GNFA 2007 HOT LIST-103 Top Players to Watch
Quarterbacks
Iain
Ashley, Spokane SaberCats (6'1" 185)
Iain is in his 3rd season with the EFL and looking to make the SaberCats
offense the top offense in the league.
Brad Collins,
Skagit
Valley Lightning (6'0" 210) Experienced signal caller with a
live arm and a coaches command of the game. Convenient since he is the Head
Coach. Forced out of retirement by injuries in QB corps, the Lightning look to
pass early and often.
Tim
Crochet, Siskiyou Savages (6'0" 200)
Played WR at Southwest Texas State. In his first season taking snaps for
the Savages, he went 3-3 as a starter, missing one game due to injury.
Led the Savages to a franchise best 114 pts in 2006, compared to 14 pts in
2005. He has mastered the offense he was learning last year, and the
Savages feel that he is the man to lead the Savages to their first winning
season.
Slade Crooks, Oregon Monarchs (5'10"
215lbs.) Slade is back with the Monarchs for his second year as the starting
QB. He led the team in passing and was in the top 3 in rushing yards in 2006.
Slade is a great leader on and off the field and is expected to a big part of
the Monarch offence in 2007.
Chris
Engels, High Desert Lightning (6'0" 200) Chris has
been the leader of the squad for 5 years. Chris has become a new player
this year. New leadership and quality that he has brought to the team will
help us finish in the top ranks.
Zach
Henningsen, State Line Miners (6'2" 190) Hillsboro, OR
native, Zach was the starting QB for the North team in the Oregon Bowl,
and holds records in Passing Yards, Efficiency, Pass Percentage, and
Touchdowns. He was also a nominee for the Oregon High School Academic/Athlete
of the Year. After his prolific High School career, Zach then went on to play
at Whitworth College and will graduate in May with a Health and Fitness
Education Degree. The Miner’s are looking forward to having Zach’s
leadership and ability at the helm this year.
Jordan
Horner, Okanogan Commandos (6'5"
235) Jordan is in his 3rd season with the
Commandos. A big strong quarterback with a deep threat arm. He has gotten
better and better as we have progressed as a team, leading us to the playoffs
last season. He is not a “stats” guy who gets the job done and we would
rather have him and win, than another that has a thicker stat sheet.
Brett
Jay, Blue Mountain Stars (6' 0" 191)
3rd year in EFL. 2006 EFL Offensive MVP- 25 TD passes vs 2 INT's.
Brett has driven many defensive coordinators crazy over the past two
seasons. Brett not only has the highest quarterback rating in EFL history
but also has many yards rushing as well. If he doesn't beat you through the
air then he can do it on the ground with his prolific scrambling abilities.
Matt Miles, Klamath Crusaders (6'0 220) Has a great
arm as well as all around understanding for the game. Calls all plays.
OFL League MVP in 2005, but took last year off to coach baseball.
Returned for one more season in 2007.
Todd Shackleford, Northwest
Avalanche (5'10" 195) Quarterback with great knowledge of
the game, played in the European league before it became NFL Europe he also led
the King County Jaguars to the league championship. We're
leaning on his knowledge as well as his arm to keep us in the hunt for a
spot in the playoffs.
John Stewart,
South
Sound Shockers (5'8" 180) Stewart won Offensive Player of the Year
in the PNFC with his 20 TD's (11 pass 9 rush) as he led the Shockers to a 10-1
record. Stewart followed up with a Cascade Bowl Player of the Game
performance with the Seattle Stallions. Played collegiately at University of Finlay, and Bethel College, Kansas.
Running Backs
Jeremy Burrows, Umpqua
Valley Knights (5'11" 225) A hard running fullback going
into his fourth year with the Knights. With the improved offensive line
this year Burrows is expected to have an exceptional year.
David Cotner, Okanogan Commandos (5'11" 210) A
second year player for the Commandos, David carried a majority of the load
for the running game in 2006, and made the EFL All-Star game. This year he
looks to improve his output and again be the feature back. An improved
offensive line from last season is expected to increase David’s
numbers quite a bit.
Joshua Kerley,
Rogue
Warriors (6'0 225) West Valley College, Upper Iowa University,
Southern Oregon University. OFL All Star every year he played in the
OFL MLFN All - American 2005, 52 Td's in last 3 years...signed in
2005 with a German Football League team, has signed with a D1 pro team in
Europe for the 2007 fall season.
