Post by David on Feb 3, 2016 13:16:15 GMT -8
2.3.16 -
The 2016 IFL season is a little over two weeks away from kicking off, but that's not stopping the Spokane Empire from continuing to enhance its roster.
Less than 24 hours after signing WR Samuel Charles, the Empire announced Wednesday that veteran WR Carl Sims has been signed to the 2016 team roster, bringing 8 seasons of IFL experience to the Empire's wide receiver corps.
Before Sims (6'0", 190 lbs, Western Illinois) began his career in the IFL with the Bloomington Extreme in 2009, he played his collegiate career at Western Illinois University, suiting up in 36 games and recording 136 receptions for 1,724 yards and 11 touchdowns while contributing on special teams as a punt/kick returner. After a year in Bloomington, he played for Billings Outlaws in 2010 and won his first United Bowl championship.
He would add two more championship rings to his resume, playing for the Sioux Falls Storm from 2011-2012. In his first year with the Storm, Sims played in 8 games, recording 22 receptions for 420 yards and 12 touchdowns. The next season, Sims exploded on the field, catching 72 passes for 1,108 yards and 20 touchdowns en route to First Team All-IFL honors.
He would go on to play for the Cedar Rapids Titans from 2013-2015. In 27 games, Sims recorded 109 total receptions for 1,533 yards and 36 touchdowns, including First team All-IFL Honors during the 2013 season.
Last season, Sims began the season as a member of the Titans, participating in 4 games and hauling in 9 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. In March 2015, he was traded to the expansion Billings Wolves, playing in 5 games and catching 18 passes for 280 yards and 5 touchdowns. Sims would not finish the season with the Wolves, eventually being traded to the Green Bay Blizzard. In 5 games in Green Bay, Sims recorded 35 receptions for 362 yards and 10 touchdowns. Between all the Titans, Wolves and Blizzard, Sims has a solid 2015 campaign with a total of 65 passes for 780 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Since the IFL's inception in 2009 from the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football merger, Sims is one of few players that have participated in every IFL season.
"Carl brings a toughness and edge to our football team," Head Coach Adam Shackleford said in the team's press release. "He is a hard worker and a physical, sure-handed receiver that has shown to be both productive and durable throughout his stellar career."
The addition of Sims, Charles, and RB Washaun Ealey (Georgia) fill in the roster spaces of LB Michael Reynolds (Kansas), LB Tre Walker (Kansas St.) and LB Chris Harvey (Ashland University). All three linebackers were place on the team's "Transfer List" as all three players left to participate in the MLFB (Major League Football). The Empire retains the rights to all three players as they participate in the new spring football league.
-DKH
Image Credit: GoIFL.com/Indoor Football League
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