10-05-2020, 09:00 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-06-2020, 09:02 AM by Asked Madden.)


Well guys, it’s finally here – the start of a new season. After an exciting off-season which saw two new teams join the ISFL, the New York Silverback and Berlin Fire Salamanders, we had what must have been a record number of players called up from the DSFL to the ISFL this season. Many teams are coming into Season 25 with more questions than answers, and there are a fair number of rookies on both sides of the ball that teams are going to be relying on. For those of you who are new players coming to the league, I envy you. It is so exciting to take part of your first season in the DSFL.
For this article, I decided to go all out. There are three main sections.
Section one is a quick run down of each of the teams. I detail key players they lost, and highlight a player that I think will be a big part of their success this upcoming season.
Section two is where I make my horribly misguided predictions for each team’s final records for the season, as well as my reasoning behind each pick. Feel free to save that section and PM it to me when I get everything wrong.
The final section is where I give my watch list of five players who I project will be in the running for Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, as well as Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year.
Without any further delay, let’s get into it!
Section One – Team Overviews

Season 24 Record: 5-9 (last in NFC North)
Offense: 14.1 PPG (8th) | 290.9 YPG (8th) | 181.7 Rush YPG (2nd) | 109.2 Pass YPG (8th)
Defense: 23.5 PPG (8th) | 344.1 YPH (7th) | 163.6 Rush YPG (6th) | 180.5 Pass YPG (7th)
Key Departures
Cleg Manclaw Tight End
Killian Chambers Wide Receiver
Rashad Hilliard Cornerback
Big question for Season 25: Can they take advantage of their returning depth?
If there was a single word to define the Grey Ducks’ season last year, it would be, “Yikes.” Finishing dead last in scoring on offense and defense; last in total offense and passing offense, as well as bottom half in all yards on defense, Minnesota didn’t have much to be proud of last season. The lone bright spot for them in Season 24 was their one-two rushing attack of Jameson Vermillion and Mike Rotchburns, who combined for over 2,100 yards and ten rushing scores.
In addition to their star running backs, Minnesota also returns five additional starters from a season ago, and their three players lost to callups and retirements is by far the least of all teams in the league. The Grey Ducks enter the season with seven DSFL-capped players, and have the makings of a team primed for a bounce back season. On defense, the Grey Ducks will be led by Linebacker Wasrabi Gleel, Cornerbacks James Gath and Jeeeeroy Lenkins, Safety Damian Blackfyre, and Defensive End Brick Van Sanzo.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Ryan Negs @"Ryan Negs"
Coming into the Season 25 Draft, Minnesota had one goal in mind: get a passing attack. To that end, they spent a first round pick on Quarterback Ryan Negs. I imagine that the Grey Ducks won’t be asking Negs to win games for them, as they look to still have a dominant rushing attack this upcoming season. Their biggest issue on offense was not having any balance, and they’re hoping with Negs they can do just that. It’s a lot of pressure to put on a rookie, but I think Negs is up for the challenge.

Season 24 Record: 6-8 (last in SFC South)
Offense: 18.4 PPG (6th) | 312.6 YPG (6th) | 146.1 Rush YPG (6th) | 166.4 Pass YPG (5th)
Defense: 23.5 PPG (7th) | 324.9 YPG (5th) | 159.1 Rush YPG (5th) | 165.8 Pass YPG (5th)
Key Departures
Raylan Crowder Defensive End
Sheed Thebaw Defensive Tackle
Guy Fields Linebacker
Bob Roberts Safety
Cmon Skiuuup Tight End
Zoe Watts Running Back
Taro Raimon Wide Receiver
Tristian Hex Tight End
Big Question for Season 25: How’s the offense go without Watts?
Season 24 for the Birddogs was, by all accounts, a bit of a letdown. Dallas finished last in their conference as well as in the bottom half of the DSFL in every statistical category. The one bright spot for them last season was their running back, Zoe Watts, who finished the season leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, en route to winning Offensive Player of the Year.
