11-17-2023, 06:53 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-28-2023, 07:10 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 2 times in total.)
Hello everyone and welcome to the first ever (and hopefully not the last) All-Rookie ISFL team! A big congrats to all of the rookies out there for putting up some great performances, and showing the league that the future is in good hands!
Special shout-out to the SFWG and their team that helped us get this off the ground, and provided us with the tools and experience needed to launch this initiative.
We aimed to follow a similar, if not identical structure to that of the All-Pro team. But with a limited number of rookies, we’ve opted to vote for a singular team. Additionally, due to there being some positions at the ISFL level with no rookies this season, we opted to omit those positions from voting. We do expect the overall roster construction for the All-Rookie team to change slightly year over year, as the rookie designation can be quite volatile season over season.
For S44, we voted on the following positions:
QB
RB
WR #1
WR #2
OT
IOL
DT
DE
LB #1
LB #2
Secondary #1
Secondary #2
Secondary #3
K/P
Eligible players were voted on by our committee of 9 league members, and each eligible player was assigned their position for voting based on where they were utilized, a majority of the time, by their teams throughout the season.
Let’s take a look at the S44 All-Rookie team!
Numerical ranks (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) are stated for that position group, among eligible rookies (unless otherwise stated).
QUARTERBACK
1st Team: Octavion Speedings
Key Stats: 4624 yards (1st), 25 TDs (1st), 3.44% TD rate (1st), 1.79 TD/INT ratio (1st), 6.37 Y/A (2nd)
Speedings came out of the gates swinging in their rookie season, leading all rookie passers in numerous categories. Not only that, but they were 2nd in the ISFL proper for total passing yards, while also leading in both attempts (726) and completions (461). Considering the rest of the NOLA core is also on the younger side, these are great numbers to see from the rookie signal caller if you're a NOLA fan. That being said, there was some trepidation with voters to give Speedings the nod, and discussions of quantity over quality were the main driver there.
Others recovering vote: Josh Patterson (2)
RUNNING BACK
1st Team: Swamp Maiden (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 603 rush yds (1st), 6 rush TDs (1st), 48.39% catch% (2nd), 63 rec yds (2nd), 666 scrimmage yards (1st), 7 total TDs (1st)
The voters gave their first unanimous selection to Swamp Maiden out of COL. Not only did they lead all rookie backs in rushing yards and scrimmage yards, they also led in TDs. In an offense that did not run the ball all that often, Maiden was able to find their way into the endzone several times and found themselves as the lead rusher for the Yeti. I think the voters are anxious to see if that pattern of terrific running will continue and/or will the Yeti adapt to get Maiden the ball more.
WIDE RECEIVER #1
1st Team: Sem’ga Nah’sim (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 83 rec (1st), 1202 yds (1st), 6 TDs (1st), 8.41 yds/tar (1st)
WIDE RECEIVER #2
1st Team: Thomas Passarelli
Key Stats: 74 rec (3rd), 652 yards (2nd), 8.81 YPR (T-2nd), Rec20 & 40+ (2nd)
When looking at rookie WRs this season, there was one player clearly above the rest. Nah'sim is our second unanimous selection by the voting committee, as the league saw them lead all rookies in yardage, TDs, receptions, and a host of other categories. Throughout the course of the season, Nah'sim showed that the CHI WR room is in good hands both now, and even after Morley takes their leave. Their ability to not only stretch the field, but to also generate first downs just over 50% of the time, was rewarded by the committee this time around.
At the other WR spot on the S44 All-Rookie team, we find Thomas Passarelli, one of Speedings options at WR this past season. Passarelli managed to put up the second most yardage by a rookie WR, and had the 2nd most receptions of 20+ yards. However, they only managed to find the endzone 1 time (coming in Week 1), and the voters clearly took notice of that. Voting was largely split here between Passarelli and Mercury (as Mercury had 4 TDs). However, it's possible the committee viewed the yardage difference between these two as the deciding factor in who to give their vote too.
Others receiving votes: Sam Mercury (3), Tyler Hunt (1)
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
1st Team: Kelijah Verwae
Key Stats: 90 pancakes (1st), 7 SA (1st), 7.43% Cake% (1st)
While the rookie Offensive Tackle competition only had two eligible players this season, and they both happened to play on the same time, Verwae was a clear standout over their counterpart in Biggie Fast. Verwae put up 90 pancakes, which is first among all rookie Offensive Lineman, and only committed 5 penalties for a total of 35 yards, which the voters deemed good enough to be given the spot on the All-Rookie team.