Claudio
Garza, Yakima
Mavericks (5'6" 185) A Maverick rookie for 2007, Claudio was
just finishing up his enlistment with the Marines when he heard
that the Mavericks were holding tryouts in January. Claudio was
an all league back at East Valley High before joining the Marine Corps and
is anxious to be able to play with some of his old teammates from EV
again.
Curtis Hagg, Northwest
Avalanche (5'11" 250) He's the complete fullback for the Avs
system. A great blocker, runner, and catches well out of the
backfield.
Michael Hall, Skagit
Valley Lightning (6'2" 240) All metro back from the
Baltimore area, Hall represents speed power, and the ability to balance
the Lightning's potent air game. Averaged 5.2 yds on 13 carries, vs
a formidable Valley
Mustang front 7 to open the 2007 season.
Travis Herzog, State Line Miners (5'10" 185) Went
to Eastern Oregon University to run track, then later transferred to
Spokane Community College. Travis is entering his third year of Minor
League Football, two for the State Line Miners and one for the Blue
Mountain Stars. In 2005, Travis was the 4th leading rusher in
the EFL despite only playing running back for a total of four games.
Travis was also 3rd in the EFL in interceptions in 2006. The
Miner’s have high hopes for Travis this season now that he’s at the
running back position full time.
Brad Huntley, Southwestern Oregon Raiders (6' 200) Rookie to
the Raiders in 2007, Brad is a very good all around player. He will be
expected to energize this club with his athleticism. Expects to average
around 6 yards. per carry in 2007.
Perry Martinez,
Lakewood Wolves (5'5" 185) Perry while small cannot be caught. His
speed and great ball control allow for huge yards.
Mike
McKinley, Northwest Avalanche (5'11"
195) Top ground gainer and 2006 PNFC All-Conference tailback.
Mike is a hard nosed skilled running back who can run over players as well
as around them. He's a complete back for the Avalanche.
Jeff
Nelson, Columbia Basin Riverhawks (5'10" 215) Underrated
runner who brings his own block.
Lannie
Pederson, Palouse Thunder (6'0" 190) Lannie has been
with the Thunder since their inception in 2004. He has what it takes to be a
successful running back with speed, strength and field savvy. Last
season Lannie made the All Star team and was also the Offensive MVP
for the Thunder. Look for him to get plenty of touches in leading the
Thunder to another successful season.
Justin
Ramirez, Tri-City Knights (5'10" 175) Justin
is the soft spoken hero of the Knights offense. He is the complete package as
he runs the ball very well, can pick up the blitz and can also handle passes
out of the backfield. Look for him to be a premier running back in the EFL in
2007.
Chris Rice, Valley
Mustangs (5'11" 226) Chris was a starter at
Lakes H.S. in Lakewood, WA and graduated in 2002. He started his
amateur football career with the P.C. Knights in 2006 playing safety and
returned to his original position, running back, this year for the
Mustangs.
Clayton
Smith, High Desert Lightning (6'0" 185) Very young
player he has been with us two years and Improved both physically and
mentally in the game. He is now our star running back. Look
out.
Terrell Smith,
South
Sound Shockers (5'10" 235) Smith
enters the 2007 season as a Shocker rookie but his dedication and leadership
made him an easy choice as one of the Captains. A bruising fullback,
Smith is power and speed rolled into a dynamite package.
James Snyder,
Umpqua
Valley Knights (5'8" 170) Snyder made a splash in his
rookie year in 2006. With blazing speed and quickness, this former
Roseburg High graduate can take it to the house anytime he touches the ball.
Is also a key return specialist.
Isaac Syph Jr., Valley
Mustangs (5'9" 185) Isaac went to Thomas Jefferson
High School in Federal Way. He played for the Jaguars from the NWFL
in 2006.
Brandon
Tate, Blue Mountain Stars (5'8"
201) 3rd year in EFL. 2006 EFL Rushing Champion 754 Yards
7 Touchdowns. Brandon has been dubbed the EFL's human highlight
reel. Just when you think you have him tackled...think again! The only
thing you see is his back as he crosses the goal line. Brandon Tate is
on track to becoming the best running back in EFL history.