In Season 25, however, Watts is gone, as well as four defensive starters, including five of their rookies drafted just a season ago. So, who carries the mantle for Dallas? The hopeful answer to that question for the Birddogs is rookie Cobra Kai, who position switched after the draft and brings an already impressive 173 TPE with him. To help their new feature back, the Birddogs bring back veteran Quarterback Mattathais Caliban and second-year receiver Mark Callous.
On Defense, Dallas lost four starters from a year ago, and to that effect spent a lot of capital in the draft on that side of the ball, bringing in linebackers Big Slammu and Erik Kirkland, Cornerback Slurms McKenzie, and Defensive Linemen Primo Berto and Pope Francis. The new additions look to gel with returning players Richard Leaking, Lionel Rumper, and Milk Mann.
Player to Watch: Linebacker Richard Leaking @ReverendOReily
Dallas might not have been the best team in the league on defense in Season 24, but one player who that can’t be pinned on was Linebacker Richard “Dick” Leaking. A season ago, the second-year player finished with 102 tackles and nine sacks, which was good enough for third in the league, and led all rookies in that statistic. If the Birddogs hope to have a bounce back year in Season 25, they’re going to need Leaking to have a repeat season rushing the passer.

Season 24 Record: 6-8 (3rd in NFC North)
Offense: 21.5 PPG (3rd) | 315.4 YPG (5th) | 138.1 Rush YPG (7th) | 177.3 Pass YPG (4th)
Defense: 21.8 PPG (6th) | 333.4 YPG (6th) | 171.7 Rush YPG (8th) | 161.7 Pass YPG (4th)
Key Departures
LeBong Simwell Defensive Tackle
Mac Griddle Safety
Joshua Campbell Wide Receiver
Gary Goodman Linebacker
Clay Stallworth Offensive Line
Big Question for Season 25: Will the real Coyotes please stand up?
Season 24 for the Kansas City Coyotes can best be described as a rollercoaster of a season. The Coyotes at one point in the season had a four game win streak and then also ended the season on a three game losing streak. Coming into Week 12 of the season, KC was sitting atop their division with a record of 6-5, and looked to be in the driver’s seat for a trip to the playoffs. All they needed to do was win one of their final three games and they would have made it in. Instead, they lost two in a row at home, including a 17-13 loss to the Grey Ducks that no one saw coming. Even heading into their final game, they still had an outside shot. All they had to do was beat the Royals in London. Instead, they fell short, losing by four to the eventual Ultimini champions. One week they could put up 40 points and the next only score 3. They could shut down a powerful offense one game, and then the next game look like they didn’t know how to play defense.
Lucky for the Coyotes, the Expansion Grim Reaper didn’t call their number, as they only lost five main contributors to call-ups. They bring back two stars in their secondary, Cornerback Petey Patterson and Safety Tony Yeboah, and brought in some very promising young players in the draft in Safety Derek Wildstar, Linebacker AJ Lucas, and Defensive Tackle Redbeard McFredbeard. They’re going to need to really step up their rush defense this season, as their 171 yards allowed per game in Season 24 was dead last in the entire DSFL.
Player to Watch: Linebacker AJ Lucas @Alucas
One of the biggest blows to Kansas City in their call-ups was Linebacker Gary Goodman, who was voted Defensive Player of the Year in Season 24 by his Coyotes teammates. Kansas City is hoping that lightning can strike twice and that their second round pick can help fill the void left by Goodman. He comes into the season with a very respectable amount of TPE, and I know that Kansas City is very excited to add him to their starting lineup.

Season 24 Record: 7-7 (3rd in SFC South)
Offense: 21.1 PPG (4th) | 326.4 YPG (3rd) | 182.7 Rush YPG (1st) | 143.6 Pass YPG (7th)
Defense: 18.8 PPG (3rd) | 321.9 YPG (4th) | 134.9 Rush YPG (1st) | 187.0 Pass YPG (8th)
Key Departures
Goat Tank Defensive Tackle
Hank Winchester Linebacker
Dexter Jackson Linebacker
Medicinal Toblerone Offensive Line
Owen Holloway Wide Receiver
Arlington Heights Defensive End
3’ Jeffrey Defensive End
Ne Mo Tight End
Big Question for Season 25: Is it Daytona Time?