Other receiving votes: Biggie Fast (1)
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
1st Team: Tunkha Danstrol (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 80 pancakes (1st), 0 SA (1st), 6.26% Cake% (1st)
Danstrol had an incredible season starting at C for the high-powered BAL offense. Gobbling up defenders left and right, Danstrol accumulated 80 pancakes, while giving up a total of 0 sacks! Anytime you have a season like that, it deserves to be rewarded, and clearly, the voters agreed.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1st Team: Ryan McBean (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 25 tackles (1st), 1 TFLs (1st), 5 sacks (1st)
McBean had a very strong start to their tenure with the Otters. Posting 25 tackles, leading all rookie DTs, and getting to the QB nearly as much as the committee's choice for Defensive End, McBean was a unanimous selection here for the S44 All-Rookie team. One interesting stat to note is that McBean was on the field the second most out of all DT players (1250 plays), showing high levels of endurance usually only found in league veterans.
DEFENSIVE END
1st Team: Midwest Emo (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 16 tackles (1st), 3 TFLs (1st), 6 sacks (1st)
While Midwest Emo may not have had the flashiest season, they put up exceptional numbers for a rookie on an otherwise weak defense in NOLA. The usage of Emo at the DE position in a 4-3 package that saw both Bubba Hog and Bruce White also take snaps at the position, shows that when Emo was on the field and in a position to make a play, they made the most of it. While the competition for the position was not the deepest, Emo still did enough to secure a unanimous selection from the committee. Emo should serve as the lynchpin on a young, growing defensive line in NOLA for the next few seasons.
Linebacker #1
1st Team: Cheecago Boucher (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 83 tackles (1st), 11 sacks (1st), 10 TFL (1st), 3 FF (1st), 6 PDs (2nd)
Linebacker #2
1st Team: Crasher Wake (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 66 tackles (2nd), 1 sacks (2nd), 60.18% Catch% (1st), 1 INT (1st), 1 DTD (1st), 13 PDs (1st)
It was no surprise the Boucher found themselves here. After a single season at OLB, their impact on the defensive side of the ball is already noticeable. Leading all rookie LBs in tackles, TFL, and sacks by a considerable margin, Boucher was rewarded by the committee with a unanimous selection as LB#1.
At LB#2, there was also a unanimous selection. This time it was ILB Crasher Wake, who showed exceptional prowess with regards to defending the pass (3rd lowest catch% among all ILBs, and 1st overall in PDs for an ILB). While Wake did have some penalty issues that crept up throughout the season, the ability to defend the pass and attack the ball-carrier, wherever they were, was enough to garner a spot on the All-Rookie team.
Secondary #1
1st Team: Norman Smiley
Key Stats: 88 tackles (1st), 7 sacks (1st), 10 PDs (3rd), 62.22% Catch% (3rd)
Secondary #2
1st Team: Jamie Orion
Key Stats: 55 tackles (3rd), 60.15% catch rate (1st), 3 sacks (3rd), 11 PDs (3rd)
Secondary #3
1st Team: Amanda HugAndKiss
Key Stats: 39 tackles (4th), 4 INTs (1st), 8 PDs (3rd), 1 DTD (T-1st)
Secondary was the most interesting battle to unfold throughout the course of the season, and that was reflected as much within the committee when it was time to vote. You’ll notice two different votes pinned at the bottom, one includes the initial vote, and the other you’ll see a ranked choice order of all eligible players in the Secondary, that the committee felt better allowed for the assessment of the players.
In the #1 Secondary spot we have Norman Smiley. They are still listed as a LB, however, they played at the CB/NB position roughly 66% of the time over the course of the season. This position assignment paid dividends for Smiley and the Butchers, as they led the position for rookies in Tackles (88), Sacks (7), and showed prowess covering the pass with the 3rd best catch percentage (62.22%) and the 2nd most PDs (10). Out of our three winners, Smiley garnered the most attention for their ability to play the hybrid LB/S role that so many defenses like to employ when you have an extra heavy hitter. The committee took notice, and gave them the nod here.
In the #2 spot, we have the Sarasota Safety standout, Jamie Orion. Orion was found to be one of the best lockdown Safeties in the league this season, posting the 4th best overall catch% (60.15%) and T-2nd for the most overall Pass Deflections among rookies with 11. The committee found Orion to one of the best pure pass defenders of the eligible candidates and rewarded them with a coveted spot on the All-Rookie team this season.
