Linebackers Ismail and Brown Keeping Edge Defense Strong
March 7, 2012 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bloomington Edge News Release
Bloomington, IL, 3/7/12 - If defense wins championships then the Edge are building a solid foundation. This week defensive back James Temple won Defensive Player of the Week. Also Antonio Ficklin has been a major part of Bloomington's success over the years. But those two are not the only ones doing their part. Linebackers Ameer Ismail and Wendell Brown have been very important parts of the team as well.
Ameer Ismail has had a very good season so far recording 18 tackles with 4 being solo tackles. Ismail, who is from Holland, MI, brings not only skill to the Edge but NFL experience. The Western Michigan product was an NFL prospect who participated in Pro Day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.89 seconds and 4.87 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.42 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.42 seconds. He measured a 33 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-10 broad jump and completed 22 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press. Ismail also spent time in the Kansas City Chiefs organization. That sort of experience can be very valuable to his teammates.
Ismail actually started his career as a running back. It was not until his sophomore year in college that he switched to linebacker. In his senior year at Western Michigan he was named the team's Defensive Most Outstanding Player with 93 tackles (41 solo). He led the team with 20 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 quarterback hurries.
Ismail also ranked 34th in country for sacks and ranked sixth in nation in tackles for loss. He was named First-Team All-MAC Defense selection. He also still holds the NCAA single game sack record with 6.
Wendell Brown has also been a nice part of the defense with 8 tackles, 1 solo. Brown is from Detroit, MI and went to Ball State. He had to sit out his senior year with an injury but in the other three years he played there Brown ranked in the top six on the team in tackles.
He finished second on the team his junior season. In high school he led his team to back to back championship seasons.
Brown has also played in the CIFL so he brings experience from yet another league. He led CIFL in sacks in 2011 only playing 9 games. Brown's high school and college success will allow him to help the Edge defense throughout the season.
Combine what he has done and where he has played with the experience that others on his team have and the results should be good. A team is built on different pieces to the puzzle and they are all important. A football team is like a three part puzzle including offense, defense, and special teams. The Edge have shown great skill in all these areas, but the type of experience and success that Ismail and Brown bring to the team is a big part of the equation as well.
Coach Kenton Carr said of the duo, "Both guys have only played in back up roles in last game but will get significant playing time this weekend. Both are still learning our defensive structure but will eventually be stars. Also they are outstanding team guys. They fit in great."
For more information on the Edge visit bloomingtonedge.com and the IFL at goifl.com.
All games can be heard on WJBC Online.
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