If you have read any of my Season 24 DSFL articles, you can probably guess I am very high on Myrtle Beach Quarterback Jackie Daytona heading into Season 25. He wasn’t the starting QB for the Buccaneers for the entire season, and he still managed to post the best TD:INT ratio of all QB’s in the league, and in his final game of the season went off against Minnesota , throwing for 225 yards and FOUR touchdowns! He provided an immediate boost to Myrtle Beach’s anemic passing attack the moment he stepped into the starting lineup, and I have a feeling all of the Bucs fans out there are excited to see if he can keep that momentum going strong into this upcoming season.
Daytona isn’t the only offensive weapon returning for the team in Season 25, as they bring back TPE-capped Wide Receivers Zach Crossley and Alex Reed, as well as TPE-capped Tight End Djibutee McJimmerson. Those three pass catchers combined for over 1,000 yards and fourteen scores as rookies, and I’m sure they’re looking to increase those impressive numbers as sophomores. The big question for their offense is replacing S24 Running Back 3’ Jeffrey, and they’re hoping that incoming rookie Akil Ozymandias will be up to the task.
On defense, the Buccaneers have quite a task ahead of them, as they have to replace two linebackers and two defensive linemen. They’re hoping that draftees Leonard Taylor and Rvakuva Togami can help make up for their losses at those position groups. One area on the defense the Bucs don’t have to worry about is their secondary, as they’re bringing back Season 24 standouts James Hoffman and Teddy Utterstruzen.
Player to Watch: Tight End Djibutee McJimmerson @UberBJ
If I was a betting man, I would put money on the second year Tight End for Myrtle Beach to finish as a top finalist for Tight End of the Year in the DSFL in Season 25. Playing behind call-up Ne Mo, McJimmerson made the most of his limited opportunities, hauling in three touchdowns on only 23 catches. Ne Mo was one of the Bucs’ main weapons in the passing attack last season, leading the team in catches and yards. Due to their losses on defense, I think Myrtle Beach is going to simply have to outscore teams to win this season, and I think McJimmerson figures to be a big part of their game plan.

Season 24 Record: 6-8 (2nd in NFC North)
Offense: 22.6 PPG (1st) | 308.0 YPG (7th) | 125.2 Rush YPG (8th) | 182.8 Pass YPG (3rd)
Defense: 19.6 PPG (5th) | 344.6 YPG (8th) | 170.7 Rush YPG (7th) | 173.9 Pass YPG (6th)
Key Departures
Dan Foster Cornerback
Honky-Tonk Haywood Defensive Tackle
Buster Bawlls Running Back
Davriel Lavigne Safety
Dave Batista Tight End
Brach Thomaslacher Linebacker
Sam Howitzer Quarterback
Joel Drake Safety
Korbin Brown Wide Receiver
Big Question for Season 25: Will the Pythons’ luck continue?
Looking back at Portland’s season, it’s honestly a little surprising they managed to make the playoffs. They finished in the bottom half of the league in six of eight team statistics, but somehow still led the league in scoring. They were sitting at 5-5 at Week 10 and needed some luck to get into the playoffs. They went 1-3 down the stretch, but due to weird tie-breaker rules, still managed to fall into the playoffs.
So, coming into Season 25, Portland is a team seeming to have a lot more questions than answers. How will they recover having ten starters called up to the ISFL? Will the offense change after the loss of veteran QB Sam Howitzer? Can they get a better running game on offense?
Possibly the question that everyone was wondering before the draft was who would Howitzer’s successor under center? The world learned in the first round as Portland pulled the trigger on selecting Quarterback LeBron James III, who will be a day one starter. The Pythons also drafted some potential stars on defense, namely Safety Moe Skeeter, who is looking to fill the void left by the loss of Davriel Lavigne and Joel Drake. Offensive Lineman Chuck Roth also moved over to the defensive side of the ball, hoping to help the team deal with the loss of Defensive Tackle Honky-Tonk Haywood.
