
New Talent Joins Tucson Sugar Skulls Ahead of 2025 Season
December 2, 2024 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release
Tucson, AZ - The Tucson Sugar Skulls have announced the addition of four new players for the 2025 Indoor Football League (IFL) season: wide receiver Jerome Buckner, running back Karekin Brooks, quarterback Fred Payton Jr., and defensive back Jaylen Perkins. Each brings a unique skill set and valuable experience to the team.
Jerome Buckner - Wide Receiver
Buckner begins his IFL career in 2025 after a collegiate journey spanning Texas A&M Commerce, Illinois State, and Ohio University. In 2023 at Texas A&M Commerce, he recorded 23 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Over four seasons at Ohio, Buckner logged 32 receptions for 507 yards and four touchdowns. A Columbus, Ohio native, he stood out at Gahanna Lincoln High School, where he amassed over 4,600 receiving yards and 44 touchdowns, earning multiple All-State honors.
Karekin Brooks - Running Back
Brooks joins the Sugar Skulls after a decorated collegiate career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he rushed for 2,847 yards, ranking third in program history. A three-time All-Ivy League honoree, Brooks was a 2019 First-Team All-Ivy selection, leading the league with 1,003 rushing yards and scoring nine touchdowns. Known for his consistency, Brooks holds the Penn record for single-season yards per carry (6.7) and was a key contributor to the team's 2016 Ivy League Championship.
Fred Payton Jr. - Quarterback
Payton Jr. brings experience and a proven track record to Tucson for his second IFL season. In 2024 with the Jacksonville Sharks, he threw for over 1,000 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 8. Payton's collegiate career included record-breaking performances at Mercer, where he set school marks for single-season passing yards (3,019) and touchdowns (32) in 2022. He also had stints at Coastal Carolina, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Jaylen Perkins - Defensive Back
Perkins enters his second IFL season after a rookie campaign with the Arizona Rattlers. In 2024, Perkins played three games, recording 4.5 total tackles and three pass breakups. Perkins' collegiate career included stops at Iowa Western C.C., UNK, and Grand View University, where he excelled as a cornerback. In his final collegiate season, he tallied 42 tackles and four interceptions.
2025 Tickets : Fans can secure their seats for the 2025 Tucson Sugar Skulls season now by contacting the ticket office at (520) 573-3000. Don't miss the action at the Tucson Arena!
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Indoor Football League Stories from December 2, 2024
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