Last week, the Jacksonville Sharks kept three players and surprised the league. The Columbus Lions did the same exact thing in the same week and look to bite back.
After the Lions fell to the Sharks in the National Arena League (NAL) Championship, they are looking to rebound and start off with a big announcement. Here’s how the Lions keep three key players and make a statement.
Columbus Lions Keep Three Key Players
With the Columbus Lions claiming some players as well, we can already have a brief pre-season prediction on what could happen in the upcoming season next spring.
First up, the Lions have claimed Defensive Back Tyler Stephenson. Stephenson played 10-of-12 regular season games and recorded 16 solo tackles and five assisted tackles, bringing the total tackles up to 18.5 on the season. Stephenson had two interceptions for 43-yards, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
In the post-season, Stephenson played in both games. He had four solo tackles and two assisted tackles, bringing his post-season stats up to five tackles in the two games.
Next, Offensive Lineman David Griffin will rejoin the team for the 2018 season. Griffin helped the Lions keep their quarterbacks safe and healthy.
Similar to Jacksonville Sharks’ Offensive Lineman Moqut Ruffins, Griffin can also catch the ball. Griffin had two receptions on the season for seven yards.
Last but not least, the Lions have claimed Defensive Back Marte Sears.
Sears played six games with the Lions in 2017, recorded 21 solo tackles and nine assisted tackles, bringing his total up to 25.5 tackles on the season.
Sears also had four interceptions for 41-yards and one of which was returned for a touchdown.
National Arena League Player Signing Battle
It seems to be the best two teams in the NAL that are claiming some great players early in the off-season.
We haven’t heard much from any other teams in the league, such as Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, Monterrey Steel, Georgia Firebirds, or High Country Grizzlies so what would this mean?
Will other teams start with a new team or will they wait until closer to the end of the calendar year to make their additions?
We would like to hear your feedback on what you think the other teams are going to do.
