*Ironside's Blindside: Otters Announce CoGM

[IsaStarcrossed]

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"Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is Bjørn Ironside reporting in from the S18 Sports Center. Today we have some fresh news coming directly out of Orange County. Their front office has been looking for another general manager for the team for a long time. Speculadora has had a lot on his plate in the last few seasons as he has basically been expected to handle it all. He may finally be getting a chance to relax a bit as he finally finds himself some help with a new assistant general manager. One of the newest members of the Otters franchise and a S18 player, Korrin Abernathy has stepped up to the plate. He has mentioned on multiple occasions wanting to dive into the world of general management and now he’s getting the chance to develop in one of the best front offices this league has to offer.”

Ironside: "You just got drafted by the Orange County Otters this past weekend. What has that process been like and is Orange County a place you expected to go?"

Abernathy: “The scouting process was very fun to go through. I got contacted by a bunch of teams that were interested in me and it was a pretty nice feeling to get all that interest. I knew pretty early on that I was going to be drafted by one of two teams, either the Otters or the Copperheads, and I was hyped to be joining either team.”

Ironside: "You've now had a few days to adjust to moving up in the world. You're in the NSFL now, you're playing with the big boys. Do you feel like you're ready to tackle that challenge?"

Abernathy: “Oh absolutely. I've been a bit of an underdog throughout my college career and played safety last season for the Coyotes, so I am beyond excited to show the NSFL what cornerback Korrin Abernathy can do. I'm gonna go ham this season, mark my words.”

Ironside: "With all of that said, you have only had a few days at the upper level and now it is being announced that you are the new coGM of the Otters. Were you expecting something like this to happen so soon?"

Abernathy: “I expected it to be within the next season or two, but for it to be so soon, no, I really didn't expect it. I figured I would get into the war room right away and then build my way up along the line, but I'm thrilled to be able to jump right in to it.”

Ironside: "Do you feel like you're ready for this at all or is it something you're planning to learn as you go?"

Abernathy: “I'm not ready to manage a team by myself, as I don't know enough about how it all works yet. That being said, I have no problem taking on all the responsibility that comes with it and in fact I welcome it. I'll be learning under the legend Speculadora and I couldn't be happier that he's willing to take me on. “

Ironside: "Obviously you're now going to be learning under one of the best in the NSFL. Take me through your process knowing that you'll be learning from Speculadora himself?"

Abernathy: “It's a relief knowing that I'm in good hands. I know that he won't throw me into the fire and that he'll make sure I'm developing well. I'm privileged to work with him and this season is gonna be a banger.”

Ironside: "As a GM what is now your focus for the coming weeks with preseason kicking off in just a couple of days?"

Abernathy: “My focus is just on talking through everything with Spec, making sure I understand his decision making and occasionally throwing in some suggestions myself. As the season progresses, hopefully I'll be able to take on more and more responsibilities, and I'm sure Spec would absolutely be okay with that. One thing I would like to do this season is be able to talk out a trade or two. I enjoy coming up with trade scenarios in my head and actually presenting them and seeing what other GMs think is something I greatly look forward to.”

Ironside: "What do you truly believe the Otters are capable of this season? Obviously the team just came off of an Ultimus win. Do you like your chances of repeating?"

Abernathy: “I love our chances of repeating. We have an absolutely loaded secondary, with myself and two recent position switches Tyrome Biggums and AJ Lattimer being added to the group recently. Our offense is stacked, with Armstrong about to hit his real breakout year, Reed just starting his career, and Mongo looking to make big strides this season as well. Add the best GM in the league Spec to that combo and we are a team that is locked, loaded, and dangerous.”

Ironside: "You're being thrown to the wolves pretty quickly. You were just drafted and haven't really had a chance to adjust as a player. Do you think taking a role like this is going to impact you as player?"

Abernathy: “I don't think it will affect me at all. It may take some getting used to for myself and the other guys in the locker room, but on the field I will still dominate. My mind is always on how to improve my game and make sure that I am playing up to the expectations I have for myself, and those expectations in the front office will be just as high as the ones on the field.”

Ironside: "As always with the last question, is there anything else you would like to say to your team or the league as a whole?"

Abernathy: “Just two things. Firstly, all you S18 rookies out there are great. Good luck to each of you this year, unless you're playing us. Second, the NSFL better not sleep on us Otters this year. Don't forget that we're fresh off an Ultimus. We're ready to repeat and we'll just take hate as motivation to go chase another ring.”

“As you can see, Abernathy really seems to have this whole thing figured out. He’s youthful, energetic, and absolutely excited to tackle this league full steam ahead. When you have a veteran guy already established on the team, a bit of young exuberance can really change the face of a franchise. Abernathy is eager to learn and I look forward to seeing him develop as a leader in Orange County. Until next time, Ironside signing off.”