FA Stage 6 Complete

[joe the commissioner]

Stages 7 and 8 are tomorrow at 1:30 pm PST.

[rgvicedo]

Ogres Add Defensive Speed, Select LB Eduardo Clark at 4.17
By Staff Writer — Imperial Football League Network

With their first pick since early in Round 2, the Horsetooth Ogres turned back to defense, selecting Rutgers linebacker Eduardo Clark at pick 4.17. The coaching staff expects Clark to slot in as a weakside linebacker in the team’s newly implemented 4–3 Under scheme.

Clark brings a 6'0", 230-pound frame with a 4.54 forty, giving him the range and closing speed needed for the WLB role. He shows natural instincts as a run-and-chase defender, consistently flowing to the ball and slipping through traffic. His burst also translates into real value as a situational blitzer, where his pass-rush technique has shown flashes of disruption.

While Clark isn’t built for power rushing or press coverage responsibilities, he holds his own in underneath zone work and offers enough man-coverage ability to stay on the field on passing downs. He’s also a physical finisher, a trait the Ogres believe will mesh well with their defensive identity.

Special teams value is another plus, boosting his chances to contribute early while he grows into a full-time role.

After fortifying their offense and adding a free safety earlier, the Ogres used 4.17 to secure a defender tailored to their new structure—an athletic WLB with room to develop and the tools to become a steady piece on the second level

[rgvicedo]

Ogres Select Versatile FB Lionel Buckley at 5.1
By Staff Writer — Imperial Football League Network

The Horsetooth Ogres kicked off the fifth round by selecting Purdue fullback Lionel Buckley with pick 5.1, adding a versatile piece who may not stay at fullback for long. Team officials view Buckley as a strong candidate to convert to tight end, thanks to a skillset and athletic profile that align well with the position.

Buckley checks in at 6'0", 235 lbs., with enough size and movement to project as a hybrid H-back or developmental TE. His 4.73 forty and solid agility numbers give him workable range in space, and his blocking—particularly in pass protection—stands out as one of his most translatable strengths.

What makes him intriguing is his receiving upside. While still developing consistency, Buckley shows natural feel as a route runner and dependable third-down catching ability. The Ogres believe that with NFL coaching and a shift to a more TE-centric role, those traits can flourish.

Special teams value and high endurance make him a strong bet to stick early while he transitions.

At 5.1, Horsetooth invests in versatility and developmental potential—adding a player who could eventually contribute as a move tight end, backfield blocker, or multi-role utility piece in their evolving offense.

[rgvicedo]

Ogres Add a Second Seam Threat, Select TE Darius Blair at 5.16
By Staff Writer — Imperial Football League Network

The Horsetooth Ogres kept stacking weapons on Day 3, selecting Michigan tight end Darius Blair with pick 5.16, a move that quietly gives the offense one of the league’s rare two-deep vertical TE pairings.

Blair, who ran a 4.78 at 6'3", 245, is nearly as fast as first-rounder Javier Mathis (4.72)—a trait that helped seal his selection. The Ogres now have two tight ends who can stretch the seam, stress linebackers, and create mismatches from 12 personnel without tipping run or pass.

While Blair brings steady blocking and toughness, it was his route running and third-down receiving that drew the Ogres’ attention. Coaches believe he can immediately function as a chain-mover behind Mathis, with enough speed to slip into voids off play-action and punish single-high looks.

For a roster being rebuilt around athletic, versatile playmakers, Blair fits the template—and gives Horsetooth another dimension in the middle of the field.

[rgvicedo]

Ogres Add Reliable Depth, Select WR Rob Starr at 6.1
By Staff Writer — Imperial Football League Network

With the first pick of the sixth round, the Horsetooth Ogres added steady receiving depth by selecting Rob Starr, the 6'0", 199-pound wideout from Georgia Southern.

Starr isn’t a burner, but his 4.46 speed, clean route running, and adjust-to-ball ability made him a strong value this late. The Ogres view him as a dependable rotational receiver who can win timing routes, work underneath windows, and provide a sure-handed option when plays break down.

He also brings above-average endurance and enough special-teams value to dress on gameday—always a priority for late-round selections.

With Buddy Lane headlining the new-look WR room, Starr gives Horsetooth a smart, polished complement who fits the Ogres’ push toward reliable, assignment-sound playmakers.

[rgvicedo]

Ogres Cap Draft with Tough Iowa State LB Mercury Fahey at 7.1
By Staff Writer — Imperial Football League Network

The Horsetooth Ogres closed out their 2074 IFL Draft by selecting Iowa State linebacker Mercury Fahey with pick 7.1, adding a rugged, high-effort defender built for the grind.

Fahey comes in at 6'0", 245 lbs. with a 4.63 forty, 21 bench reps, and solid movement skills for his frame. While he’s a developmental prospect with a 4.00 grade, the Ogres were drawn to his physical style, strong motor, and reliability as a downhill run defender.

His special-teams competitiveness—backed by a strong position drill score—gives him a clear path to early contribution. Long-term, Horsetooth views him as a moldable depth linebacker who fits their blue-collar defensive identity.

With Fahey, the Ogres finish their draft by adding toughness and effort to the second level—a classic late-round profile with a real chance to stick.

[jzicc]

great stuff Rick