Kent
Taylor , Klamath Crusaders (5'9"
225) Great blocking full back and has great hands coming out of
the backfield on passing plays. First team all league in 2006 for
the OFL. Will be a big key to the success of the Crusaders offense
this season.
Max
Thompson, Southwestern Oregon Raiders (5' 10"
210).Another 2007 rookie, Max has excellent speed, and reads blockers
very well. Also is excellent cover guy with great footwork.
Landyn Trammell ,
Klamath
Crusaders (5'11" 215) Great speed and agility.
Constant threat to break big runs. Has been the player to watch for
the Crusaders every year he plays. Back this year from a year off.
Joe
Williams, Palouse Thunder (5'10 250) When Joe gets the ball it's
the equivalent of a bus going down the street. Joe played four years of
football at Washington State and is best known as one of the greats at his
position in the EFL. Running like a Mack truck going down a hill,
Williams is also one of the nicest guys and a team favorite. Joe
will be leading the way blocking for Lannie Pederson and is sure to be one
of the best backfields in the league.
Wide Receivers
Jamal
Allen, State Line Miners (6'1" 195) Jamal was a
four year letterman and three year starter at Fort Lewis College. While at FLC,
Jamal garnered multiple accolades. In his Junior year he led all NCAA
Divisions in catches per game with 9.68/game. He was recognized as the team
MVP, 1st team All-RMAC, 2nd team All Region, and Hon. Mention All-American. In
his senior campaign Jamal was a 3rd team preseason All-American, 2nd Team
preseason All-Region, and 2nd team All-RMAC. The FLC receiving record books
were re-written after Jamal's four years with the Skyhawks. He holds records
for most catches in a career (239), catches in a season (106), catches in a
game (18), 200+ yards in a game (2), consecutive games with 100+ yards
receiving (4), consecutive games with a catch (33), and consecutive games with
a touchdown catch (6). Upon completion at FLC, Jamal signed with the
Bismarck Roughriders of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL). After a
short stint in Bismarck, Jamal signed with the Lincoln Capitols of the NIFL.
After playing in the professional ranks Jamal joined the Miners and played six
games before going back to the pros by signing with the Turku Trojans of
Finland
Bernard
Blosser, Lakewood
Wolves (6'2" 210) Extremely quick. Quarterbacks dream.
Brian
Carnicello, Siskiyou Savages (6'5, 220)
Entering his 4th season with the Savages, Brian as been through the ups and
downs of a growing organization. His leaping ability has caught the
attention of several scouts. With a quarterback and line that finally
allow for the Savages to have an effective passing game, Carnicello looks to
be a big target, with the hands to pull in the big play.
Kyle English, Oregon Monarchs (6'2"
218lbs.) Wide receiver: Kyle has an unbelievable amount of raw talent. Being
a former QB himself he has a great understanding of how an offence runs. You
can count on seeing Kyle at top of the league in receiving.
Brandon
Ervin, Palouse Thunder (5'9 213) Brandon was a rookie with the
Thunder in 2006 and made the All Star Game his first year out. Brandon is a
guy that can play at WR, DB & even at QB. He is a very athletic player and
looks to lead his team to some victories in this upcoming season.
Emerson
Ferguson, Columbia Basin Riverhawks (6'4" 215) Returning
EFL record holder for receptions in a season.
Ron Fila,
Wenatchee
Valley Rams (6'1, 175) Ron is starting his 5th season and
is a Captain. Ron has been an EFL all-Star in both 2005 and 2006. In
2006, before a season-ending injury, Ron caught 15 balls for 453 yards and 8
TD's good for a 30.2 average per catch. For the 2005 season, Ron caught
22 balls for 477 yards and 8 TD's. For the last two seasons, Ron has
returned 35 punts for 719 yards and 4 TD's.
Josh
Fross Spokane SaberCats (5'10"
170) Josh is entering his 6th year of minor league football and looks to
continue to provide the consistency he has for the offense over those years.
Jed Gossman,
Wenatchee
Valley Rams (5'11, 180) Jed is starting his 4th season.
In 2006, Jed was an EFL All-League performer and leading receiver with 47
catches for 1,082 yards and 11 TD's. In 2005, he caught 17 for 372 yards
and 2 TD's.
Cody Parker,
Yakima
Mavericks (5'10" 175) Another Mav rookie, Parker is fast and
athletic with great hands . Cody preferred to play of the defensive side
of the ball when he was in school at Oak Harbor but when the Mavericks asked
him to help out at WR he never thought twice about helping the team were ever
he could.
