In these series of articles we will explore Homegrown or Euro talent that has not yet played a single snap in the ELF. Some might be seasoned veterans while others not so much. Either way, let’s have a look at a few of these ELF newcomers.
In this first installment, we will focus on one of the most important units in Football and whose talent is highly coveted by teams all around the globe… Offensive Linemen!
TOP OF THE CLASS
DIMITRIOS GKOUNTOUDIS (GERMANY), FRANKFURT GALAXY
Big time signing for the Galaxy without any doubt. The German has a long career in the United States as he crossed the pond as early as 2017 to join Clearwater Academy in Florida. After 2 successful years there, he moved to Rhode Island to join the Rams in 2019. In 2021, he transitioned to Western Illinois University where he was a starter for 2 seasons in the MVFC, the hardest NCAA Division I FCS Conference.
At 24 years of age, 185 cm and 138 kg, Dimitrios will bring plenty of experience and know-how to the ELF.
LUCAS LAVIN (SWEDEN), BERLIN THUNDER
The 27 year old from Nykoping, Sweden, has a long experience playing football in the USA. Lavin played first at City College of San Fransisco (2019-20), a junior college, and later at the University of Northern Colorado in the NCAA Division I FCS before moving to Chattanooga (Division I FCS) in 2022, helping the Mocs to a 7-4 record.
Last summer, The Sea Devils announced the signing of Lucas for the ELF 2023 season. However, he was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the 2nd round (10th pick) of the CFL Global Draft, and signed with the Canadians for the upcoming season. Multi-year Division I college starter, Lavin is poised to become an impact player in the ELF at his 195 cm and 143 kg.
ROMAN WAHRHEIT (GERMANY), MUNICH RAVENS
Surprisingly, Roman started playing football quite late. He was already 22 years old. Now at the age of 28 he has become a highly skilled Offensive Lineman with long experience in the USA. Standing at 200 cm and 145 kg, he finally joins Ravens this season after breaking the agreement to play with the Bavarian franchise last summer due to a CFL offer from Ottawa Redblacks for the 2023 season.
From 2019 to 2022, the German played 32 games for Towson University of NCAA Division I.
NOAH NNABUO (GERMANY), STUTTGART SURGE
Another one with a long experience playing Football in the USA…7 years!. Nnabuo, who stands 194 cm and weighs 138 kg, attended Black Hill State University (NCAA Division II) from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, he was named to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Football All-Academic First Team. He previously played for the Delaware State Hornets (NCAA Division I) from 2018 to 2019. Before entering college, the 24 year old German attended Santa Clarita Christian High School in California, where he played for the Cardinals from 2016 to 2018. In 2018, he was named the school's athlete of the year and was honored as the rookie of the year in his debut season.
ALBERTO ADDUCI (ITALY), RAIDERS TIROL
The 30 year old Italian has a very accomplished career. He has won the Florida seven-a-side football championship wearing the jersey of the Clearwater Academy of Tampa back in 2012. Two Italian Championships with the Milano Seamen in 2014 & 2015, and another one with Guelfi Firenze in 2022.
He has been a regular starter for the Italian national team, where he became an European champion in 2021.
Between 2016 and 2019, Adduci played for the Aztecas UDLAP, one of the most prestigious football programmes in Mexico, where he received significant recognition with the selection for the “Tazón de las Estrellas” in 2017. Adduci also reached the national final of CONADEIP as a starter for The Aztecas in 2017 and 2019. Standing at 190 cm and 140 kg, Adduci is one of the most intriguing Offensive Linemen newcomers to the ELF this season.
RISING STARS
VIKTOR NEUMANN (SWEDEN), COLOGNE CENTURIONS
The young Swedish started playing football at the age of 10 for his hometown team, the Kristianstad Predators. Twice awarded swedish U19 Lineman of the year and once Swedish U17 Lineman of the year, the 22 year old, 195 cm and 145 kg Offensive Lineman has won thew 2019 European Junior Championship silver medal with his national team and has become a regular player of the Swedish senior national team since then.
In 2021, the website Europe Elite’s nominated him as one of the top European Offensive Linemen of the 2022 Class. After some time playing in Germany, he is now ready to jump into the big leagues and prove himself.
OSCAR STROMSTEDT (SWEDEN), RAIDERS TIROL
Oscar began his career in his native Sweden with the Tyresö Royal Crowns, for whom he played from 2019 to 2021. The 24 year old then moved to Finland to join the Seinäjoki Crocodiles, with whom he advanced to the Maple Bowl finals in both 2022 and 2023.
Last season, Strömstedt was selected as the best right tackle on the SAJL 2023 All Stars offense team and ranked 35th among the best players in the Finnish league. With a height of 208 cm and a weight of 155 kg, the tackle is now striving to prove his talent in the ELF as well.