Player to Watch: Running Backs Darren Pama and Anders Christiansen @ztarwarz @bluesfan55
We got a double feature here! In Season 24, the Pythons were definitely more of a passing team, and it showed, with Portland finishing third in the league in passing yards and dead last in rushing yards. I really want to believe that was a byproduct of having a star Quarterback like Howitzer, and less of a matter of talent in the backfield. Pama and Christiansen combined for over 1,600 yards and 8 touchdowns as a rookie duo, and both are back this year, with a whole lot more TPE and are looking to improve. Everyone knows that running the ball is the name of the game in the DSFL, but that’s doubly true when starting a rookie Quarterback like Portland will be. If they hope to make it back to the playoffs in Season 25, they’re going to drastically improve their rushing attack.

Season 24 Record: 10-4 (1st in SFC South)
Offense: 21.6 PPG (2nd) | 350.5 YPG (1st) | 167.2 Rush YPG (4th) | 183.3 Pass YPG (2nd)
Defense: 19.1 PPG (4th) | 300.0 YPH (2nd) | 143.0 Rush YPG (2nd) | 157.0 Pass YPG (3rd)
Key Departures
Tex Wrecks Defensive End
Mark Walker Wide Receiver
Adam Schell Linebacker
Icebox Riposte Offensive Line
Maverick Bowie Safety
Doug Howlett Wide Receiver
Friedrich Vequain Wide Receiver
Terry Tate Linebacker
Big Question for Season 25: How will they handle losing three Wide Receivers?
In seasons 23 and 24, two names defined the Tijuana offense – Howlett and Vequain. Over the past two seasons, the Wide Receiver duo combined for over 3,600 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns, and the Luchadores had the #1 and #2 passing attack in each season, respectively. Season 24 included the addition of a third pass-catcher south of the border in Season 25 rookie Mark Walker, who chipped in 345 yards and 3 scores in Season 24. So, what happened in the offseason? Tijuana didn’t lose one, not two, but ALL three of the receivers on their roster to the ISFL.
As I’ve mentioned before, the name of the game in the DSFL is running the ball, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to throw it at all. Fortunately for the Luchadores, they still have Mike Boss, Jr behind center. Joining him in the passing game, though, are rookie Wide Receivers Quavious McGrady, Julian Jurevicius, and Kemorian Moore.
They might have lost three productive receivers, but Tijuana is returning not only their Quarterback from last season, but also defending Offensive Rookie of the Year, Running Back Bronko Mills, as well as a number of playmakers on defense. Things will definitely even out, but to start off the season the Luchadores definitely look like they are in a spot to start off hot.
Player to Watch: Linebackers Vincent Jones and Bam Bam McMullet
@huck24 @manicmav36
One of the biggest losses the Luchadores face from a personnel perspective coming into Season 25 is the loss of their leader on defense, defending Defensive Player of the Year, Linebacker Adam Schell. Knowing that their defensive line and secondary would be intact for at least one more season, the Luchadores went out and drafted two linebackers early in the DSFL Draft, Jones and Bam Bam McMullet. The Linebackers are very even in TPE, but are very different in build, as McMullet is more of a pass rusher, while Jones has opted for a more balanced approach.
As mentioned, Tijuana is bringing back some very good talent on the defensive line in Defensive Tackles Doy Fieri and Timmy Dimbi, as well as Defensive End Owen Isaac. Those three should be able to clear lanes for their rookie linebackers to make plays in the backfield and in the running game. Replacing a player like Schell is a tall order for any team, but the Luchadores rookies are primed and ready to give it their best shot.