Scott Radder, Skagit
Valley Lightning (6'2" 185) Lightning
leading receiver in 2006, sidelined by knee injury, returns to strike deep
and often. Fearlessly athletic, and good for the clutch reception.
Aaron Young,
Lakewood
Wolves (6'0" 175) Quick reflexes and quick off the ball.
Mike
Zeck, Siskiyou Savages (6'0" 220).
Set a Savages team record with 3 rushing touchdowns in a game. First
Savage to score a defensive touchdown. Played at the College of the
Siskiyous, University of San Diego, and two seasons at University of Oregon.
His leadership on and off the field contributes greatly to the success of the
Savage organization. Assistant Coach at Del Norte High School.
Tight Ends
David
Combs, South Sound Shockers (6'2" 245) Returns for his 2nd
year as a Shocker. 1st Team All-PNFC tight end. Missed 3 games due
to injury. Should be healthy this season after training harder in the
offseason.
Tyler Nibarger,
Skagit
Valley Lightning (6'3" 235) Elusive, and
dynamic. A player coach who sets the tone with physical and
intelligent play. 3 TD receptions in an abbreviated '06 season, but a prime
target in the offense.
Aaron Sanchez, Oregon Monarchs
(6'4", 270lbs.) Aaron is one of those you wish
you had 20 of. He has the size, strength, hands and speed that you don't see
together very often. Aaron is a rookie to semi-pro ball and if he keeps
working hard he will not be here long. You will see Aaron in the opposing
backfield causing problems and in the end zone catching touchdowns.
Offensive Line
Trent
Albertin, Palouse Thunder (6'4" 280) Trent will have an
immediate impact for the Thunder on their offensive line. This is one big guy
that can move. He'll be paving the way for Williams and Pederson this season
and look for him to be high on the list for the All Star game in 2007.
Josh
Bisnett, Columbia Basin Riverhawks (6'1" 230) Excellent young
athlete who makes a difference for us on both sides of the ball.
Travis Brock,
South
Sound Shockers (6'5" 290) A rookie to the Shockers, Brock is no
rookie to the gridiron. Former Pierce County Athlete of the Year and
letterman at Central Washington, Brock is a beast on both sides of the
ball. Primarily an offensive tackle in 2007, he will be utilized on the
defensive line as the "lightweight" in the rotation.
Robin Kneble,
Umpqua
Valley Knights (6'6" 330) Former Oregon Duck who in his last year
with the Ducks was named the teams best offensive lineman and last year
attended the Baltimore Ravens Rookie camp for two months. Expectations are
high for this college standout.
Josh
Kutzke, Tri-City Knights (6'3" 330) Josh is one of the
more dominant offensive lineman in the EFL. He brings more to the game than
just simple blocking. He has the uncanny ability to read a defense quickly,
gets to second level blocking and knows the game. When you need a field
general on the line he's the man to count on.
Charles Latt, Oregon Monarchs (6'2" 306lbs.) Offensive line: This is the first year Charles has player
for the Monarchs, but by no means is it his first year in semi-pro football.
He has spent 4 years with the Willamette Valley Raiders of the NWFL. Charles
brings leadership and a large amount of knowledge to the offensive front. With
good size and great feet he will make for long nights for the guy lined up
across from him.
David
Milbrandt, Columbia Basin Riverhawks (6'3" 240) The Riverhawks
best lineman. Provides leadership equal to his playing ability.
Judiah
Pickles, High Desert Lightning (6'3" 260) Judiah has
played for the last 7 years. He is the type of player that reminds you of
the quiet guy in the back of the room. The quiet but deadly type. He
shows up and plays. You never hear a word out of him. But when he hits the
field he is a freaking animal.
John
Toohey, Siskiyou Savages (6'2, 290).
Played 4 years at Humboldt State University. Assistant Coach at
McKinnleyville High School. John will be playing in his first season at
the semi-pro level this season, but has already made a positive impact on the
Savages with his determination, game knowledge, and intensity.
Samson Vee,
Lakewood
Wolves (6'0" 298) A monster on the line. He opens up
holes that allow for big gains.
