Columbia Fire

[iceman99]

Despite finishing 3rd in the AC West for the 5th season in a row, this years 3rd place finish resulted in the first playoff birth for the team in 17 years. Much of that was a result of outstanding seasons had by QB Mario Gurley and RB Cory Hanks. RB Cory Hanks, who will be heading into his 3rd season in 2030 broke many individual team records in 2029 and is on pace to be one of the best RBs in Columbia history and possibly the IFL if he can keep the pace going. Unfortunately for Columbia due to a contract snafu with the league office, Mario Gurley was allowed to leave via free agency and has since signed with Tulsa. Despite first team honors for T Jaiden Stargell and second team honors for RB Cory Hanks. The team will be hard pressed to return to the playoffs in 2030 unless they can find a QB that can outshine the season Gurley had in 2029.

Some of the good things going into 2030, is the fact that the team will be returning pretty much its entire group of defensive starters. They will be lead by first team award winner Bennie Milnes who is coming of a franchise setting season (13.5 sacks). The team benefited from the additions of Vince Champion and Rookie Walt Morici in 2030, and stalwarts like JC Manning should make the teams transition to the 4-3 a success in 2030.

2029 also saw a great draft come to Columbia. The team sported rookie starters and several key positions this past season. WR Maximus Rober, lead the team in receiving and receiving TDs. G Kingston Denman, K Eugene Boling, DE Luther Mitchell, and CB Wes Carlson all started for the team in 2029. And players like S Walt Morici, DT Leonard Head, and LS Rob Brazell had outstanding season in backup roles.

Overall 2029 was a success for the Fire organization, and there is still some promise going into the upcoming 2030 season due to the age of the team and the development of the talent already on the roster. While the team has not made any major splashes in the 2030 free agency market. The team is still looking to address needs and focus on the future of the organization.

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With the 22nd pick in the first round, the Columbia Fire select

RB - Max Manubay - Rutgers


Manubay is not seen as an every down back just yet in the IFL due to his sharing the back field with fellow draftee Shane Hochheiser at Rutgers. But Manubay comes into a very good situation in the IFL with a dominant offensive line that helped fellow running back Cory Hanks rush for over 2000 yards in 2029. Manubay was not brought in to take over for Hanks who is still a young RB in his own right. But the view around the league is that Manubay will help the Fire manage the number of carries Hanks has in 2030 to hopefully keep him from burning out.

[iceman99]

With the 21st pick in the 2nd round the Columbia Fire select T Leslie Cerasani - Jacksonville



Cerasani comes to the IFL with a great tool set and size that is second to none. The team was in need of depth at the T position this season and it appears that Leslie will be moved to the RT position in an effort to establish a formatable offensive line for years to come.

[iceman99]

With the 24th pick in the third round the Columbia Fire select P Axel Blair - Georgia



With Lin leaving the Fire franchise during the offseason, the Fire needed to address their special teams and brought in one of the best punters in this years draft. It appears that the Fire are building their special teams via the draft in an effort to reduce overall costs. If you remember last year the Fire let long time place kicker Harvey Quinn leave via free-agency after it was determined that his costs had exceed the teams budget. In turn they brought in the cost effective Eugene Boling who freed up cap space for the team to address needs on defense.

[iceman99]

With the 23rd pick in the 4th round the Columbia Fire select S Braxton Baker - UCLA



Baker comes in as a possible starter late in the draft. Last season the Fire select Walt Morici, another PAC-10 player, and the hopes are that Baker can slide into the FS position with the team this year. While the position is not a guarantee, he will be given the shot to earn the starting role or he will provide depth to a young secondary.

[iceman99]

With the 22nd pick in the 5th round the Columbia Fire select WR Vincent Nowak - Florida State



Nowak joins a team in major need of help at the WR position. Its not normal for a late round selection to make an impact at the WR position in the IFL, but its not impossible. Nowak has a few question marks on his resume, but is known for his smart and route running ability.

[iceman99]

With the 21st pick in the 6th round the Columbia Fire select - G Taylor Hickman - Nebraska



Hickman is a raw but talented O-lineman that will be brought in to provide depth at the guard position. Hickman as prototypical size, strength and is an intelligent player. He should leave camp pushing for playing time.

[iceman99]

With the 24th pick in the 7th round the Columbia Fire Select - DE Adrian Adams - Fairfield



Adams is a fringe prospect who will be competing for a roster sport this season. He does have good size and strength for a DE at this next level. It will be up to him to secure a roster spot after camp.