Colorado Ice Sign Eight Players, Including Colorado Native
September 20, 2012 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Colorado Crush News Release
Fort Collins, CO - The Colorado Ice is proud to announce the signings of eight new players to the Ice Organization. The players are Gabe Knapton, Isiah Barfield, Marcus Hyde, Nathan Jones, Alim (Abe) Koroma, Dexter Ransom, Jamal Robinson, and Tommie Westbrook.
Knapton is a 6'3", 255 lb. defensive end from The University of Wyoming, who was rated as the 60th best defensive end prospect in the 2012 draft class. In his four seasons at Wyoming, Knapton played in 50 games starting 49 of those games and never finishing lower than fifth on the team in tackles in each respective season. During his time at UW, Knapton recorded 368 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 8 pass break-ups, and 5 quarterback hurries. Knapton finished as one of the most prolific players in UW history placing his name throughout the Wyoming and MWC record books. Knapton also received numerous honors from the MWC, including being named Honorable Mention and 2nd Team All-MWC after his junior and senior seasons respectively. Knapton will return home to Colorado where he attended Skyline High School in Longmont, Colorado.
Barfield is a 5'10", 195 lb. defensive back from Kansas University, who was rated as the 106th best corner prospect in the 2012 draft class. Barfield spent all four collegiate seasons at Kansas; playing in 36 games and starting in 24. During his time at KU, Barfield spent time at both wide receiver and corner, eventually finding a home in the defensive backfield for his junior and senior seasons. During his time at KU, Barfield recorded 101 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, and 1 forced fumble. Following his senior season, Barfield signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL; competing for a roster spot throughout their preseason.
Hyde is a 6'3", 245 lb. defensive end from the College of William & Mary, who was rated as the 73rd best defensive end prospect in the 2012 draft class. During his four collegiate seasons at William & Mary, Hyde played in 43 games; recording 144 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hurries, 8 pass break-ups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Hyde's productive career earned him numerous league recognitions, including being named 2nd Team All-CAA after his Junior and Senior seasons. Hyde was also honored by numerous groups during his senior season after a record breaking performance in which he accumulated 5 sacks in a win against sixth ranked New Hampshire. Following his senior season, Hyde signed a PFA contract with the Washington Redskins of the NFL.
Jones is a 6'0", 205 lb. wide receiver from The University of Texas, who was rated as the 41st best wide receiver prospect in the 2008 draft class. Jones spent all four of his collegiate seasons at Texas; playing in 49 games and starting in 18 of those games. During his time at Texas, Jones accumulated 98 receptions, 1,083 receiving yards, 9 receiving touchdowns, and 3 tackles. In his senior season Jones made a major name for him, recording 70 receptions for 795 yards and 5 touchdowns; helping lead Texas to 10-3 record and a Holiday Bowl win over Arizona State. Following a standout senior season, Jones signed with the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. Jones spent time between the practice squad and active roster throughout the entire 2009 NFL season.
Koroma is a 6'3", 310 lb. defensive tackle from Penn State University, who was rated as the 68th best defensive tackle prospect in the 2012 draft class. In one season at Penn State, Koroma played in nine games, recording 7 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. After his freshman football season, Koroma transferred to Western Illinois where he played in nine games, accumulating 39 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. After being ranked as high as the 33rd best defensive tackle prospect, Koroma left Western Illinois prior to his senior season to enter the NFL draft. After going undrafted, Koroma was brought into rookie mini-camp with the New York Giants of the NFL. Koroma brings indoor football experience with him as he spent the 2011 season with the Pittsburgh Power of the AFL.
Ransom is a 6'3", 218 lb. wide receiver from The University of Utah and Blinn Junior College. Ransom played his final two seasons at Utah after a standout career at Blinn JC; which at one point placed him as the number one JC recruit in the nation. Ransom received scholarship offers from numerous division one programs, making him one of the most sought after wide receivers in Blinn JC history. During his collegiate career, Ransom recorded 60 receptions, 1,265 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. His big play ability became very well-known as he averaged over 21 yards per catch throughout his collegiate career.
Robinson is a 5'10", 180 lb. defensive back from The University of Houston, who was rated as the 50th best corner prospect in the 2011 draft class. Robinson spent all four collegiate seasons at Houston; playing in 36 career games. In his four seasons at Houston, Robinson recorded 107 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, 15 pass break-ups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown. Robison received numerous C-USA awards throughout his career at Houston including being named First Team All-CUSA. After his senior season Robinson signed with the Detroit Lions of the NFL and then later signed with the Spokane Shock of the AFL.
Westbrook is a 5'10", 238 lb. linebacker from The University of North Alabama, who was rated as the 78th best inside linebacker prospect in the 2012 draft class. Prior to UNA, Westbrook spent two seasons at Illinois State University where he played in 21 games, recording 71 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass break-up, and 1 fumble recovery. After a coaching change at ISU, Westbrook transferred to UNA where he made an immediate impact. In his two seasons at UNA, Westbrook played in 25 games, accumulating 136 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception. Westbrook was named 2nd Team All-GSC after his senior season and his leadership and football knowledge was well respected as he is currently serving as a graduate assistant for his old head coach, Terry Bowden, at The University of Akron.
The Colorado Ice are proud members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). All home games are played on Majestic Roofing Field at the Budweiser Events Center located in Loveland, Colorado. 2013 Season Ticket information is available by contacting the Colorado Ice offices at (970) 472-0128.
Indoor Football League Stories from September 20, 2012
- Colorado Ice Sign Eight Players, Including Colorado Native - Colorado Crush
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