Kickers
John Acosta,
Rogue
Warriors (5'11 185) Kicker/ back up QB and utility player from Chico
State College. Played in the Indoor Football League and honored as
OFL all-star kicker. The best kicker in the OFL by far...consistent from 50
yards out.
Joe Smith,
Yakima
Mavericks. (6'2" 195) Possibly the biggest acquisition the
Mavericks made in 2007 was signing Joe Smith to play again. Joe was an
All-American at CWU and led all of the NCAA in punt average his senior
year. While playing for the Mavericks in 2005 he won two games for them
including a 53 yard field goal with just seconds left to beat Tri-Cities.
Defensive Line
Nick
Blasdel, Tri-City Knights (6'2" 270) Nick
"No Neck" is one of the most ferocious DE's in the EFL. He's very
quick, loves contact and helps up the guys he hits with a smile on his face.
Nick was named a Co-Defensive MVP in Evergreen Bowl I where he not only
tackled Chase Berry (former Blue Mountain Stars RB) but he also was one of the
few people that were able to put Chase on his back. Look for Nick to continue
his great play and help the Knights defense be near the top in 2007.
Jeff
Boyus, Blue Mountain Stars (6'2"
276) 3rd year in EFL. 2006 All-Star. 4 Sacks in 2006.
Jeff doesn't put up fantastic statistical numbers but it's the things he
does do that make him a very good defensive lineman. He commands double
teams most of the time and he opens up things for his other teammates to
go in and get the big hits. He keeps improving every year and we look for
him to have another great season coming off of his first All Star
appearance in 2006.
Quinn Clossan, Siskiyou
Savages (6'5" 250) 10.7 tackles/gm. Played 4 seasons at
the University of San Diego. Quinn has a motor that just will not
quit. The man is all over the field making plays. He was the
Savages 2006 MVP, extremely loyal to his team as he travels from Vancouver,
WA to Crescent City, CA to play with the Savages. Assistant Coach at
Del Norte High School.
Josh Johnson, Northwest
Avalanche (6'0" 295) D Tackle nickname "EARFQWAKE" led
the team in sacks and tackles behind the line. Josh is back in better
shape and much hungrier then last year.
Mitch Johnson, Valley
Mustangs (6'5" 340) Mitch started his amateur career out with
the P.C. Knights last season and also played for the P.C. Bengals over the
summer. He played college football in Kansas and will be attending the
NFL Combines on May 12th.
Jantz
Kahl, Klamath Crusaders (6'1" 275)
Has been an OFL all star every season he has played. Was second on
the team in tackles in 2006 as a defensive end. Has the speed
to run down plays on opposite side of field, and is exceptionally
strong against the run.
Justin
Koepke, Okanogan
Commandos (6'4" 245) The
Commandos can’t wait to see this guy play. This is first season
having played ball for the Eastern Eagles, and you can tell he likes the
game. He just showed up one day out of the blue, and is the type of player
coaches dream about having on their team wearing Commando Blue!
Aaron Sanchez, Oregon Monarchs
(6'4", 270lbs.) Aaron is one of those you wish
you had 20 of. He has the size, strength, hands and speed that you don't see
together very often. Aaron is a rookie to semi-pro ball and if he keeps
working hard he will not be here long. You will see Aaron in the opposing
backfield causing problems and in the end zone catching touchdowns.
Kolt Thompson,
Wenatchee
Valley Rams (6'3, 227) 4-year starter. Was EFL All-league
for 2005 and 2006. Was 2005 EFL Defensive Player of the Year and leading
tackler. For the 2005 season, he had 76 solo tackles, 82 assisted
tackles, 1 fumble recovery and 6 sacks. For 2006, Kolt recorded 50
solo tackles, 58 assisted tackles, 3 fumble recoveries (1 for a 79 yard TD),
14.5 sacks and 1 blocked kick.
Linebackers
Mitch
Ellerd, Tri-City Knights (6'3" 235) Mitch
is revered as one of the nicest mean guys in the EFL. Mitch is on the All-Time
League Leaders list for tackles and continues to cause havoc to most opposing
offenses. Mitch is feared by many of his opponents as he has cat like speed
and hits like a freight train.
Nate Enciso,
South
Sound Shockers (6'0" 230) 2006 PNFC Defensive Player of the Year,
1st Team All-American. "Big Nasty" led all defenders last
season with 81 stops on a defense that recorded 44 takeaways. Forced a
fumble in the 4th quarter of PNFC championship game that set up the Shockers
for a chance to win. Outstanding 4-year starter at University of Puget
Sound. 1st Team All-NWC.