Season 24 Record: 8-6 (2nd in SFC South)
Offense: 17.9 PPG (7th) | 315.7 YPG (4th) | 168.7 Rush YPG (3rd) | 147.0 Pass YPG (6th)
Defense: 15.1 PPG (1st) | 291.3 YPG (1st) | 158.4 Rush YPG (4th) | 132.9 Pass YPG (1st)
Key Departures
Rusty Rucker Linebacker
Jimi DeSoto Linebacker
Dukburg QuakStak Safety
Harley Fank Wide Receiver
Rickie Vaughne Cornerback
Sigismund Sternenstaub Defensive Tackle
Melvin Murder-Moose Linebacker
Thad Pennington, Jr. Offensive Line
Suleiman Ramza Quarterback
Captain Rogers Running Back
Quentin Button Safety
Dre Matthews Wide Receiver
Big Question for Season 25: New team, who dis?
Season 24 was by all measure a great season for Norfolk. They finished the season with the second-best record in the league and upset a very strong Tijuana squad on the road en route to a Ultimini berth. They may have come up short in the championship against London, but this team has every reason to be proud of the way Season 24 went.
Due to expansion and there being no justice in the world, however, the Seawolves are going to have a much different team heading into Season 25, especially on defense, where they will be entering the season with seven new starters. Norfolk had a historically dominant defense in Season 24, and with a rookie Quarterback under center for them (Kotone Shiomi) this season, they’re going to need those new faces to gel quickly, and they’re going to need some stellar play out of their two best returning defensive players, Defensive End Sam Roes and Safety Xmus Flaxon Jaxon-Waxon. Both of whom were very big contributors as rookies, and I expect to be on everyone’s short lists for positional excellency awards heading into Season 25.
While their defense definitely took a hit in the offseason, let’s not forget that Norfolk also will be bringing in new starters at Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, AND Tight End this season. The only returning starter from a season ago is Offensive Lineman Ananda Adyan. The Seawolves are going to need Adyan’s leadership on offense to help weather the storm of so much young blood on that side of the ball.
Player to Watch: Running Back Mr. Forty-Two @C9Van
Common knowledge in the football world says that a rookie quarterback’s best friend is a strong running game. As mentioned, Norfolk won last year with defense and running the ball, as evidenced by their strong rushing attack, led by Captain Rogers, who finished second in the league in rushing yards. This season I fully expect Norfolk to once again lean heavily on the running game, as they have rookies scattered all over this offense.
To that end, the Seawolves decided to grab one of the best RB prospects available in the DSFL Draft in Mr. Forty-Two. As a waiver add for Myrtle Beach in Season 24, Forty-Two made the most of his limited opportunities. In the four games he appeared in, the rookie totaled 239 yards on 52 carries for an average of 4.5 yards per carry. He also chipped in two touchdowns in those four games. Norfolk is hoping that he’s able to duplicate that success as the featured back for them this year.

Season 24 Record: 8-6 (1st in NFC North)
Offense: 20.7 PPG (5th) | 344.7 YPG (2nd) | 148.7 Rush YPG (5th) | 196.0 Pass YPG (1st)
Defense: 16.6 PPG (2nd) | 304.0 YPG (3rd) | 157.1 Rush YPG (3rd) | 146.9 Pass YPG (2nd)
Key Departures
Swantavius Jones Cornerback
Albert Ruschmann Defensive End
Jake Fencik Kicker/Punter
Tayshawn Crunk Safety
Adam C. Spencer Wide Receiver
Harrison Andrews Cornerback
Busch Light Linebacker
Juan Domine Linebacker
Gunner Thorbjornsson Running Back
Tre’Darius J’Vathon Wide Receiver
Macaroni Elephant Offensive Line
Danny King Running Back
Big Question for Season 25: Will there be an Ultimini hangover?
If you’ve been in the Royals’ locker room in the last month, then you’re probably more than well award the London enters Season 25 as the defending champions of the DSFL. At one point in the season is was a question whether or not they would even make the playoffs, but then they finished out the season winning two in a row, including a very impressive 21-3 win over the Seawolves in Norfolk. Once they made it into the playoffs, London showed that they belonged by beating up on the Pythons 22-3 and defeating the Seawolves 24-17 to bring the Ultimini Trophy back home with them across the pond.
