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IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Sign Standout SEC DB Joe Foucha

December 19, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Bay Area secondary received a boost of high-level college experience with the signing of former LSU defensive back Joe Foucha.

"Joe is an instinctual player with very good read and react ability that always seems to work his way into position to make a play on the ball," said Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He is a strong tackler that can bring down great athletes in space. His big time college and NFL camp experience will prove to be valuable in the IFL game.

The New Orleans native started for three years at Arkansas before finishing his career closer to home in Baton Rouge. Foucha (pronounced FOO-shay) started eight games his senior year and finished fourth on the team in tackles, adding 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. Following a standout career in the SEC, he spent time in camps with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

"I bring physicality and some swag. That's what you've got to bring as a DB," said Foucha. "I'm a ball hawk and just want to make big plays. I don't mind being patient...the game is simple. Don't make it too complicated. That's what the game requires and what I bring to the game."

A character-defining moment for Foucha occurred during his junior year at Arkansas in 2020. With a lack of playing time, he considered quitting but hung in there with encouragement from his coaches. He kept his head up with his chance to shine against Mississippi State. Foucha had two interceptions in the second half to earn SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors and became the first Arkansas player with two picks in a game since Dre Greenlaw in 2018.

"I felt that was a life lesson to not quit," said Foucha. "In life, sometimes things don't go your way. But I was supporting my teammates. I wasn't pouting and I wasn't crying. At the end of the day, my character showed that I was supporting my teammates and even supporting the guy who was in my position. That game meant a lot."

Foucha also takes pride in being one of only two players to win the Battle for the Boot at two different schools. The rivalry between Arkansas and LSU goes back to 1901 and Foucha was part of an Arkansas team that won the 2021 game 16-13 in overtime to snap a five-game losing streak in the rivalry. He then transferred to Baton Rouge for his senior year with fellow safety Greg Brooks--the pair made history as the Tigers went on the road to beat the Razorbacks 13-10.

While passionate about football, Foucha is also an entrepreneur. He started a clothing line called Seaven Ave and feels like the move to California can be helpful on multiple levels.

"You don't want to limit yourself. I've been learning a lot about what it takes to run a business," said Foucha. "It's street wear but anyone can wear it."

Like most IFL players, Foucha aspires to climb the professional ladder. Bay Area has created opportunities for others to grow their careers, making this the perfect fit.

"If you want to move to the next level, the Bay Area Panthers is a good place," said Foucha. "Keefe and I hit it off. I love his energy and he's a DB guy. When you find a head coach like that, it's a beautiful thing to see. I've been around offensive minded head coaches and it's nice to have this situation with him in your world."



Indoor Football League Stories from December 19, 2023


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