DeAndre Johnson, Luis Perez, and Kyle Lauletta all take snaps for Mike Riley along with Prukop. With Prukop with the Blue Bombers, Lauletta retired, Johnson unsigned, and Perez in the XFL, maybe Prukop double dips once more in 2024.
Ken Granito
November 22, 2023 at 9:53 pm
As much as I would love to see Prukop in the league once again, I believe the CFL always does two year contracts. As he is 30 and owns a very accurate arm very similar to what Tommy DeVito displayed last week for the Giants against the Commanders. He also has a big, big heart and knows what to do running the ball. You should really Google his game film. I saw two highlight reels that will make you say question how is be not getting more playing time somewhere. If he is not the reason alt leagues exist, than what are we doing? So I am hopeful e is able to play Quarterback and feel a team be his team. Even with the Generals he blocked for his teammates, ran the ball effectively and tried to get the whole team involved. I truly feel his is awaiting his turn and at 30 I hope he gets it. Right now he has two dreams. Football and his lovely wife and baby that were at the game I saw him play. I am hopeful he gets both.