What was their reward for having a successful season you ask? Oh, nothing too special. They just lost twelve starters to the ISFL and had to once again reload through the DSFL draft. It’s not all bad news, however, as London is returning their starting Quarterback from a season ago, Charlemagne Cortez, who ended up leading the DSFL in passing yards in Season 24. In addition to Cortez, the London offense is also bringing back talented Running Back Terry Yaki and Offensive Lineman Marlon Alexander. Unfortunately, the good news story for the Royals ends there, as they lost their top three Wide Receivers from a year ago.
Somehow, however, London was able to bring in arguably two of the best prospects at their respective positions in Defensive End Ernest Lover and Wide Receiver Tugg Speedman. Lover is looking to help fill the void left by star end Albert Ruschmann, and will slot perfectly opposite stud lineman Mattress Cadaire. Speedman, however, had to try and fill the hole left by arguably the greatest receiver in London history, Gunnar Thorbjornsson.
Player to Watch: Linebacker L’Gazzy Burfict @y2bobman
As a unit, the Royals’ defense in Season 24 was just about as star-studded as you could be. Between former #1 overall pick Juan Domine, eventual #1 pick in Season 25, Swanty Jones, Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidate Tayshawn Crunk, and Season 25 fifth overall pick Albert Ruschmann, London’s defense was a veritable who’s who of DSFL stars. Throw Linebacker Busch Light and Cornerback Harrison Andrews into the mix, and it’s easy to see how Burfict may have flown under the radar.
In Season 25, however, I give it about three weeks before Burfict becomes a household name. He is now the leader of this very young London defense, and I believe he has the talent to carry them to another playoff appearance. In Season 24, L’Gazzy accumulated 72 total tackles and 5 sacks, while sometimes playing second, third, or fourth fiddle on defense. All eyes will be on Burfict this season.
Section Two - Final Standings Predictions
This is the part of the preview where I most likely make some really bad predictions and you all come back and harass me by quoting this article and telling me I’m stupid. You know what though? Bring it on. I didn’t get into the business of writing articles about make believe football to make friends.
SFC South Final Records
Tijuana Luchadores: 9-5
Myrtle Beach Buccaneers: 8-6
Dallas Birddogs: 7-7
Norfolk Seawolves: 5-9




NFC North Final Records
Minnesota Grey Ducks 11-3
Kansas City Coyotes 8-6
Portland Pythons 7-7
London Royals 6-8




Section Three - Offensive and Defensive Award Winner Watch List
I want to preface this section by stating that I have no affiliation with the Awards Committee and have zero influence on who will ultimately win these awards. I assure you, however, that if I did have any say that I would do everything in my power to make sure that my predictions hold true. That’s what you call integrity.Offensive Player of the Year
Tijuana Running Back Bronko Mills @PaytonM34
Defending Offensive Rookie of the Year Bronko Mills shared the ball heavily with Crowbar Theeks in Season 24. Unfortunately for Tijuana, Theeks is gone in Season 25. Fortunately for Mills, the team’s loss may prove to be his gain. He will be the featured back in Season 25, and with the only pass catchers on the Luchadores’ roster being all rookies, they’re going to have to lean heavily on Mills to move the ball. The Luchadores are also returning star Offensive Lineman Adam Mellot, and also drafted two additional linemen to round out the group. He might have a dip in efficiency from last season, but I fully expect Mills to more than make up for it in pure volume.
Myrtle Beach Quarterback Jackie Daytona @Mooty99
Portland Quarterback Sam Howitzer won MVP in Season 24 on the back of a ridiculous 21-6 TD:INT ratio. I fully believe that if he was the starter for day one for the Buccaneers, Daytona would have bested those numbers. He comes into this season as an even better player with hands down the best triple threat of pass catchers in the league. In a year when many teams lost their top one to three defensive backs, expect Myrtle Beach to air it out early and often.
