Quote:This post is 4325 words. Please split evenly 9 ways between @Colabear, @flyeaglesfly29, @cho1325, @Skyline, @PMoney, @2Burkeulosis, @KamiCommie, @ZootTX and @Qball100.
With the S22 season just kicking off, there are new faces in the Yellowknife Wraiths locker room. As everyone knows the fans up here in remote Yellowknife live for their team and adore the NSFL more than just about anywhere else. You can't go to the grocery store without hearing conversations about the teams prospects or being asked what you thought about the offseason moves.
So we've taken the time to sit down with the newest members of the Yellowknife Wraiths locker room to get to know them a little and help you do the same.
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1st Round - 11th Pick: Johnny Hellzapoppin - S (@Colabear)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
I was delighted to get picked in the first round. I hoped rather than expected to get picked that early, knowing how deep a class of defensive backs it was.
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
I'd had great conversations with the Philadelphia GMs so thought they might want to take me. Unfortunately I made the error of singing the praises of my Myrtle Beach teammates, Brandon Brooker (Momento Mori) among them, and they took him with their 4th pick. After that I had a sneaky feeling Yellowknife would take me. I'd had good chats with the GMs and knew there was a need for them to get some fresh blood in at safety.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
While a lot of mocks had me going early, I'd heard down the grapevine there were a few DBs like Matt Cross and Chester Sweets going early, so I expected to slide into the second half at the very least, and knew there was a chance I'd drop out of the first round.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Getting to play with a new group of experienced veteran players. I'm also excited about playing in the spotlight of the big leagues where all eyes are on you.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
There's a great history of success here which is a lot to live up to. But the fact that the team have so often come up short at that final hurdle give us a big juicy target to aim at and overcome.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
It's been great to get to know my fellow draftees and I've had great chats with Acura Skyline and Colby Jack. The veterans have all been very welcoming too and there have been none of the hazing or initiation rituals you here horror stories about. Nate Swift is clearly a leader, and there's so much to learn from a guy like Danny Grithead who's been doing it at a high level forever.
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
It's a cliché but right now it's about focusing on getting better each day, giving myself every opportunity to improve and in turn help the team win. Most of all I want to bring that Ultimus championship trophy up North to Yellowknife where it's long overdue a visit.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
I like to have some fun with the vets and it's a good opportunity to do some impressions or jokes and take them down a peg.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
I want the badger. The baboon is smart and agile, but the badger is furious and once he gets you he's not letting go. He's got a will to win that I don't think the baboon has.
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
I'm gonna get the best cold weather gear money can buy cause I've seen what it's like up here in the winter. And my Myrtle Beach wardrobe ain't gonna cut it.
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2nd Round 11th Pick - Colby Jack - QB (@flyeaglesfly29 - GM)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
It felt great, although given my current circumstances, I already knew where I was going! I was more excited to see the reactions of my new teammates to be honest!
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
Man I was totally surprised lol.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
Again, it’s obvious that I knew the outcome for myself, however I will say that I think I would have been a top 5 pick had I not been a GM already. I think that if Monty and Colby were both available on the “free market” that both Sarasota and Honolulu would have never traded out of their draft positions.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Seeing this team grow and finally winning a championship, while I hone in on my skills even further in the DSFL before my eventual takeover for the great Cooter Bigsby.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
Yes actually I do! I am going to be replacing one hell of a QB eventually. By the time that I take the helm from Cooter this is a strong possibility that he has multiple records set, especially postseason records! I have a lot to live up to.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
Well Cola did make the coolest graphic I’ve ever seen the other day so that does make an impression for sure. (Just wish he’d make one for me now). I’ve also been really impressed with the activity of Patrik Money and James Cho as well. I’m loving having all these new faces around!
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
I am looking to be the best Dual-Threat QB this league has ever seen and not that watered down version like Franklin Armstrong. I am going to have the ability to really run the ball when my speed is maxed, so it’s exciting for sure!
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
I would rap along to an American classic: “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice. Gotta keep it frosty in YK.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
Badger and I don’t know why. This isn't the National Geographic channel, it’s the NSFL.
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
Upgrading the facilities for all of you goons because that’s my job too!
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3rd Round 11th Pick - James Cho - DE (@cho1325)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
It was great. I was afraid I would keep dropping as I thought most teams needed top DE and Troen didn’t even get picked until the second so to be called in the third round is great.
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
I thought Arizona or Yellowknife would be the team to call my name so it wasn’t that much of a surprise.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
I believe I should have been picked higher but I will let my play speak for itself.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Sacking quarterbacks.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
No I know my talents will help contribute to this team.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
Many mature and experience players in the locker room. Getting a pokecord added was awesome kudos to that.
