*Pro Husker - Tirtawidjaja heading to Chicago

indonesianhusker · 04-19-2020, 07:31 PM

LINCOLN, Nebraska (AP) - Former Husker standout, Julio Tirtawidjaja, will continue his professional career in the NSFL with the Chicago Butchers. Tirtawidjaja was picked in the 6th round by the Butchers in last night’s S22 NSFL Draft. He was Chicago’s second player drafted after linebacker Benson Bayley Jr. in the 2nd round. Despite his lack of production in the DSFL, Butchers GM Bayley and the front office believed Tirtawidjaja has the potential to be their leading rusher moving forward. He will be replacing Ryan Leaf Jr., who has moved on to the Austin Copperheads, and Farley Hank, who is hitting regression soon. Tirtawidjaja is set to become one of the cornerstones for the Butchers to become more competitive in the NSFL, with hopes of competing for the Ultimus in the future.

Although the former Nebraska running back did not shine on the field in S21 with the Tijuana Luchadores, several NSFL still expressed high interests in him prior to the draft. Some might argue that him getting picked in the 6th round was a reach for the Butchers, yet another questionable decision the team’s front office is infamous around the league for doing. However, picking Tirtawidjaja this high might have been a smart decision by the Butchers in getting a player they really want. Hardcore football fans might also notice what Bayley and the Butchers front office saw when scouting Tirtawidjaja. His low production in the DSFL certainly was not the result of his lack of abilities but the result of lack of playing time. Tirtawidjaja was playing behind New Orleans Second Line send-down Ed Barker and Richard Gilbert. Both are incredible running backs and were able to rush tremendously well for the Tijuana Luchadores.

With Farley Hank as the only running back for Chicago as of now, Tirtawidjaja will be called up immediately to play in the NSFL starting in S22. S22 will probably be a season of adjustment for him, given his lack of playing time in the DSFL. Many analysts also believed he would be starting immediately and undergo a baptism of fire going against veteran NSFL defenders.