Minnesota Running Back Jameson Vermillion @Vainknight13
I’m not going to lie, I came to the decision to put Vermillion here instead of his teammate Mike Rotchburns by flipping a coin. I fully expect both Grey Ducks backs to duplicate their efforts from a season ago. Unfortunately for both of them, I think that they might end up taking the shine away from each other. If they were on different teams and weren’t taking carries from each other, I would honestly have put both of them on this list.
London Running Back Terry Yaki @Doomraider
In Season 24, the London offense flipped the script in the DSFL by using the pass to set up the run. Quarterback Charlemagne Cortez was the star of the Royals’ offense a year ago, as he led the league in passing yards and posted a respectable 17-10 TD:INT ratio. Season 25, however, it’s Terry Time. At times considered a secondary option to airing out, Yaki still managed a very goodyear with 1,000 yards and 6 scores. As I’ve previously mentioned, London lost a LOT of talent at Wide Receiver, and what I said about Tijuana and their need to run the ball applies to London as well.
Dallas Running Back Cobra Kai @OrbitingDeath
I know what you’re thinking: how the hell can you put a rookie on your short list of Offensive Player of the Year? Honestly, I can’t answer that question. This pick is one I’m making solely on feeling alone. I don’t know what it is with Dallas, but they just know how to run the ball. As a rookie in Season 23, Zoe Watts ran for over 1,100 yards and 9 scores, then followed it up with 1,300 yards and 10 TD’s in Season 24. Kai enters the season with an absurd 173 TPE as a rookie and is the only rushing threat the team has. I see big things for the karate man this season.
Defensive Player of the Year
Dallas Linebacker Richard Leaking @ReverendOReily
As dapper and downright sexy of a man as you can be off the field, and a pure animal on it, Leaking exploded onto the scene in Season 24, as he finished third in the DSFL with 9 sacks. Relying more on speed than strength, the Dallas Linebacker was able to maneuver around the less mobile offensive linemen he went up against last year. This season, a fair number of teams lost max-TPE linemen, and while the rookies will get better with time, I think Leaking is going to feast for the first part of the season.
Minnesota Linebacker Wasrabi Gleel @Crodyman
In Season 24 I honestly felt that Gleel got snubbed a little bit when it came to Defensive Rookie of the Year nominations. He finished seventh in the league in total tackle (second amongst all rookies), had five sacks (top 10 among rookies) and also intercepted a pass. He was a playmaker at all level of the field. You should be well aware of my thoughts on Minnesota coming into Season 25, and I fully believe Gleel is going to have a fantastic season.
Kansas City Cornerback Petey Patterson @slate
As far as pure coverage Cornerbacks go, you would have been hard pressed to find a better one in Season 24 than Little Petey Patterson. A first round selection in the ISFL Draft, Patterson was sent down for his sophomore season as a chance to really show his abilities. With two rookie QB’s in his division, I think Patterson is ready to show off a little bit this upcoming season.
London Linebacker L’Gazzy Burfict @y2bobman
As I wrote about in my preview on the Royals, Burfict is coming into Season 25 as the face of the London defense. The Royals have been a bit of a Linebacker factors in recent years, with Busch Light and Juan Domine both finishing seasons as finalists for Linebacker of the Year. I believe that in Season 25 we will see Burfict add his name to that list as well.
Portland Defensive End Etrigan T. Slayer @Thiath
If there is one thing I know to be true it’s that Defensive Ends just don’t get enough love in the DSFL. All anyone ever wants to talk about is Linebackers, Running Backs, and Defensive Backs. Somehow, Slayer didn’t get any real attention across the DSFL last season, even though he had what could only be described as an insane season. Slayer had 36 tackles last season, and TWENTY of them were behind the line of scrimmage.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Dallas Running Back Cobra Kai
This is a bit of a no-brainer. If I’m putting Cobra Kai on my watch list for Offensive Player of the Year, he obviously should be on the watch list for Rookie of the Year.
