Post by Banana Cat on Nov 22, 2011 17:29:17 GMT -5
www.maryvilledailyforum.com/sports/x1358715488/Welch-signs-with-indoor-league-team
Welch signs with indoor league team
By Joey Falkoff / Maryville Daily Forum
Nov 21, 2011
Maryville, Mo. — Just when Justin Welch had given up hope of ever playing professional football, the Nebraska Danger came calling.
The former Northwest Missouri State defensive back agreed to terms with the Indoor Football League franchise Friday after a visit with the team's head coach at their facilities in Grand Island, Neb.
The Danger had contacted him earlier in the week based on highlight tapes they’d seen which were sent out by his agent.
Welch, who had previously been cut by the Omaha Nighthawks, said he was "surprised" that the contract offer came about.
"I had actually given up on football at that point," said Welch. "After talking to the coach, I realized I get to still live my dream to go play professional football. After that, it was kind of a relief just to go out and pursue a dream."
Welch, who currently resides in Kansas City, will report to his new team in February for the start of training camp.
The Danger, which have more than 20 Division I players on their roster and six with NFL experience, begin their 14-game season on March 4.
While he's not guaranteed a spot on the team, Welch is confident he'll make it out of training camp based on the Danger’s roster configuration.
Welch is currently one of eight defensive backs competing for six spots.
"I'm pretty sure I'm on the team," said Welch.
Welch is now the fourth Bearcat defensive back from last year's senior class to sign with a professional indoor league team.
He's the third to sign with an IFL team.
Former All-MIAA safety Aldwin Foster-Rettig signed with the Sioux Falls Storm on Oct. 14. Less than two weeks later, Marciele Surrell signed with the Cedar Rapids Titans.
Welch had the opportunity to join Surrell's team, but wanted to take a different path.
He looks forward to playing against and possibly guarding one of his former D-back mates.
"We're all friends," said Welch. "It's going to be a competition. It's going to be different. I might even get to play receiver and go against Al and Marciele. It's going to be bragging rights for whoever wins."
Welch, who started all 14 games for Northwest during his senior season, has maintained a strict workout regimen since returning home from school.
He says he's bulked up quite a bit from his playing weight at Northwest and is eager to showcase his skills in the Indoor Football League setting.
"It's more up-pace, a lot faster," said Welch. "A lot of people I've talked to in arena like it. It's more fun. I think it's going to be pretty awesome. It's one of those things I can't wait to experience it."
By Joey Falkoff / Maryville Daily Forum
Nov 21, 2011
Maryville, Mo. — Just when Justin Welch had given up hope of ever playing professional football, the Nebraska Danger came calling.
The former Northwest Missouri State defensive back agreed to terms with the Indoor Football League franchise Friday after a visit with the team's head coach at their facilities in Grand Island, Neb.
The Danger had contacted him earlier in the week based on highlight tapes they’d seen which were sent out by his agent.
Welch, who had previously been cut by the Omaha Nighthawks, said he was "surprised" that the contract offer came about.
"I had actually given up on football at that point," said Welch. "After talking to the coach, I realized I get to still live my dream to go play professional football. After that, it was kind of a relief just to go out and pursue a dream."
Welch, who currently resides in Kansas City, will report to his new team in February for the start of training camp.
The Danger, which have more than 20 Division I players on their roster and six with NFL experience, begin their 14-game season on March 4.
While he's not guaranteed a spot on the team, Welch is confident he'll make it out of training camp based on the Danger’s roster configuration.
Welch is currently one of eight defensive backs competing for six spots.
"I'm pretty sure I'm on the team," said Welch.
Welch is now the fourth Bearcat defensive back from last year's senior class to sign with a professional indoor league team.
He's the third to sign with an IFL team.
Former All-MIAA safety Aldwin Foster-Rettig signed with the Sioux Falls Storm on Oct. 14. Less than two weeks later, Marciele Surrell signed with the Cedar Rapids Titans.
Welch had the opportunity to join Surrell's team, but wanted to take a different path.
He looks forward to playing against and possibly guarding one of his former D-back mates.
"We're all friends," said Welch. "It's going to be a competition. It's going to be different. I might even get to play receiver and go against Al and Marciele. It's going to be bragging rights for whoever wins."
Welch, who started all 14 games for Northwest during his senior season, has maintained a strict workout regimen since returning home from school.
He says he's bulked up quite a bit from his playing weight at Northwest and is eager to showcase his skills in the Indoor Football League setting.
"It's more up-pace, a lot faster," said Welch. "A lot of people I've talked to in arena like it. It's more fun. I think it's going to be pretty awesome. It's one of those things I can't wait to experience it."