Frisco Fighters Name Additional Signings to the 2022 Roster
January 28, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Frisco Fighters News Release
FRISCO, Texas -- The Frisco Fighters and head coach Billy Back announced today the signings of offensive lineman J.R. Hensley, linebacker Willie Hibbler and safety Verkedric Vaughns.
Hensley joins the Fighters from the Spokane Shock where he previously played for Back. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman appeared in 10 games with the Shock and recorded one assisted tackle during the 2021 season. As a senior at University of Hawai?i at Manoa (UH) in 2019, the Edmond, Oklahoma native started the first 11 games of the season at left guard before suffering a season-ending injury. Hensley was a key member of an offensive line that helped UH rank fifth in the nation in passing offense and No. 13 in total offense. Hensley completed his collegiate career having started 32 games on the line.
"J.R. is one of the smartest players I've had the pleasure of coaching," said Back. "He's a big, versatile body that can do it all on the offensive line. He's a high-energy guy who elevates players play around him."
Hibbler spent the 2021 IFL season with the Shock where he recorded 20 tackles, 11 assisted tackles and two sacks in eight games. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound linebacker was a 4-star prospect and No. 7 ranked tight end in the country going into college at Ole Miss. Throughout his collegiate career, Hibbler recorded 113 tackles and nine sacks, seven of which were in one season. The Sardis, Mississippi, native appeared in every game at Ole Miss in 2018 and had a total of 50 tackles that season.
"One word to describe Willie is leader," said Back. "He's a shark that'll bring much-needed attitude to set the tone."
Vaughns spent four years at Baylor University where he collected 115 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 47 games with the Bears. The 5-foot-10, 193-pound safety racked up several honors including Academic All-Big 12 second team (three times) and 2018 All-Big 12 honorable mention. A native of Mesquite, Texas, Vaughns made nine starts in 12 games as a senior in 2018 and finished the season with career-high 57 tackles (38 solo), five tackles for loss and four pass breakups.
"Verkedric is a smart, athletic player who understands the indoor game," said Back. "He'll make an impact in our secondary this season with his leadership, sure tackling and IQ."
The Frisco Fighters kick off their 2022 season on the road against the reigning Champion Massachusetts Pirates on March 12 with a 6:05 p.m. kickoff.
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