Norfolk Running Back Mr. Forty-Two @C9Van
I have some insider information here: Mr. Forty-Two is getting advice as a player from ISFL legend Tom Hanks. We saw some of the results of that advice last year, as Forty-Two was very productive in his four game for Myrtle Beach as a waiver add. Now in Norfolk, he looks to be the focal point of the offense as he takes over for Captain Rogers.
Portland Quarterback LeBron James III @Orhanello
Much in the way that I said Cobra Kai was on my OPOTY list due to gut feeling, LBJ3 is on my list for Rookie of the Year because of something in my gut. He’s taking over for Sam Howitzer, and while he won’t have some of the same options in the passing game that his predecessor had, James still has an offensive system, two strong running backs, and fellow rookie Mario Messi at his back.
Minnesota Quarterback Ryan Negs @"Ryan Negs"
This is more of a, “well duh” pick than a, “holy shit he’s going to light the league up” kind of pick. I fully believe that Minnesota will be the best team in the DSFL this season, and while the offense will rely heavily on their star RB duo of Vermillion and Rotchburns, Negs still will have some weapons at his disposal. Sometimes all you can ask out of a young QB is that they just don’t lose games, and at the absolute least I believe Negs can do that.
Tijuana Wide Receiver Quavious McGrady @DoIHaveTheSause
As mentioned earlier, Tijuana lost three Wide Receivers in the off-season and had to dedicate a lot of resources to fill that need in the draft. One player that they’re hoping can carry the mantle for them in Season 25 is the big bodies McGrady. At 6’6 he will give Quarterback Mike Boss Jr. a large target in the red zone. The Luchadores are most definitely going to be a run-first team this season, but don’t be surprised if McGrady still ends up with half a dozen scores.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Tijuana Linebacker Bam Bam McMullet @manicmav36
In Season 24, Tijuana produced the Defensive Player of the Year, Linebacker Adam Schell. Schell was a playmaker at all levels, whose numbers were boosted by playing in a 3-4 system, with a defensive line built to open holes for him. The Luchadores are returning three out of their four main contributors on the DL this season, and McMullet looks to be ready to take advantage. A pure pass rusher, look for Bam Bam to make an immediate impact in Season 25.
Norfolk Safety Dogwood Maple @"Dogwood Maple"
When playing next to a star player one of two things happens: teams expose you as the weaker option and you get abused, or you take advantage of the extra traffic coming your way and post big numbers. Playing next to star Safety Jaxon-Waxon, I believe the latter will be true of Maple. Teams are going to have to keep an eye on his secondary teammate, and that means there will be times they lose track of Mr. Dogwood.
London Defensive End Ernest Lover @Mojojojo
Ernest Lover is the combination of a talented player and a perfect situation. As I’ve mentioned, London in Season 24 had playmakers all over the defense, and teams simply couldn’t block all of them. Their three defensive ends combined for 37 TFL and 17 sacks last season, because teams had to focus so much on stopping Juan Domine and Busch Light. This season, teams will have to focus on stopping L’Gazzy Burfict, and I think that will put Lover in a spot to make a lot of big plays.
Kansas City Safety Derek Wildstar @Legally_Blind_Gamer
With the loss of Safety Mac Griddle to the ISFL, the Coyotes knew they needed to shore up their secondary to have any chance at success in Season 25. Wildstar will fit in perfectly in a defensive backfield featuring stars Tony Yeboah and Petey Patterson. An athletic, playmaking Safety, I expect Wildstar to play an opportunistic style for the Coyotes. He could finish the season near the top of the league in interceptions.
Myrtle Beach Linebacker Leonard Taylor @Tayjay
As you’re all well aware of by now, I’m expecting big things out of the Myrtle Beach offense this season. What you don’t know is that part of the reason I’m expecting such is because I don’t know if I believe their defense will stop anyone. Taylor is on this list because I believe that as one of the only playmakers they have on defense, he’s going to get ample opportunities to make plays.
Final Thoughts
I hope everyone enjoyed reading this article. If you stuck through to the end, you have my sincere thanks. This article took on a life of its own somewhere halfway through, and I honestly never expected it to get this long.
As always, leave your comments below and let me know what I got wrong!
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