(Tucson, AZ) The Tucson Sugar Skulls have signed defensive back Elijah Belle and defensive lineman Ronald Collins to their roster for the upcoming 2022 IFL season.
DB Elijah Belle (6’1, 195, Utica College) joins the Sugar Skulls for his IFL rookie season. Belle played collegiately at Utica College, appearing in 30 total games, starting 26 and totaled 59 tackles (46 solo), 3.5 tackles-for-loss, 24 pass breakups and seven interceptions.
In 2019, Belle started all 10 games, logging 27 total tackles (20 solo), 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 14 pass breakups, three interceptions and two interception-return touchdowns. Elijah was named Empire 8 Conference Defensive Player of the Week and UC Male Athlete of the Week for his performance during a 34-28 win vs. St. John Fisher where he recorded a team-high three pass breakups, four tackles and had a 49-yard interception-return touchdown. Belle’s pick-six in that game was his second of the season and made him the Utica career and single-season record holder in that category.
Belle not only became the school’s all-time leader in interception return yards, but also set UC single-game and single-season records for pass breakups. A native of Plainfield, New Jersey, Belle attended Plainfield High School, playing both football and basketball.
DL Ronald Collins (6’2, 290, Prairie View A&M University) also joins for his rookie season in the IFL. Collins played at Prairie View A&M in Greater Houston, Texas, for four seasons. Appearing primarily at defensive tackle in 37 games (21 starts) for the Panthers, Collins recorded 120 total tackles (43 solo), 17 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, four quarterback hits and two pass breakups over his career.
During his senior season in 2019, Collins was named to the Preseason All-SWAC Second Team and played in 10 games, ranking fourth on the team with 55 total tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks. He also caught a one-yard touchdown on offense during his sophomore season. Born and raised in Houston, Collins played football at Lamar High School.
Press Release courtesy of the Tucson Sugar Skulls – Brandon Ensign