Curtis
Latour, Blue Mountain Stars (6'0"
221) 3rd year in EFL. 2006 EFL Leading Tackler- 2006 Defensive Player of
the year runner-up. Curtis is the all time leading tackler and sack
artist in the EFL. He is on his way to being known as the greatest linebacker
in the history of the EFL. There aren't many linebackers as fast as he is and
he's one hell of a nice guy to boot!
Casey
Lawrence, State Line Miners (6'2" 245) Whitworth College grad,
Casey was a four year letter winner and two year starter, in which he earned
Northwest Conference Defensive Player of week twice, 1st Team All-Northwest
Conference honors at linebacker for his Junior and Senior years, as well as
helping lead the Pirates to a Conference Championship. Casey is entering his
third year of Minor League Football for the State Line Miners, and anchors the
Miner's Defense at middle linebacker. Since playing in the EFL, Casey was
named to the All Star team twice, and has been among the league leaders in
tackles, accumulating 150 over the past two seasons.
Robert Louis,
Lakewood
Wolves (5' 10" 210) Offers great leadership and should rank high
if not leading in the sack department.
Brian
Marsters, Umpqua
Valley Knights (6'1" 190) Marsters is an 8 year Veteran of
the OFL. At 41 years old he is still one of the toughest guys in the league
and still runs the 40 time in under 4.7. Marsters and McIrvin will
battle for the most tackles for the Knights this year.
Tony Pearson, Oregon Monarchs
(5'10", 220lbs.) Tony is a great
athlete with a good work ethic. Tony will start at linebacker and get his
chance to showcase his ball handling skills in the backfield grinding out the
hard to get yards. He is very powerful and plays like a giant.
Jacob
Pinketon, State Line Miners (6'1" 225) Jake attended Spokane Falls Community College to play baseball.
After he finished his baseball career, Jake then joined the State Line
Miners and was voted onto the All Star Team. He later transferred to the
University of Montana Western for football where he played linebacker and
special teams as a true freshman. In 2006, Jake moved back home and played
his second season with the Miners, once again being voted onto the All Star
Team.
Roy
Price, High Desert Lightning (6'3" 200) Roy has
played with the team for 7 years, and every year he comes back with the same
drive. The drive to play a game we all love. He doesn't just play,
he is the first to knock you of your feet and the first to Help you back up.
He is a first class player.
Jeremy Rainbolt,
Wenatchee
Valley Rams (6'0" 200) 2nd year starter. Jeremy
was the leading tackler for the Rams in 2006. He had 69 tackles and 62
assisted tackles and 1 sack. Jeremy is a Captain and Leader of the Rams.
Gary Reynolds, Valley
Mustangs (6'3'' 220) Gary played junior college
football for the College of the Siskiyous & College of the Canyons.
He is considering trying to walk on at Central Washington University this
fall.
Robert Sims, Spokane
SaberCats (6'3" 255) Sims enters his 14th season of
minor league football. The SaberCats anticipate a big season with Robert
shoring up the defense at the MLB position.
Shawn Townsend, Okanogan Commandos (6'0" 190) We
are expecting big things from Shawn again this season after his MVP season
in the EFL last year. He led or was near the lead in many defensive stats
including leading the league in interceptions from the linebacker spot, and
we expect him to be all over the field once again in his 3rd
season. Shawn also is an excellent receiver with sure hands, and will play
on offense.
Jeff Wellborn,
Wenatchee
Valley Rams (6'0" 215) Jeff is starting his 5th
season. He is a Captain. He had 9 solo tackles and 9 assisted tackles
for 2006 before suffering a season-ending injury. Jeff was an EFL All-League
performer in 2005, with 32 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 2 interceptions,
2 fumble recoveries, and 3 sacks. Jeff returns in the best shape of his
career.
Defensive Backs
Adam Attridge, Okanogan Commandos (5'10" 185) Adam
was 3rd in the league last year in INT’s, and was second on the
team in tackles, and top 10 in the league. He has great field vision, and
closing speed. He is another guy we will use on offense at receiver and
running back. This is his 3rd season with the Commandos,
and an EFL All-Star one year ago. He
played mostly linebacker in 2006, but moves to safety this season.