In the #3 spot, we find Amanda HugAndKiss. This big time playmaker led all rookies in total INTs with 4, was 3rd in total PDs, and turned one of those INTs into a score for their team. Additionally, HungAndKiss had the 2nd fewest penalties of all eligible rookies (4) and the most INT Return Yds (47). The committee went back in forth in discussions for this spot, but ultimately viewed the playmaking ability of HugAndKiss as the deciding factor, giving them the final spot on the inaugural team.
Kicker/Punter
1st Team: Zenzeroni Xystarch II
Key Stats: 30 FGs (1st), 90.9% FG% (1st), 67 punts (2nd) 45.49 Punt Avg. (1st), 5.80 PAR (1st)
Zenzeroni came out swinging this season, literally. Posting the second highest FG% among all kickers (90.9%), as well as T-2nd for the most 50+ FGs made. Additionally, they posted a league high PAR of 5.80, setting themselves far and above the competition, and securing the nomination from the committee.
Others receiving votes: Golden Foote (1)
SFWG All-Rookie Team
First Team
QB - Octavion Speedings - NOLA
RB - Swamp Maiden - COL***
WR#1 - Sem’ga Nah’sim - CHI
WR#2 - Thomas Passarelli - NOLA
OT - Kelijah Verwae - NOLA
IOL - Tunkha Danstrol - BAL***
DT - Ryan McBean - OCO***
DE - Midwest Emo - NOLA***
LB#1 - Cheecago Boucher - YKW***
LB#2 - Crasher Wake - AUS***
Secondary#1 - Norman Smiley - CHI
Secondary#2 - Jamie Orion - SAR
Secondary#3 - Amanda HugAndKiss - CHI
K/P - Zenzeroni Xystarch II - YKW
*** Denotes a unanimous selection
Other Players Receiving Votes:
QB Josh Patterson, RB Maple Dogwood, WR Tyler Hunt, WR Sam Mercury, OT Biggie Fast, IOL Saveour Piethons, IOL Zisia Ojeisndiwoseodj, DT Frederick Carlson, DE Giles Marrett, LB Mike Gesicki, CB King Leonidas, CB Mega Tron, CB Robert Green, S Tha Thu Craicte
Summary By Team:
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
See here for the final All-Rookie Ballots and the Supplementary Ballots for Secondary Selections
Special shout-out to the SFWG and their team that helped us get this off the ground, and provided us with the tools and experience needed to launch this initiative.
We aimed to follow a similar, if not identical structure to that of the All-Pro team. But with a limited number of rookies, we’ve opted to vote for a singular team. Additionally, due to there being some positions at the ISFL level with no rookies this season, we opted to omit those positions from voting. We do expect the overall roster construction for the All-Rookie team to change slightly year over year, as the rookie designation can be quite volatile season over season.
For S44, we voted on the following positions:
QB
RB
WR #1
WR #2
OT
IOL
DT
DE
LB #1
LB #2
Secondary #1
Secondary #2
Secondary #3
K/P
Eligible players were voted on by our committee of 9 league members, and each eligible player was assigned their position for voting based on where they were utilized, a majority of the time, by their teams throughout the season.
Let’s take a look at the S44 All-Rookie team!
Numerical ranks (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) are stated for that position group, among eligible rookies (unless otherwise stated).
QUARTERBACK
1st Team: Octavion Speedings
Key Stats: 4624 yards (1st), 25 TDs (1st), 3.44% TD rate (1st), 1.79 TD/INT ratio (1st), 6.37 Y/A (2nd)
Speedings came out of the gates swinging in their rookie season, leading all rookie passers in numerous categories. Not only that, but they were 2nd in the ISFL proper for total passing yards, while also leading in both attempts (726) and completions (461). Considering the rest of the NOLA core is also on the younger side, these are great numbers to see from the rookie signal caller if you're a NOLA fan. That being said, there was some trepidation with voters to give Speedings the nod, and discussions of quantity over quality were the main driver there.
Others recovering vote: Josh Patterson (2)
RUNNING BACK
1st Team: Swamp Maiden (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 603 rush yds (1st), 6 rush TDs (1st), 48.39% catch% (2nd), 63 rec yds (2nd), 666 scrimmage yards (1st), 7 total TDs (1st)
The voters gave their first unanimous selection to Swamp Maiden out of COL. Not only did they lead all rookie backs in rushing yards and scrimmage yards, they also led in TDs. In an offense that did not run the ball all that often, Maiden was able to find their way into the endzone several times and found themselves as the lead rusher for the Yeti. I think the voters are anxious to see if that pattern of terrific running will continue and/or will the Yeti adapt to get Maiden the ball more.
