NSFL Draft experience
Moving into the professional ranks had never crossed his mind following Ryan’s 3rd season at UK. He figured his window of opportunity had slipped his fingers, when he added 80 lbs. over a 12-month span. Who would want a 300 lb. 19-year-old quarterback who can’t seem to figure out whether he should throw the ball 70 yards downfield or just truck the defensive back coming on the corner blitz. Paralyzed by indecision was unfamiliar territory for him and moving back to Nevada was the best possible scenario. The move freed his mind, allowed him to just be a football player. His skills as an offensive lineman prove to be bigger than his size. His wisdom and knowledge of what a quarterback thinks in every scenario provides Ryan with the insight to make decisions before the defense can react. His athletic ability remains off the charts for a man his size.
Ryan was contacted by 3 teams leading into Tuesday night’s draft. Feeling confident with the prospect of being drafted, the excitement came from not know who or where in the draft he would go. The thought of playing near friends and family weighed heavy on his mind, while answering questions from an unnamed GM, “It’s important to me and my work-life balance, to be near my family.” Staying on the west coast is something very important and was a non-negotiable. Just one of the three franchises were on the west coast. Having listened to the podcast and read the projections and analysis, none of which were going to prepare him for what would come next.
“With the 1st pick of the 2nd round, the 7th overall pick in this season’s DSFL draft, the ……..” The dramatic pause for effect brings moans of displeasure from the viewing party at Ryan’s house. “…The Tijuana Luchadores select, Ryan Sierra, offensive lineman from the University of Nevada.” The analysts are scrambling a bit, as we hear one of them say, “Who?” and, “Why would they go with a lineman here?” Back at Ryan’s viewing party, we all turn to Ryan, just as he says, “What? Who is that? I haven’t even been contacted by them yet.”
The great thing about the NSFL league is the community. Not only is the league as a whole helpful, but also the interaction between the players and franchises with both, DSFL and NSFL are entertaining and creative and charismatic. The follow up analysis of the draft had both positive and negative reviews of who the Luchadores selected, but the fanfare and follow up was tremendous. The depth and time spent producing the media shared is worth its weight in gold. Sierra had some questions for the organization, and in turn was able to answer a few concerns of their own. He also reached out to pick the brain of some other community members to gain some perspective on the situation. The league is in transition with a recent decision being made for offensive lineman in the NSFL, the DSFL’s parent league. No rules have been changed in the DSFL, where Ryan will spend his first season. Sierra will be faced with some difficult scenarios down the road involving time and duration spent in the DSFL, in addition to draft stock the following season entering the NSFL in season 5.
The bottom line, the Luchadores made a great choice when they selected Ryan Sierra. The city of Tijuana will benefit greatly from the influx of fanfare and revenue generated from having a championship team. Ryan looks forward to what he and the TJ Luchadores can accomplish on and off the field in the year to come.
GRADED
Moving into the professional ranks had never crossed his mind following Ryan’s 3rd season at UK. He figured his window of opportunity had slipped his fingers, when he added 80 lbs. over a 12-month span. Who would want a 300 lb. 19-year-old quarterback who can’t seem to figure out whether he should throw the ball 70 yards downfield or just truck the defensive back coming on the corner blitz. Paralyzed by indecision was unfamiliar territory for him and moving back to Nevada was the best possible scenario. The move freed his mind, allowed him to just be a football player. His skills as an offensive lineman prove to be bigger than his size. His wisdom and knowledge of what a quarterback thinks in every scenario provides Ryan with the insight to make decisions before the defense can react. His athletic ability remains off the charts for a man his size.
Ryan was contacted by 3 teams leading into Tuesday night’s draft. Feeling confident with the prospect of being drafted, the excitement came from not know who or where in the draft he would go. The thought of playing near friends and family weighed heavy on his mind, while answering questions from an unnamed GM, “It’s important to me and my work-life balance, to be near my family.” Staying on the west coast is something very important and was a non-negotiable. Just one of the three franchises were on the west coast. Having listened to the podcast and read the projections and analysis, none of which were going to prepare him for what would come next.
“With the 1st pick of the 2nd round, the 7th overall pick in this season’s DSFL draft, the ……..” The dramatic pause for effect brings moans of displeasure from the viewing party at Ryan’s house. “…The Tijuana Luchadores select, Ryan Sierra, offensive lineman from the University of Nevada.” The analysts are scrambling a bit, as we hear one of them say, “Who?” and, “Why would they go with a lineman here?” Back at Ryan’s viewing party, we all turn to Ryan, just as he says, “What? Who is that? I haven’t even been contacted by them yet.”
The great thing about the NSFL league is the community. Not only is the league as a whole helpful, but also the interaction between the players and franchises with both, DSFL and NSFL are entertaining and creative and charismatic. The follow up analysis of the draft had both positive and negative reviews of who the Luchadores selected, but the fanfare and follow up was tremendous. The depth and time spent producing the media shared is worth its weight in gold. Sierra had some questions for the organization, and in turn was able to answer a few concerns of their own. He also reached out to pick the brain of some other community members to gain some perspective on the situation. The league is in transition with a recent decision being made for offensive lineman in the NSFL, the DSFL’s parent league. No rules have been changed in the DSFL, where Ryan will spend his first season. Sierra will be faced with some difficult scenarios down the road involving time and duration spent in the DSFL, in addition to draft stock the following season entering the NSFL in season 5.
The bottom line, the Luchadores made a great choice when they selected Ryan Sierra. The city of Tijuana will benefit greatly from the influx of fanfare and revenue generated from having a championship team. Ryan looks forward to what he and the TJ Luchadores can accomplish on and off the field in the year to come.
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word count - 610GRADED
