(S24) - PT 4 - Trial by Fire

[Troen]

Reflect on our player’s career, from their first football game to their current career in the ISFL or DSFL, and expound upon one particular story where your player faced their “welcome to the league” moment. How did the change in competition between college and the league, or between the DSFL and ISFL, initially challenge your player? Did they suffer a drop in stats or an ugly debut game? How did they rebound from it?

For me, moving from college to professional was a ridiculous wakeup call. In college, I was one of the top 3 defensive ends in the conference and competed with linebackers in racking up tackles. My average game in my senior year was something like 5 tackles and a sack, plus some other defensive play (interception, forced fumble, etc.) about once every third game. I was a good enough athlete and had experience from high school that I got dropped into coverage a few times.
From there, my DSFL season with the Buccaneers was a huge drop-off when it comes to statistical rate. My tackle and sack rate dropped a tone and I only had one other noteworthy defensive play in the form of a safety. I did greatly increase my tackle for loss rate with the help of the Myrtle Beach coaching staff and some great teammates on the defensive line, but it was still a bit of a shock to go from one of the best defensive players in my conference to just one among many good players. I think my draft position shows that I was performing at a level that the pro teams were comfortable with, but I can't look back on that and say I was happy with my production. But that being said, the professional leagues are just a different level than college and I think I've adjusted. I do what I can to be the best player I can be every day and to help out my team as much as I can.