WIDE RECEIVER #1
1st Team: Sem’ga Nah’sim (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 83 rec (1st), 1202 yds (1st), 6 TDs (1st), 8.41 yds/tar (1st)
WIDE RECEIVER #2
1st Team: Thomas Passarelli
Key Stats: 74 rec (3rd), 652 yards (2nd), 8.81 YPR (T-2nd), Rec20 & 40+ (2nd)
When looking at rookie WRs this season, there was one player clearly above the rest. Nah'sim is our second unanimous selection by the voting committee, as the league saw them lead all rookies in yardage, TDs, receptions, and a host of other categories. Throughout the course of the season, Nah'sim showed that the CHI WR room is in good hands both now, and even after Morley takes their leave. Their ability to not only stretch the field, but to also generate first downs just over 50% of the time, was rewarded by the committee this time around.
At the other WR spot on the S44 All-Rookie team, we find Thomas Passarelli, one of Speedings options at WR this past season. Passarelli managed to put up the second most yardage by a rookie WR, and had the 2nd most receptions of 20+ yards. However, they only managed to find the endzone 1 time (coming in Week 1), and the voters clearly took notice of that. Voting was largely split here between Passarelli and Mercury (as Mercury had 4 TDs). However, it's possible the committee viewed the yardage difference between these two as the deciding factor in who to give their vote too.
Others receiving votes: Sam Mercury (3), Tyler Hunt (1)
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
1st Team: Kelijah Verwae
Key Stats: 90 pancakes (1st), 7 SA (1st), 7.43% Cake% (1st)
While the rookie Offensive Tackle competition only had two eligible players this season, and they both happened to play on the same time, Verwae was a clear standout over their counterpart in Biggie Fast. Verwae put up 90 pancakes, which is first among all rookie Offensive Lineman, and only committed 5 penalties for a total of 35 yards, which the voters deemed good enough to be given the spot on the All-Rookie team.
Other receiving votes: Biggie Fast (1)
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
1st Team: Tunkha Danstrol (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 80 pancakes (1st), 0 SA (1st), 6.26% Cake% (1st)
Danstrol had an incredible season starting at C for the high-powered BAL offense. Gobbling up defenders left and right, Danstrol accumulated 80 pancakes, while giving up a total of 0 sacks! Anytime you have a season like that, it deserves to be rewarded, and clearly, the voters agreed.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1st Team: Ryan McBean (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 25 tackles (1st), 1 TFLs (1st), 5 sacks (1st)
McBean had a very strong start to their tenure with the Otters. Posting 25 tackles, leading all rookie DTs, and getting to the QB nearly as much as the committee's choice for Defensive End, McBean was a unanimous selection here for the S44 All-Rookie team. One interesting stat to note is that McBean was on the field the second most out of all DT players (1250 plays), showing high levels of endurance usually only found in league veterans.
DEFENSIVE END
1st Team: Midwest Emo (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 16 tackles (1st), 3 TFLs (1st), 6 sacks (1st)
While Midwest Emo may not have had the flashiest season, they put up exceptional numbers for a rookie on an otherwise weak defense in NOLA. The usage of Emo at the DE position in a 4-3 package that saw both Bubba Hog and Bruce White also take snaps at the position, shows that when Emo was on the field and in a position to make a play, they made the most of it. While the competition for the position was not the deepest, Emo still did enough to secure a unanimous selection from the committee. Emo should serve as the lynchpin on a young, growing defensive line in NOLA for the next few seasons.
Linebacker #1
1st Team: Cheecago Boucher (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 83 tackles (1st), 11 sacks (1st), 10 TFL (1st), 3 FF (1st), 6 PDs (2nd)
Linebacker #2
1st Team: Crasher Wake (unanimous selection)
Key Stats: 66 tackles (2nd), 1 sacks (2nd), 60.18% Catch% (1st), 1 INT (1st), 1 DTD (1st), 13 PDs (1st)
It was no surprise the Boucher found themselves here. After a single season at OLB, their impact on the defensive side of the ball is already noticeable. Leading all rookie LBs in tackles, TFL, and sacks by a considerable margin, Boucher was rewarded by the committee with a unanimous selection as LB#1.
