The playoffs are all locked in, and the Tijuana Luchadores have secured a spot on the back of a very impressive campaign to close out the season, winning five of their last six games. With us today is offensive captain of the Luchadores and league rushing touchdown leader with a staggering fifteen touchdowns in twelve games, Forrest Gump.
Good to have you back as always, Forrest.
I really like comin’ and talkin’ to you guys. You seem real interested in what I got to say.
Well we indeed are interested, Forrest. After a very quiet first two weeks in the league, you have exploded onto the scene, capturing the attention of many even with how competitive this running back class is. What do you think is the cause of this success?
We have a solid game plan every week and we stick to it. We started gettin’ a little more run heavy with both me and Zoro [Roronoa], and I think it’s done a real good job of takin’ some of the pressure off Corvo [Havran]. Means we get a more balanced attack and the whole offense runs a lot better. I’ve been runnin’ as hard as I can, and after gettin’ all kinds of yards in the Prospect Bowl but not many TDs, it feels good to be in strikin’ distance of that nineteen TD record. I’m already tied with the Luchadores’ record for rushing TDs in a season, and I want to break that in the next two games.
You mentioned the passing attack, there’s definitely been a notable uptick in production there in this string of wins. You were much more involved earlier in the season in the passing game than you are now, care to comment on that?
Well when you got guys like Rod [Tidwell] and Carlomagno [Rey] you don’t really need me catching passes out there. Look, I’ve been working on catchin’ and I’m gonna keep working on it, but they're better at it than me. I’ve been gettin’ more chances on the ground and I’ve been makin’ ‘em pay off.
Your coaches have shown a lot of faith in you, but your team is still second last in the DSFL in rushing attempts at 341 despite a seemingly highly effective rushing attack. Why haven’t you seen the ball as much as a player like Morgan Marshall?
We have a really talented quarterback in Corvo. I know the Marshall’s have got Cooter Bigsby at QB, and that’s gonna be your follow up if I don’t talk about it ‘cause you’ve already brought up Morgan Marshall, but it’s just about team philosophy. We went offensive line because we believe in a strong base for a balanced attack. We’ve been winnin’ and that’s all that matters. Do I want the record? Heck ya. Do I want as many touches as possible? I always feel like runnin’. But we’re in the playoffs, so coach’s plan has clearly been the right one.
You’re slated to play the aforementioned red-hot San Antonio Marshalls on the road in the coming playoffs. You have yet to beat your rivals, the only team to do that was Portland, you have to consider that a massive challenge. How do you rate your chances?
First of all, we still got two more games before we got to worry about the playoffs. Second, San Antonio will be a challenge, but we know we’re up for it. They’ve got a suffocating defense and a high-powered offense, plus home field advantage. They’re a really darn good team. But they aren’t the Tijuana Luchadores. There’s somethin’ special with this team. We’re a real team, and it always feels good to be part of a team that’s got a sense of community. In the words of my teammate and a real nice guy, we got that Kwan.
I know you just said we’re still not in the playoffs yet, but I can’t let you go without asking you about the upcoming NSFL draft. Teams have started reaching out to potential players, and players are starting to get a feel of where they might fit best, and where they might be drafted. Do you have any teams you want to be drafted by, and do you have any teams on your do not draft list?
I don’t think it’s nice to have teams on a do not draft list. That just seems rude. I’d be happy for my name to be called by any team that wants me, and I know I’ll be able to perform for them. I am startin’ to get an idea of where I’d like to go, but nothin’s certain yet. We’re at an early stage in the process, and people are just putting together their scouting reports. I don’t know whose draft board I’m on for sure yet, but I’d encourage any GM who’s seen me run and wants to talk about football to get in contact.
Any idea when you think you’ll be drafted?
I don’t really know about that. I’m not one of the top TPE earners in my class. Heck, I’m not even the top earning running back in my class. But since becoming active I haven’t missed a TPE opportunity. I don’t want to hype up my playin’ too much but I’ve been doin’ real well out there lately, I mean, we’ve already talked ‘bout that. Plus, there’s a lot of active, talented running backs in this draft class. I want to be drafted as early as possible, but it’s more important to me that I get drafted by a team that has a plan for me. If that plan is leaving me in the DSFL to develop or start right away, I don’t really care all that much, I just want the team to see a future for me with them. I’m not really one to move around a whole lot, so making sure there’s a place for me on the team long term is important. And that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
Forrest, you’re tied with Morgan Marshall for points scored in the league by a player other than a kicker at ninety-six, or sixteen touchdowns. We wish you the best of luck breaking the record of nineteen touchdowns in the remaining two weeks, and want to thank you for coming in.