Brent
Boothe, Southwestern Oregon Raiders (6' 2" 200) Shutdown corner,
back after playing 2 yrs ago, had 5 interceptions in 4 games. Very reliable
tackler. Expected to lead defensive secondary, with his heady play.
Tony
Coburn, Blue Mountain Stars (5'11"
184) 2nd Year in EFL. 3rd in league in
Interceptions(2006) 2006 All-Star. Tony is one of the best
cover corners in the league. He has a knack for being where the ball is at
all times. There are very few times that he blows a coverage and is
beaten.
AC Crawford, Rogue
Warriors (5'11 185) Played in the indoor football league for the
Southern Oregon Heat. A very good cover man and who can play the run
effectively. OFL all- star One of the best specialists in the OFL (Kick Returner)
Is a for sure "player to watch on every down".
Eddie Kaeka, Northwest
Avalanche (6'0" 205) Free Safety with a nose for the ball.
Eddie played for Western Washington University last year. Avs
are looking to Eddie to solidify the defensive backfield.
J.R. Kialahi, Skagit
Valley Lightning (6'1" 195) An
intimidating hitter with a nose for the football. J.R. is always
around the ball and making an impact. 3 Solo tackles, forced
and recovered a fumble and two blocked kicks (FG and PAT) in
2007 opener vs. Valley Mustangs.
TJ Lange,
Yakima
Mavericks (5'11" 200) This 20 year old West Valley graduate
will be making the move to safety from the outside linebacker
position he has played the past two season with the Yakima Scorpions.
Chip McIrvin,
Umpqua
Valley Knights (5'9" 180) The Knights 2006 team MVP and OFL
all-star is likely the Knights top overall athlete. It is expected that
McIrvin will once again lead the team in tackles from the strong safety
position and get a number of touches at tailback on offense.
LaFrank
Millender, Columbia Basin Riverhawks (5'10" 220) Defensive
captain and most-experienced linebacker.
Chris
Moulton, High Desert Lightning (6'0" 195) Chris has played
with the team for Six years. This guy plays with ambition and loves the
game. Chris is a team player. Chris like to come from nowhere and
make a play.
Jeff Muai,
Tri-City Knights (5' 11" 185) Jeff
played for Washington State University and not just on the scout teams. He was
injured most of 2006 with a hamstring injury so he didn't get to showcase his
incredible talents. He was one of the few people who could intercept Scott
Biglin and did often during the Knights' practices. Look for him to be one of
the best defensive backs in the EFL.
Lee
Palmer, Southwestern Oregon Raiders (6'3" 225). Big free safety
addition, Lee is a great student of the game. Hard hitting athletic
player. Could lead team in tackles. As good as any player in the league on
defense.
Nikki Sylve,
Yakima
Mavericks (6'4" 215)
The Mavericks have never had a corner over six feet tall before and are
excited to see Nikki playing this year. Nikki played football and ran
track at Eisenhower High before running track at Highline CC.
Micah Tanaka,
South
Sound Shockers (5'11" 185) Shockers Team MVP, 1st Team All-PNFC in
2006 after recording 6 INT's and 28 tackles on defense and averaging 19.4
yards per punt return (16- 69 yd long, 1 TD) ) and 33.0 yards per kick return
(4- 90 yd long, 1 TD) Voted a team captain for 2007. Standout corner and
return man at University of Puget Sound.
Aaron
Taylor, Palouse Thunder ( 5'11" 185) Aaron was a rookie with
the Thunder in 2006 and was all over the field when he was in the game. Aaron
has quickness and agility that is sure to make him one of the most dangerous
defensive backs in the league.
Tory Tolefree, Valley
Mustangs (5'10'' 200) Tory played for the Seattle Stallions in
2006. He is currently working on getting tryouts with different teams
in the CFL and Arena football.
Rob Walton,
Klamath
Crusaders (6'2" 200) Has been an OFL All league pick every
season he has played (6), and was an All-American selection in 2005, Spent
time at QB in 2006, but now back at corner full time. Has led
Crusaders in INT's every year for past 6 seasons.
Anthony
Whitehead, Spokane SaberCats (5'10"
160) This is Anthony's rookie season but has shown to be a true cover
corner during training camp. The 'Cats look for an exciting season from this
rookie.