Not much glory comes with the backup quarterback job.

But Andrew Buckley is embracing his role with the Stampeders.

“Anything for the team,” stated Buckley. “That’s kind of my motto.

“If they ask me to go down there and kick, I’ll do that too. It’s great staying involved and having responsibilities like the short yardage. I just try to take advantage of that opportunity.”

After spending his rookie season as the team’s third-string QB, Buckley beat out veteran Mitchell Gale and international Ricky Stanzi for the team’s backup role.

He’s rewarded the Stamps with many third-down conversions, a few rushing touchdowns and 170 yards passing on 17 of 19 attempts in mop-up duty at the end of blowout wins by the Stamps.

The role is all right with the former University of Calgary Dino.

“It’s awesome because, first off, when I come in it usually means we’re up big, so that’s great for the team,” Buckley said. “It’s nice for me to get in there and get some experience under centre. Any chance I can get in there is a good one and I like to move the ball, like we did (Friday) against the Alouettes.”

Buckley got some playing time on Friday against the Alouettes (Photo by Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

Buckley entered Friday’s game late in the third quarter and managed 43 yards on five completions.

The young QB did connect with Reggie Begelton in the end zone, but it was called back due to a procedure penalty.

“For me, it was a lucky time to go in because we were up big and they were a little beat down,” said Buckley. “At the same point, the O-line was doing a great job and giving me a lot of time back there and I was able to find receivers. Guys were getting open and working hard to get the ball.”

Knowing that no job is safe in the CFL, Buckley wants to use every opportunity he gets to impress his coaches.

“Showing I can be responsible with the football and manage the game, really,” Buckley said about what he wants to display when he gets on the field. “Just want to get in there, move the football and show the coaches that they can trust me.”

And Buckley showed he can handle that role when they call his name.

With a strong performance out of the reserve role, Buckley helped preserve the Stamps 59-11 win over Montreal.

The offensive breakthrough was a welcome sight for the sophomore QB.

“It’s awesome,” said Buckley. “It’s great for team morale. It was a nice game because we broke open a bit on offence. We’ve been waiting for that breakout game. It was nice to go out there and move the ball like we did.”

The man who orchestrated the offence for most of Friday evening, Bo Levi Mitchell, has been a great mentor for the young Canadian. Under Mitchell’s tutelage, Buckley is hoping to develop into a great quarterback who can play a leading role in the CFL.

But for now, the backup gig is just fine.

“Bo is the GOAT,” said Buckley. “So I’m trying to learn from him and mimic what he does because he’s doing it well.”