Thanks for havin’ me, guys.
Ready for grading
Good to have you back as always, Forrest.
I really like comin’ and talkin’ to you guys. You seem real interested in what I got to say.
Well we indeed are interested, Forrest. After a very quiet first two weeks in the league, you have exploded onto the scene, capturing the attention of many even with how competitive this running back class is. What do you think is the cause of this success?
We have a solid game plan every week and we stick to it. We started gettin’ a little more run heavy with both me and Zoro [Roronoa], and I think it’s done a real good job of takin’ some of the pressure off Corvo [Havran]. Means we get a more balanced attack and the whole offense runs a lot better. I’ve been runnin’ as hard as I can, and after gettin’ all kinds of yards in the Prospect Bowl but not many TDs, it feels good to be in strikin’ distance of that nineteen TD record. I’m already tied with the Luchadores’ record for rushing TDs in a season, and I want to break that in the next two games.
You mentioned the passing attack, there’s definitely been a notable uptick in production there in this string of wins. You were much more involved earlier in the season in the passing game than you are now, care to comment on that?
Well when you got guys like Rod [Tidwell] and Carlomagno [Rey] you don’t really need me catching passes out there. Look, I’ve been working on catchin’ and I’m gonna keep working on it, but they're better at it than me. I’ve been gettin’ more chances on the ground and I’ve been makin’ ‘em pay off.
Your coaches have shown a lot of faith in you, but your team is still second last in the DSFL in rushing attempts at 341 despite a seemingly highly effective rushing attack. Why haven’t you seen the ball as much as a player like Morgan Marshall?
We have a really talented quarterback in Corvo. I know the Marshall’s have got Cooter Bigsby at QB, and that’s gonna be your follow up if I don’t talk about it ‘cause you’ve already brought up Morgan Marshall, but it’s just about team philosophy. We went offensive line because we believe in a strong base for a balanced attack. We’ve been winnin’ and that’s all that matters. Do I want the record? Heck ya. Do I want as many touches as possible? I always feel like runnin’. But we’re in the playoffs, so coach’s plan has clearly been the right one.
You’re slated to play the aforementioned red-hot San Antonio Marshalls on the road in the coming playoffs. You have yet to beat your rivals, the only team to do that was Portland, you have to consider that a massive challenge. How do you rate your chances?
First of all, we still got two more games before we got to worry about the playoffs. Second, San Antonio will be a challenge, but we know we’re up for it. They’ve got a suffocating defense and a high-powered offense, plus home field advantage. They’re a really darn good team. But they aren’t the Tijuana Luchadores. There’s somethin’ special with this team. We’re a real team, and it always feels good to be part of a team that’s got a sense of community. In the words of my teammate and a real nice guy, we got that Kwan.
I know you just said we’re still not in the playoffs yet, but I can’t let you go without asking you about the upcoming NSFL draft. Teams have started reaching out to potential players, and players are starting to get a feel of where they might fit best, and where they might be drafted. Do you have any teams you want to be drafted by, and do you have any teams on your do not draft list?
I don’t think it’s nice to have teams on a do not draft list. That just seems rude. I’d be happy for my name to be called by any team that wants me, and I know I’ll be able to perform for them. I am startin’ to get an idea of where I’d like to go, but nothin’s certain yet. We’re at an early stage in the process, and people are just putting together their scouting reports. I don’t know whose draft board I’m on for sure yet, but I’d encourage any GM who’s seen me run and wants to talk about football to get in contact.
Any idea when you think you’ll be drafted?
I don’t really know about that. I’m not one of the top TPE earners in my class. Heck, I’m not even the top earning running back in my class. But since becoming active I haven’t missed a TPE opportunity. I don’t want to hype up my playin’ too much but I’ve been doin’ real well out there lately, I mean, we’ve already talked ‘bout that. Plus, there’s a lot of active, talented running backs in this draft class. I want to be drafted as early as possible, but it’s more important to me that I get drafted by a team that has a plan for me. If that plan is leaving me in the DSFL to develop or start right away, I don’t really care all that much, I just want the team to see a future for me with them. I’m not really one to move around a whole lot, so making sure there’s a place for me on the team long term is important. And that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
Forrest, you’re tied with Morgan Marshall for points scored in the league by a player other than a kicker at ninety-six, or sixteen touchdowns. We wish you the best of luck breaking the record of nineteen touchdowns in the remaining two weeks, and want to thank you for coming in.
