The Indoor Football League is set to kick off on April 23, with an official kick off weekend for some teams moved to May 14 this year (delayed because of COVID-19). With all the indoor craziness getting ready to start up, it got us thinking about some former Ohio State football players that will be suiting up when all the fun begins. With the Arena Football League gone due to some unfortunate circumstances, the IFL is now the premium spring football league.
Buckeyes have a long history of making an impact in indoor football leagues including when the Columbus Destroyers existed and Chris Spielman, Joey Galloway, and Earle Bruce all had their hands in the franchise. The most successful Ohio State football players in indoor football history may be Joe Germaine, Bobby Olive, and of course the unforgettable Art Schlichter. Perhaps down the road, we here at Buckeyes Wire will break down the history of Buckeyes in the league, but today we focus on the Ohio State alums competing in 2021.
NEXT … A former offensive lineman
Matthew Burrell, Tucson Sugar Skulls
Burrell was a four-star recruit from the state of Virginia in the class of 2015, and after receiving a red-shirt during his first year on campus, he saw time in 13 games during the 2016 season. Burrell saw action in 12 games during the 2017 season but failed to ever crack the starting line-up during his time in Columbus. He finished his college career at the FCS level with Sam Houston State and started both seasons at both guard and tackle. The former star recruit is entering his second season with the Tucson Sugar Skulls.
Congrats to Eric Glover-Williams (CB), Matthew Burrell (OL), and Kevin Feder (OL) for getting their black stripes removed this week!
— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) September 4, 2015
NEXT … A quarterback turned wide receiver
Torrance Gibson, Spokane Shock
Gibson was supposed to be the next Terrelle Pryor with his enticing size at 6 foot 4 inches and 205 pounds with elite athleticism, but the five-star recruit never saw the field at quarterback and didn’t see the field after moving to wide receiver either. He transferred to Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. and signed a letter of intent with Luke Fickell and Cincinnati, but never enrolled. Gibson turned pro and spent some time in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos, but will now be catching passes in the IFL.
Too late to give up now gotta keep it moving.. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/i6GbwUgq25
— Torrance Gibson VI (@TG6ix_) April 16, 2021
Congrats to Eric Glover-Williams (CB), Matthew Burrell (OL), and Kevin Feder (OL) for getting their black stripes removed this week!
— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) September 4, 2015
NEXT … A wide receiver turned star QB
Verlon Reed, Northern Arizona Wranglers
Reed was a local quarterback from Marion-Franklin High School in the class of 2010, but was forced to move to wide receiver while at Ohio State. He saw a bit of playing time and even started under Jim Tressel before tearing his ACL. When he returned the next season, Urban Meyer had arrived and with the departure of Tressel went Reed’s playing time.
Reed transferred to the Division II level so that he could play quarterback again and arrived at Findlay. He dominated the Division II level and earned a tryout with the Detroit Lions before heading to the IFL and playing with the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles. Reed has also played with the Arizona Rattlers before finally landing with the Wrangles for this season. Reed is a star in the IFL.
Verlon Reed to Devin Mahina for the TD to give the @SLScreamEagles a 45-42 win over the @SpokaneEmpire pic.twitter.com/TTe48B3jdF
— Rick Aaron (@RickAaron) June 17, 2017
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