Liam Fornadel Signs With the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL

Liam Fornadel has made waves on both college and professional levels; now he is creating waves with a new CFL team. James Madison All-American Fornadel brings tremendous technical knowledge to his position.

As an effective run blocker and pass protector, he possesses excellent length to match physically with powerful players.

Early Life and Education

Liam Fornadel has been an indispensable member of James Madison University’s past two CAA championship winning teams. While transferring could boost his NFL Draft stock, Liam remains committed to helping JMU bring home another title this fall.

Fornadel is an athletic player capable of playing both guard and tackle at the next level, offering him a solid NFL shot, yet prefers teams which prize technique over elite athleticism.

At 6’5, 280 pounds, Fornadel was an exceptional run blocker in college, earning 41 starts and receiving an outstanding pass-blocking grade of 75.9 during his time there. After playing two seasons at James Madison University (JMU), Fornadel is joining Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice team this week; making him the second JMU graduate signed onto an CFL team this offseason.

Professional Career

Liam Fornadel made waves at James Madison University where he started 55 games and earned two All-America accolades before making the move to the Canadian Football League (CFL) and signing with Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Tuesday.

Former Dukes offensive lineman Will Johnson joins one of the premier teams in FCS this year. Awarded both First Team AFCA and StATS FCS All-American honors last year, Johnson started in two games before suffering a shoulder injury that cut short his season.

He boasts solid length and 34-inch arms, and can play both guard and center. At his pro day he ran 4.57 seconds with explosive acceleration into backfields. Additionally, he participated in Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp. His skills could prove instrumental for future success at the next level.

Achievement and Honors

Fornadel was the starting right tackle for James Madison University in 2021 and earned STATS FCS Team All-American status. A Ramsey Don Bosco Prep product, Fornadel also garnered both Sophomore and Freshman All-American recognition from HERO Sports.

At JMU, he earned multiple accolades: being named to the XFL All-Star Game and participating in several rookie camps with NFL teams. Furthermore, Bryce Carter recently signed with Ottawa Redblacks; thus becoming just the second JMU alum to make an NFL roster this season.

DiNucci and Fornadel joined four other Duke offensive players who earned All-CAA first team recognition: senior linebacker Dimitri Holloway, junior running back Percy Agyei-Obese, senior center Mac Patrick and Truvell Wilson (left guard). Brandon Polk, Dylan Stapleton and Jawon Hamilton made up the second team. This marked the third straight year four Duke players received All-CAA accolades.

Personal Life

Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey has many schools communicating with them regarding an offensive tackle from Don Bosco Prep’s roster; Rutgers University was on that list last summer and made an unofficial visit for Rising Knight Day this past weekend.

Fornadel was considered an NFL Draft prospect for 2021 but decided to return to JMU and participate in their strong offensive line this season. His return has been an integral component of their success on offense.

Ben DiNucci, Mac Patrick, and Percy Agyei-Obese joined Fornadel as All-CAA honorees this season. Additionally, Fornadel participated in the XFL with D.C. Defenders this year and was recently recognized with 2023 All-XFL Team honors – making him just the second former Dukes offensive lineman to sign with a CFL team after Bryce Carter joined Ottawa REDBLACKS earlier in 2018.

Net Worth

James Madison All-American David Harrell excelled as a pass blocker at guard, allowing only one sack and 11 pressures across 326 pass-blocking snaps last season. Additionally, his lower body power enabled him to win at points of attack when used during run game play.

He can play center or guard, is versatile athlete and could start in power-gap schemes for certain teams. His powerful first step and strong initial pad level make for an impressive debut; however, in space he struggles against quick or nimble opponents due to being heavy-footed; also lacking balance when pulling across the line of scrimmage, making him better suited as backup or low-end starter at higher levels of play.