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
Bringing home that trophy.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
Bust out the hacky sack.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
Badger.
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
Buy my parents a house.
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4th Round 11th Pick - Acura Skyline - QB (@Skyline)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
It felt amazing. Years and years of dedication, hustle, and passion finally paying off. I knew that I was going to be here one day, but finally arriving is a whole different experience. Especially since I landed on such an amazing team, we know day one that we are going to be competitive. And I’m all about winning.
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
I had no clue. I thought that Orange County or one of the expansion teams were likely destinations giving that they had a need at Running Back, but the Wraiths were always one of my favorite spots and I really hoped that they would see how I could fit in and contribute. I am very glad that they did.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
They really made me wait for it, you know? 4th round. All the way in the 4th round. I was the offensive player of the year, running back of the year, and offensive rookie of the year. I had two 70+ yard rushing touchdowns, one of which was a walk off game winner in overtime. I led the league in rushing yards while maintaining an absurd efficiency of five yards per carry. The fact that I slipped so far was a surprise, but I understood it given the lack of need at Running Back. What felt at least a little disrespectful was that three other Running Backs were taken off the board before me. That should not have happened. But, I’ll just let the haters be my motivators, and contribute my best to winning on this great team.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Winning! Last season was a lot of fun on the London Royals, but the amount of losing was really weighing on me. They look like they will have a better season, but I am thrilled to be on a team that is already in a position to compete. I think we can beat anyone we line up across from, any day of the week. And I want to be a part of that.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
No pressure at all. I am a workhorse and know I can deliver. All I need to do is show up and do my job. And I damn well sure will do my job.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
I love it! Super welcoming and great energy. The type of environment I like to be around. Tough to pick anyone out in particular from the great group, everyone has been amazing.
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
I just want to be one of those guys who gets recognized for impacting winning. I don’t care so much about personal stats and accolades, but I care a lot about greatness and championships. More Bill Russell than Wilt Chamberlain. Except, I do want to bang as many people as Wilt. That’s also a career priority.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
I would whip out a beautiful Taylor acoustic guitar and rip out some Taylor Swift classics. Everyone would cry. Hopefully in joy.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
Badger. Those things are fucking wild. Don’t fuck with badgers.
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
I’m on a minimum. Put that thing right into savings. I can’t even afford to shop at Whole Foods. Stuck at Trader Joe’s, like a hobo.
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5th Round 11th Pick - Patrik Money - DE (@PMoney)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
Draft night is one of the most hyped nights of the year and it’s even more so when it’s your draft. I loved hearing my name called on the draft, especially with Susan Cash Jr. as our next pick for that Cash Money tandem.
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
Going into draft day I had no idea where I would end up. I knew a few teams had a need at DE but from my interviews, I wasn’t sure. Just before the draft started Yellowknife followed me on twitter and replied to one of my tweets so it gave me an inkling of where I was going.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
I knew there was a need at DE for a few teams so I thought I might end up a little higher but I wasn’t active in any of the teams LR before the draft so I knew I wouldn’t be too high. I’m happy with where I was taken as the team for a lot of talent before (and after) so you don’t want to go too high and miss out on some of that.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Breaking the curse for Yellowknife and winning the Ultimus. We lost the Ultimini at KC last season and I can’t imagine that feeling 4 times in a row. I’m also looking forward to getting to play against, and sack, my old QB Chika Fuijwara twice a year.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
I thrive under that pressure and it will push me to be the best I can be to make sure I live up to those standards and show them to new players for seasons to come.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
It’s a different crowd to my Coyotes LR but it seems like a good group that’ll help me enjoy Yellowknife. All the players are great but Murtsi and Hendrix have been around the KC discord as alumni and seem great, along with the GM’s.
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
I want to win Ultimus titles as much as possible and really help create a great team in Yellowknife. There have been a lot of dynasties in the NSFL but I want to help secure this one for the Wraiths. Personally speaking, DE isn’t a position that gets the most stats but hopefully I’ll make it into the top few DE’s of all time.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
During my childhood in Ireland, I had to chop up a lot of potatoes. It is for this reason that I have supreme talent at real life Potato Ninja, the less successful sequel to Fruit Ninja. I will have all the team throw potatoes at me and I will slice them in half with only a spoon.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
A baboon definitely has the size and intelligence advantages, but I’ve seen a badger fight before and they don’t mess about. I’m giving it to the baboon, but I think it will go all 12 rounds.
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
I’m going to buy the biggest coat I can find, it’s cold up here…
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6th Round 11th Pick - Susan Cash Jr - WR (@2Burkeulosis)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
It was a great feeling. I was feeling a little anxious. I felt like I fell a lot further than I was expecting. When I finally heard my name it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest.
