Ruff Riders Acquire Former Kansas City Chiefs DL Johnny Dingle
December 2, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Abilene Ruff Riders News Release
ABILENE, TX. : The Abilene Ruff Riders have announced on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 that the organization has acquired former West Virginia University and Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen, Johnny Dingle, for the 2010 IFL season. Dingle (6'2", 265 lbs.) compiled a breakout junior season at West Virginia in 2007 where he started the majority of the season at defensive end. Prior to the 2008 Fiesta Bowl in which West Virginia defeated Oklahoma 48-28, Dingle posted 46 total tackles including 18 tackles-for-loss and eight sacks. In the '08 Fiesta Bowl, Dingle aided the West Virginia defensive core with one of the four sacks on quarterback Sam Bradford and picked up two total tackles. Following his impressive junior season, Dingle was named to the coaches' All-Big East Second Team.
Dingle would forgo his senior season to enter the 2008 NFL Draft where he was projected to be a second-round selection. However, Dingle was not selected in the NFL Draft and thus became an undrafted free agent. Dingle was listed as one of the leagues most sought after undrafted players. Following the draft, Dingle signed with the Kansas City Chiefs where he made his debut in the second week of the preseason. Dingle recorded one tackle and a sack versus the Arizona Cardinals in his preseason debut, however, he was waived by the Chiefs following the preseason.
Dingle made his starting debut for West Virginia in 2006 where he posted 18 total tackles (5.5 for loss) including three sacks and a forced fumble in 12 games played (five starts). Dingle recorded two sacks against Mississippi State in '06 and his one forced fumble came against Wofford. In 2005, Dingle recorded 13 total tackles (3.5 for loss) and three sacks as part of West Virginia's Big East and Sugar Bowl Championship team.
"Johnny is going to make a huge impact for our team on the defensive line in 2010. He certainly has the ability to create pressure in the pocket and contain the running game. We are excited to have a NFL-caliber player as part of our defense for this upcoming season." stated Abilene Ruff Riders Head Coach, Gerald Dockery.
Dingle was a four-year starter at defensive end during his time at Booker T. Washington High School (Miami, Florida). Dingle recorded 89 total tackles and 22 sacks during his senior season. Dingle was named to the All-State Team following his senior season and was named Dade County Player of the Year. Dingle originally signed with Florida but changed his decision to West Virginia following his time at Booker T. Washington High.
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