3 Key Points:
- Veteran IFL player Byron Cooper re-signs with the San Diego Strike Force for the 2024 season.
- Cooper brings a strong defensive presence, with notable stats from past seasons.
- The Strike Force is gearing up for the season opener against the Duke Gladiators and home debut versus the San Antonio Gunslingers.
Strike Force Boosts Defense with Cooper
The San Diego Strike Force has solidified their defensive lineup by securing veteran linebacker Byron Cooper for their 2024 Indoor Football League campaign. Cooper, boasting an impressive IFL resume, promises to elevate the team’s competitive edge as they head into the new season.
Byron Cooper, hailing from Philadelphia, PA, and standing at 6-0 and weighing 220 pounds, fortifies the Strike Force’s armory following his mid-season transfer from Vegas last June. San Diego’s decision to retain Cooper comes after a successful run during the previous season with the team.
Cooper’s influence on the field is evident through his statistics. In his six-game tenure with San Diego in 2023, he amassed a total of 18.5 tackles, with 13 of those being solo. His defensive prowess also resulted in three tackles for loss, three sacks, and a noteworthy three quarterback hurries.
Cooper’s Track Record
In his preceding stint with the Vegas Knigh Hawks, Cooper displayed his utility with five tackles and gleamed with a sack and pass breakup in only two games. Demonstrating his consistency, he matched similar vigor at the start of the year with Duke City by achieving 12 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and forcing two fumbles within two games.
Cooper’s formidable 2022 season with the Duke City Gladiators highlighted his tenacity on the field, netting 71.5 tackles and leading his team in multiple defensive categories. His impact extended beyond tackling with an array of eight sacks, pass breakups, forced fumbles, and adding to his accolades, a safety.
Coaching Confidence in Cooper
Coach Taylor Genuser voices strong confidence in Cooper’s return, citing his “versatility on defense” as a key contributor to the team’s strategy. Genuser emphasized Cooper’s dual-threat capability as both a pass rusher and coverage defender, and anticipates his veteran expertise to have a substantial impact.
Cooper’s journey through the indoor football landscape began with the Amarillo Venom of the Champions Indoor Football League and later transitioned to Duke City in 2021. With over six years under his belt, Cooper’s extensive indoor football experience is set to be a cornerstone for the Strike Force.
The opening chapter of 2024 for the San Diego Strike Force commences on the road against familiar turf at Duke City, followed by an eagerly anticipated home face-off against the San Antonio Gunslingers at Pechanga Arena, all eyes on Monday, April 1st, as the Strike Force rally their strength for the season.