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
Well I know my mom was hoping I would be drafted by either San Jose or Orange County so I would be closer to home. Personally I saw a couple of mock drafts showing me going to either Arizona or New Orleans so I was surprised when I was drafted to the Wraiths.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
I was surprised that I fell to 71. I felt like I had a promising rookie season. Not the best by any means but I felt like I would probably be drafted somewhere in the first 50 rounds.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m most looking forward to going back to London and playing with my teammates on the Royals again. I felt like they gave me my big break and I owe them an ultimini ring this year.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
I do. I know that the Wraiths are a team that are in a “Win now mode” right now. I want to do my part and help this team along to an Ultimus.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
My first impression was that a lot of my fellow Royals are on this team. It helps ease that feeling of being the new kid at school. Beyond that everyone else has been very nice to me. They have created a really cool atmosphere in the locker room full of really talented and creative people. It’s honestly a little intimidating.
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
The only goal I really care about is winning championships. Sure it would be nice to score 20 touchdowns a season but if at the end of the day my team doesn’t even make the playoffs. It doesn’t really matter to me. On the other hand if I only catch 3 passes all season but win the Ultimus. I would be satisfied.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
I can grill a half decent steak.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
Badger
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
I’ve had my eye on a new 4K tv for a while now so probably that.
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7th Round 11th Pick - Magnus Valdyr - S (@KamiCommie)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
I didn’t even watch the draft, I was too busy working. I found out the next day and went back to work, just business as usual.
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
I know it sounds kinda weird and cliche, but I kinda just knew that I was gonna be picked up by Yellowknife.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
Oh earlier for sure. I really don’t know why I was so overlooked. I produced and broke team records my first season in. I easily should have been taken in the 4th.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Just getting out on the field and proving everyone who passed up on me wrong.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
None at all, I’m a solid player and I know I’ll be as good, if not better than every other player on the field.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
It’s no Tijuana, but it seems like a solid bunch of dudes. Bigred’s gone out of his way and showed me a few things, I appreciate that.
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
Just getting out there and imposing my will on whoever is on the other side of the ball.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
I can pull off a pretty mean worm.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
Badger all the way, they’re feisty.
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
First contract man is all business, just gonna keep on training. Talk to me when I get my next one.
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9th Round 11th Pick - Zee Rechs - TE (@ZootTX)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
I actually thought the draft ended at round 7 and I was bummed I didn't get picked. Then I got a DM from flyeaglesfly and realized I did get drafted. I was pretty stoked1
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
Honestly, I didn't know. I had fielded questionnaires from pretty much every team but I didn't know if that meant I'd get drafted or they were just doing their due diligence.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
Not really, I knew that TE was a low need spot and that my TPE wasn't very high.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Getting better and figuring out more how this works (only my second season!)
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
Sure, I don't want to let anyone down.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
Everyone is super cool, even if flyeaglesfly is an Eagles fan!
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
While I don't expect to be in the Hall of Fame, I'd like to be a solid player and teammate.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
Definitely Dad jokes. My family is tired of them after being in quarantine this long lol.
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
Definitely a badger, cause they don't take no shit!
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
1968 Camaro Z-28
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10th Round 11th Pick - Ed Ball - S (@Qball100)
Congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL! How did it feel hearing your name called on draft night?
Hearing my name being called felt like a dream come true. Years of hard work paid off.
Which team did you think would draft you? Were you surprised that Yellowknife was the team to pick you?
I honestly didn't have a team in mind set, I had multiple teams approach me in scouting.
Were you surprised with where you were picked in the draft? Do you think you should have been picked higher (or lower)?
I think where I was picked was understandable and it only fires me up to prove I can be better.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm looking forward to improving myself and hopefully getting some NSFL experience.
Do you feel any pressure to live up to the high standards of Wraiths team?
I guess I feel some sort of pressure but for the most part I'm just excited to be here.
What are your first impressions of the Wraiths locker room? Have any players or coaches made a particular impression on you?
I love you all so far, especially shadyshoelace cause he's a sexy boy.
Looking beyond this season, what do you hope to accomplish in your career?
I would like to become a full-time starter in the NSFL and prove I can do my job on a weekly basis.
You have to take the stage for the rookie talent show in front of the locker room, what talent do you show off?
Uhhhhhh i can randomly tweet my own name by accident?
Who would win in a fight between a baboon or a badger?
Give me the badger.
When your first NSFL contract pay check comes in what's the first purchase you're going to make? Something sensible or a fancy car?
Taking care of the family back home.
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