Pirates Sign Johncarlo Valentin
January 10, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release
The Massachusetts Pirates have bolstered its offensive line with the signing of Johncarlo Valentin for the 2023 season. Valentin played college football in the Big 12 with the Baylor Bears and was in minicamp with the New Orleans Saints this season.
The 6'4", 345 lb. lineman from Philadelphia, PA played in all 14 games during Baylor's 12-2 season in 2021 that included a win over Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. In four years in Waco, TX Valentin appeared in 33 games making nine starts. Now he is ready to make his mark on the indoor game.
"I call this year my "bet on myself" year," he said. I know I'm talented enough to play in any league. I look at this as an opportunity for me to experience something new and to channel a different side of myself, whether it's mentally or physically, pushing myself to exceed my limitations. I'm coming in, not being complacent and getting back to a high level where I know I can be," Valentin added.
Coming out of Imhotep Charter High School in Philly, Valentin was courted by Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Florida Atlantic, Temple, Kansas, Michigan and Rutgers.
He attended Lackawanna Community college for one year and then played one season (2017) at ASA College in Brooklyn, NY. There he was ranked as the top Junior College offensive lineman in the nation, helping the Avengers to a 9-1 record and a bowl game victory. He was an All-Northeast Conference selection and then signed to play for Baylor under head coach Matt Rhule.
Looking back on his NFL experience in New Orleans, Valentin listed the positives and will apply them now to his first time in the Indoor Football League.
"You see the difference as soon as you step on the field. Not only in the size difference but in the speed of the play and being able to lean on the fly. Like being a freshman coming into college. You get that taste and as you get older you get into a routine or regiment, but everyone is smart, everyone is big and everyone is looking for an opportunity. Just being around a competitive environment like that, it only makes you want to succeed. There is so much knowledge. Years and years of experience, whether it's coaches or players. I pay attention to stuff like that because you never know who you'll meet walking around in the hallway.
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Indoor Football League Stories from January 10, 2023
- Pirates Sign Johncarlo Valentin - Massachusetts Pirates
- Northern Arizona Wranglers Sign Offensive Lineman Anthony McMeans - Northern Arizona Wranglers
- Championship Winning DB Atkins Signs with Bay Area - Bay Area Panthers
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