(Tucson, AZ) The Tucson Sugar Skulls have signed quarterback Ramone Atkins for the 2023 IFL Season.
Atkins was awarded as the IFL’s 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year in August after putting together an elite season.
Head Coach Hurtis Chinn on adding Atkins: “Ramone had plenty of opportunity around the league and he chose Tucson, which speaks volumes to what we’re trying to build as an organization. He’s tough, poised, has an extremely strong arm, and he’s a terrific leader. Our returning players were all thrilled about him coming on board. We got better as an organization today, and our fans should be excited about the product we’ll put on the field in 2023.”
The rookie quarterback made a quick impression during his first season in the Indoor Football League, filling in for QB Nate Davis after he went down to a season-ending injury. Atkins led the Gladiators to a playoff appearance and had an 8-5 regular season record when he was the sole starting quarterback.
In just 14 games, Atkins was fourth in the league with 2,169 passing yards and led the IFL in passing yards per game at 159.4. He finished tied for second (with former Sugar Skulls quarterback Daquan Neal) in the league with 50 passing touchdowns and had just 10 interceptions on the season.
Ramone is also dangerous on the ground attack. On the season, he compiled 311 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
The 6’2″ quarterback played collegiately at New Mexico Highlands University. He proved to be one of the IFL’s top quarterbacks in 2022, leading the Gladiators to the playoffs and earning All-Rookie accolades in addition to being named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Press Release courtesy of the Tucson Sugar Skulls – Brandon Dueñas
Click on Logo