At LB#2, there was also a unanimous selection. This time it was ILB Crasher Wake, who showed exceptional prowess with regards to defending the pass (3rd lowest catch% among all ILBs, and 1st overall in PDs for an ILB). While Wake did have some penalty issues that crept up throughout the season, the ability to defend the pass and attack the ball-carrier, wherever they were, was enough to garner a spot on the All-Rookie team.
Secondary #1
1st Team: Norman Smiley
Key Stats: 88 tackles (1st), 7 sacks (1st), 10 PDs (3rd), 62.22% Catch% (3rd)
Secondary #2
1st Team: Jamie Orion
Key Stats: 55 tackles (3rd), 60.15% catch rate (1st), 3 sacks (3rd), 11 PDs (3rd)
Secondary #3
1st Team: Amanda HugAndKiss
Key Stats: 39 tackles (4th), 4 INTs (1st), 8 PDs (3rd), 1 DTD (T-1st)
Secondary was the most interesting battle to unfold throughout the course of the season, and that was reflected as much within the committee when it was time to vote. You’ll notice two different votes pinned at the bottom, one includes the initial vote, and the other you’ll see a ranked choice order of all eligible players in the Secondary, that the committee felt better allowed for the assessment of the players.
In the #1 Secondary spot we have Norman Smiley. They are still listed as a LB, however, they played at the CB/NB position roughly 66% of the time over the course of the season. This position assignment paid dividends for Smiley and the Butchers, as they led the position for rookies in Tackles (88), Sacks (7), and showed prowess covering the pass with the 3rd best catch percentage (62.22%) and the 2nd most PDs (10). Out of our three winners, Smiley garnered the most attention for their ability to play the hybrid LB/S role that so many defenses like to employ when you have an extra heavy hitter. The committee took notice, and gave them the nod here.
In the #2 spot, we have the Sarasota Safety standout, Jamie Orion. Orion was found to be one of the best lockdown Safeties in the league this season, posting the 4th best overall catch% (60.15%) and T-2nd for the most overall Pass Deflections among rookies with 11. The committee found Orion to one of the best pure pass defenders of the eligible candidates and rewarded them with a coveted spot on the All-Rookie team this season.
In the #3 spot, we find Amanda HugAndKiss. This big time playmaker led all rookies in total INTs with 4, was 3rd in total PDs, and turned one of those INTs into a score for their team. Additionally, HungAndKiss had the 2nd fewest penalties of all eligible rookies (4) and the most INT Return Yds (47). The committee went back in forth in discussions for this spot, but ultimately viewed the playmaking ability of HugAndKiss as the deciding factor, giving them the final spot on the inaugural team.
Kicker/Punter
1st Team: Zenzeroni Xystarch II
Key Stats: 30 FGs (1st), 90.9% FG% (1st), 67 punts (2nd) 45.49 Punt Avg. (1st), 5.80 PAR (1st)
Zenzeroni came out swinging this season, literally. Posting the second highest FG% among all kickers (90.9%), as well as T-2nd for the most 50+ FGs made. Additionally, they posted a league high PAR of 5.80, setting themselves far and above the competition, and securing the nomination from the committee.
Others receiving votes: Golden Foote (1)
SFWG All-Rookie Team
First Team
QB - Octavion Speedings - NOLA
RB - Swamp Maiden - COL***
WR#1 - Sem’ga Nah’sim - CHI
WR#2 - Thomas Passarelli - NOLA
OT - Kelijah Verwae - NOLA
IOL - Tunkha Danstrol - BAL***
DT - Ryan McBean - OCO***
DE - Midwest Emo - NOLA***
LB#1 - Cheecago Boucher - YKW***
LB#2 - Crasher Wake - AUS***
Secondary#1 - Norman Smiley - CHI
Secondary#2 - Jamie Orion - SAR
Secondary#3 - Amanda HugAndKiss - CHI
K/P - Zenzeroni Xystarch II - YKW
*** Denotes a unanimous selection
Other Players Receiving Votes:
QB Josh Patterson, RB Maple Dogwood, WR Tyler Hunt, WR Sam Mercury, OT Biggie Fast, IOL Saveour Piethons, IOL Zisia Ojeisndiwoseodj, DT Frederick Carlson, DE Giles Marrett, LB Mike Gesicki, CB King Leonidas, CB Mega Tron, CB Robert Green, S Tha Thu Craicte
Summary By Team:
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
See here for the final All-Rookie Ballots and the Supplementary Ballots for Secondary Selections