IFL Bay Area Panthers

Former South Carolina DL Aaron Sterling Signs with Bay Area

Published on February 22, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers have added a defensive lineman with a background of high-level competition by signing of former South Carolina player Aaron Sterling.

"Aaron is a quick, fluid defensive lineman who possesses an explosive first step," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He has the traits and motor to make opposing quarterbacks take notice."

Sterling has worked to fine-tune his body for the challenge and is ready to show scouts he keep himself in the lineup.

"It's just another opportunity to show people I can still play," said Sterling. "I believe you have to start where you are and work your way up. I just need to show teams that I'm healthy and can play at a high level consistently."

Sterling points out that he was only able to play one college season without physical issues. However, when he did play, he was facing major challenges each week in the Southeastern Conference. Also, practice brought out the best in top-notch recruits looking to get repetitions when it mattered on Saturdays.

"Every week, you were going against major competition in the SEC, said Sterling. "That's what I liked about playing at South Carolina. There were good players to face every week was even competition at practice going against our own guys."

In 2020, Sterling was named to Athlon magazine's preseason All-SEC Second Team but suffered a torn meniscus that caused him to miss the final five games.

The following season, Sterling was named one of four players to win the team's Overcoming Adversity Award and would go on to make 13 starts and be named captain for three games.

Sterling is out to prove he can be an even better player on a consistent basis to take the next step in his career after tryouts with the CFL and XFL. The game is simpler for defensive lineman in the IFL. With no stunting or twisting, the mission is simplified in trying to beat an offensive lineman.

"That definitely sounds appealing. Just beat your man and be successful," said Sterling. "I'd say that inspires me. It's just man on man and the best man wins. In another league, you may get double-teamed so I'm ready for this challenge."

Sterling has remained positive with the support system that includes his parents and close friends. They have encouraged him to keep going despite the challenges that would have made others quit.

They tell me to never stop chasing your dreams. You were almost there and some things that set you back are part of your journey," said Sterling. "Everyone's journey is different. Just understand that and keep going for what you want to do in life."

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