Barnstormers Sign Two from Tryout
November 15, 2017 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - Head Coach Dixie Wooten announced today that the Iowa Barnstormers have signed two players from the team's 2018 Open Tryout. Running back Jamal Tyler and wide receiver Jonathan Duarte will be joining the team's training camp roster.
On Saturday, November 4 in Pella, Iowa, the Iowa Barnstormers held their annual Open Tryout. Over 40 athletes from across the country competed for a chance at making the 2018 Barnstormers roster. Two of those hopefuls, running back Jamal Tyler and wide receiver Jonathan Duarte, impressed Coach Wooten and earned invitations to training camp.
Tyler (5'10, 184, Pittsburg State University) joins the Iowa Barnstormers for his rookie season in the Indoor Football League (IFL). Collegiately, Tyler played one season at Garden City Community College where he appeared in 10 games and collected 16 touchdowns before transferring to Pittsburg State University. In 2014, Tyler joined the Gorillas roster starting in four of 13 games where he carried the ball 74 times for a team-leading 451 yards and two touchdowns. In 2015, Tyler appeared in 8 games where he carried the ball 19 times for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Proving his speed to be a major asset on the football field, it was no surprise that Tyler was a dual athlete also participating on the men's track and field team.
"Jamal is a great athlete and his times were off the chart," said Coach Wooten. "In the forty he ran a 4.38 and a 4.41. His skills on the field were solid as well. Coming from Pittsburg State, I knew he was a strong ball player that had been coached well and he didn't let his school down."
Duarte (5'10, 175, University of Dubuque) joins the Iowa Barnstormers for his rookie season in the Indoor Football League (IFL). Collegiately, Duarte played for four years at the University of Dubuque. In 2015, Duarte appeared in 10 games with the Spartans where he collected 28 receptions, 354 yards, and one touchdown contributing to the team's IIAC championship. In his senior season in 2016, Duarte was named a captain of the Spartans where he appeared in 10 games collecting 34 receptions for 528 yards and six touchdowns.
"What caught my attention about Jonathan was that he was a smooth route runner," said Coach Wooten. "We only have two weeks of camp to get ready, so paying attention to detail is key. I explained something once to him at the tryout and he got it right away."
Jamal Tyler and Jonathan Duarte will join the Iowa Barnstormers 40-man training camp in February. Coach Wooten is expecting to see these athletes bring the same work ethic and speed that caught his attention at the open tryout
"They need to come in to camp and compete. I want them to show that they belong on our great team."
Season Tickets are on sale for the 2018 season starting as low as $80 per seat. Don't miss a minute of the action this season! For more information, call the Barnstormers at (515) 633-2255 or log on to www.theiowabarnstormers.com .
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Indoor Football League Stories from November 15, 2017
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