Thanks for havin’ me, guys.
Ready for grading
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 106
[OPTION] TFLs: 7
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/1
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 3
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 9
[OPTION]DSFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 106
[OPTION] TFLs: 7
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/1
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 3
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 9
[OPTION] Touchdowns: 1
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Playoff Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 25
[OPTION] TFLs: 0
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/0
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 0
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 2
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Playoff Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 25
[OPTION] TFLs: 0
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/0
[OPTION] Sacks: 3
[OPTION] Interceptions: 0
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 2
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]ISFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 78
[OPTION] TFLs: 5
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/2
[OPTION] Sacks: 8
[OPTION] Interceptions: 1
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 8
[OPTION] Touchdowns: 0
[OPTION]ISFL Regular Season Stats
[OPTION] Tackles: 78
[OPTION] TFLs: 5
[OPTION] FF/FR: 1/2
[OPTION] Sacks: 8
[OPTION] Interceptions: 1
[OPTION] Pass Deflections: 8
[OPTION] Touchdowns: 0
[OPTION] Receptions: 419
[OPTION] Receiving Yards: 3681
[OPTION] Receiving Touchdowns: 25
[OPTION] Kick Return Yards: 5367
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 1
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 1651
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 5
[OPTION] Pancakes: 242
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 1
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 1651
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 5
[OPTION] Pancakes: 242
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]ISFL Postseason Stats
[OPTION] Rushing Yards: 926
[OPTION] Yards per Carry: 4.56
[OPTION] Rushing Touchdowns: 7
[OPTION] Receptions: 44
[OPTION] Receiving Yards: 408
[OPTION] Receiving Touchdowns: 4
[OPTION] Kick Return Yards: 653
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 192
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Pancakes: 28
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:
[OPTION] S15 DSFL RBotY
[OPTION] S15 DSFL MVP
[OPTION] S16 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S17 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S18 RBotY
[OPTION] S18 PERotY
[OPTION] S18 OPotY
[OPTION]ISFL Postseason Stats
[OPTION] Rushing Yards: 926
[OPTION] Yards per Carry: 4.56
[OPTION] Rushing Touchdowns: 7
[OPTION] Receptions: 44
[OPTION] Receiving Yards: 408
[OPTION] Receiving Touchdowns: 4
[OPTION] Kick Return Yards: 653
[OPTION] Kick Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Punt Return Yards: 192
[OPTION] Punt Return TDs: 0
[OPTION] Pancakes: 28
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:
[OPTION] S15 DSFL RBotY
[OPTION] S15 DSFL MVP
[OPTION] S16 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S17 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S18 RBotY
[OPTION] S18 PERotY
[OPTION] S18 OPotY
[OPTION] S18 Pro Bowler (RB)
[OPTION] S19 Pro Bowler (RB & Returner)
[OPTION] S20 Pro Bowler (RB & Returner)
[OPTION] S21 Pro Bowler (OFlex & Returner)
[OPTION] S21 Ultimus Champion
[OPTION] S21 Ultimus MVP
[OPTION] S22 Pro Bowler (RB & Returner)
[OPTION] Most Rushing TDs in a DSFL season (S15, 20)
[OPTION] 3rd Most Rushing TDs in a DSFL season (S14, 18)
[OPTION] 3rd Most Rushing TDs in a DSFL season (S14, 18)
[OPTION] 5th Most Career Rushing Yards
[OPTION] 9th Most Career Rushing TDs
[OPTION] 7th Most Career Scrimmage Yards
[OPTION] 8th Most Career Scrimmage TDs
[OPTION] 5th Most Career Punt Return TDs
[OPTION] 5th Most Career All-Purpose Yards
[OPTION] 8th Most Career All-Purpose TDs
[OPTION] 4th Most Career Postseason Rushing Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Rushing TDs
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Scrimmage Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Scrimmage TDs
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason Scrimmage TDs
[OPTION] 10th Most Career Postseason Kick Return Yards
[OPTION] 7th Most Career Postseason Punt Return Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason All-Purpose Yards
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason All-Purpose TDs
[OPTION] 2nd Most Career Postseason All-Purpose TDs