Post by David on Oct 19, 2016 14:49:42 GMT -8
LB Nick Haag (image credit: Gary Peterson Photography)
10.19.16-
With Halloween a little under two weeks away, the Spokane Empire's defense is looking rather scary. It just got even scarier with the return of two key members of the Empire's 2016 Intense Conference Champion team.
Late on Tuesday, the team announced the re-signing of LB Nick Haag (6'0'', 240 lbs) to the 2017 roster. Considered to be the heart and soul of the Empire's defense, Haag's passion and leadership resulted in him being named one of the team's captains. Last season, Haag ranked second on the Empire (7th overall in the IFL) with 89.5 total tackles (78 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery in 15 games. His finest performance of the season came in Week 9 against the Iowa Barnstormers, earning IFL Defensive Player of the Week honors with 16 total tackles (2 for loss) in a 54-34 victory.
Haag's efforts in the regular season earned him Second Team All-IFL honors. He continued to contribute in the Empire's two playoff games, tallying 6.5 total tackles
Head Coach Adam Shackleford had nothing but praise for his star linebacker, stating in the team's press release, "[He] is a complete football player. His effort, ability, and leadership make him an imperative piece to any championship team. He has the respect of his coaches and his teammates. He plays with an extreme amount of passion, which made him an instant fan favorite. He is very excited to come back and help us, as he put it, "finish the job.""
The "finish the job" quote refers to Spokane's disappointing loss to Sioux Falls in the United Bowl. In an post-game interview with SCtoC, Haag described the 6-time defending champions as a dragon. "You gotta slay the dragon to get the 'chip," he said.
Haag's return will mark his second season with the Empire. Prior to his signing last year, he spent the previous two seasons with the Cedar Rapids Titans. In his 2014 rookie season, he played in 9 games, recording 34.5 total tackles (24 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. In 2015, Haag led all Titans defenders with 68.5 total tackles (43 solo) and had 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and 2 pass breakups.
Prior to his professional career, Haag began playing college football at the University of Massachusetts. He finished the season with 22 total tackles (12) solo. He transferred to Assumption University (Massachusetts) and played out his final three collegiate seasons. In 31 games with the Greyhounds, he tallied 117 total tackles (51 solo), 27 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks. He received Northeast-10 All-Conference and Worcester Area Football honors during his junior and senior seasons.
Toby Jackson Re-signs
DL Toby Jackson (image credit: Colin Mulvany/The Spokesman-Review)
Less than a day after the return of Nick Haag, the Empire wasted no time bringing back a familiar face to their defensive line by re-signing veteran Toby Jackson.
Jackson (6'4'', 265 lbs) had a productive rookie campaign in 2016. An injury limited Jackson to only 8 regular season games, but made a tremendous impact on the Empire when healthy. During the season, Jackson contributed 20 total tackles (17 solo), 6 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and tied for the team lead with 2 blocked kicks. In the Empire's two playoff games, Jackson recorded 7.0 total tackles and led all Empire defenders with 2.0 sacks and 3 tackles for loss.
Jackson played his collegiate football at Navarro Junior College (Texas). He was key member of Navarro's 13-12 win over Butler in the NJCAA Football Championship Game, earning the game's MVP. He would eventually transfer to the University of Central Florida, and in his junior season played in 9 games with 14 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a blocked punt.
After college, Jackson began his professional career with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys after he was drafted in the 2013 Supplemental Draft. Afterward, Jackson found his way to the AFL as a member of the Orlando Predators in 2015. He played in 4 games, recording 8.5 total tackles (6 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.
- DKH
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