MAX ZIMERMANN (GERMANY), FRANKFURT GALAXY
Max started playing football at the age of 12 with the Nürnberg Rams. While playing for their youth team, he also made it into the Bavarian national team, which he captained in 2020. The 22 year old has also been named the Offensive Line MVP at the Gridiron Imports Camp and played in the PPI All-Star Game.
After a year on the Nürnberg Rams first team, the 191 cm and 125 kg youngster moved to the Ingolstadt Dukes of the GFL and has played there ever since. Now, the Frankfurt Galaxy hope to help him release his full potential at the next level.
LUCAS SOARES (BRAZIL), MILANO SEAMEN
At only 23 years old, this young Brazilian has already accumulated a extense playing experience in his home country and abroad. He started playing back in 2018 and played for different teams in Brazil before crossing the pond for a stint in Spain with 1st Division L’Hospitalet Pioners in 2022. Back to Brazil, he is nominated for the Golden Boy award in 2023. He stands at 196 cm and 145 kg.
SEASONED VETERANS
ROBERT SOVEGJARTO (GERMANY), BERLIN THUNDER
Sovegjarto is one of the most successful Offensive Lineman in Europe for the last 10 years. At the age of 36 years, standing at 190 cm and 130 kg, the center will finally join the ELF to test his skills at the top European level.
His CV is impressive: 5-time German Bowl participant with the New Yorker Lions, and another one with the Potsdam Royals last year. 4-time Eurobowl participation with the New Yorker Lions (2015-2018) as well. For many many years, he has been considered one of the best european players in his position.
LEANDRO FONSECA (BRAZIL), MILANO SEAMEN
Quite an intriguing addition is coming right from Brazil. This 27 year old veteran with a long career in his native country comes to Europe for the first time to showcase his talents. This 199 cm and 138 Kg Offensive Linemen was named to the All-State team in 2019 and invited to the NFL IPP program in 2022.
STEFAN NUMI STEFANSSON (ICELAND), HELVETIC GUARDS
This seasoned veteran has already played in 4 different countries by the age of 29. Standing at 196 cm and 147 kg, this Icelandic Offensive Tackle has taken his Football talents to countries such as Denmark, Spain, Austria and Germany throughout his career. The Helvetic Guards from Switzerland will be his 5th country playing Football. He has won the Austrian Football League with the Swarco Raiders in 2021 and the GFL with Potsdam Royals in 2023.
LARS LIEBIG (GERMANY), BERLIN THUNDER
After more than 10 years defending the Dresden Monarchs jersey, the 27 year old, 196 cm and 132 kg German, moves to the ELF to win more titles after his victory in the 2021 German Bowl.
BOTOND KRIZSAI (HUNGARY), FEHERVAR ENTHRONERS
With a long history of playing abroad, the 32 year old, 193 cm and 135 kg Hungarian comes back home to help the Enthroners build a solid foundation for the team. Nominated as the Best Hungarian Player abroad in 2019, he last played for the GFL Berlin Adler in 2023.
UNTAPPED TALENT
PAUL KOLTER (GERMANY), COLOGNE CENTURIONS
Bothered by injuries, Kolter couldn’t make his ELF debut with the Galaxy last season. Viewed as a top young talent after being selected for the German U19 national team multiple times. Now with the Centurions, this 20 year old, 187 cm and 114 kg Guard/Center strives to make an impact in his debut in the ELF.
PASCAL DANIHEL (AUSTRIA), RAIDERS TIROL
Austrian Football League champion in 2022 and 2023 with the Danube Dragons, Pascal has been awarded Most Improved Offensive Player in his last season in the Austrian 1st Division.
A 26 year old, 190 cm and 130 kg athletic offensive lineman, he is now ready to take the next step and make his debut in the ELF with the Raiders.
JOEL RUIZ (SPAIN), BARCELONA DRAGONS
An exciting talent is coming from Spain to leave his mark in the ELF. Standing at 191 cm and 125 kg, the 19 year old has already played abroad when he joined the United Newland Crusaders of the Finnish first division for a short stint in 2023. Regular player of the Junior Spanish National team, Joel also regularly starts with Spanish powerhouse Badalona Dracs.
ELYES SAOUI (FRANCE), PARIS MUSKETEERS
He spent last season with the GFL champions Potsdam Royals. He played through the season with a broken wrist which shows what kind of material he is made of. At 22 years old, 185 cm and 140 kg, Elyes goes back home to join the Musketeers at the next level.
ROBERTO LIRA (ITALY), MILANO SEAMEN
This 24 year old Italian has already gained quite a lot of experience playing abroad, after stints in France with the Iron Mask Cannes and in Canada with the Ottawa Jr Riders of the Junior Canadian League. Standing at only 182 cm but a weight of 160 kg, Roberto is aiming at proving that this experience translates well into the ELF level.
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