Jimi DeSoto’s career path has never been one where success seemed assured. It’s a well documented affair that he frankly disappointed during his early years in college football, and the expectations for his production were so high after his stellar ratings coming out of high school. However, a willing heart and a passion for growth led him to a senior season that impressed DSFL scouts across the globe. That being said, DeSoto seemed to lack some of the more raw skills that other prospects possessed. After all, some of the biggest standouts had gotten the opportunity to join a DSFL team the previous season as a waiver pickup. In this way they could hone their abilities at a professional level before they were even drafted. DeSoto was drafted 24th overall by the Norfolk Seawolves, who believed in both his attitude and his ability. There were players that could immediately make a bigger impact than DeSoto, but one should never underestimate what a person is capable of when he is believed in. It was a successful season, and DeSoto grew into an impactful and versatile player for the Seawolves. When the ISFL draft came, the same issues arose. Despite putting in as much work into training as possible and purchasing the highest quality helmet and pads, there were still other players that seemingly could be plugged into a team and impress immediately. When DeSoto was drafted by the Philadelphia Liberty in the third round, he knew the situation. The team had a rough season the year prior, and they had even been mocked for their losing streak. There wasn’t much to sell to their rookies when they arrived, except the message that “We’re moving forward, and we’re moving up.” This was all DeSoto needed to hear. A team that had been forgotten and been counted out made him feel at home. There’s was perhaps no sweeter feeling for him then proving others wrong and subvert their expectations. When Week 1 came around, DeSoto was ecstatic. However, the game did not go as he had hoped. Despite the close loss, which was its normal disappointment, he was not able contribute to the team as he had been dreaming about in bed the night before. DeSoto spot on the gameplan was to only get on the field in specific formations in specific situations. The intent was to help DeSoto have a smoother transition into the ISFL by allowing him to able to gradually adapt to the more complex offensive looks that come at this level of play, learn from the veteran linebackers, and avoid injuries that could jeopardize the future of the team. DeSoto agreed with the logic and trusted the management of his team, but he couldn’t hide his frustration and embarrassment at not making a single play of note on the stat sheet. One would not be ridiculous if they believed DeSoto had not played at all. That being said, the experience fueled his eagerness to make the most of any opportunity given to him, no matter how small. He wouldn’t allow himself to be discouraged. That wouldn’t make him a better linebacker.
So DeSoto found himself in Week 2, ready for the moment his number might be called. About half of the fourth quarter was left against the Austin Copperheads. DeSoto had already recorded one tackle already. Barely anything at all, but still an improvement from last week. With the score tied at 27-27, and Austin’s drive stalling a bit at Philadelphia’s 36 yard line, the Copperheads, in what may have been massive trust in their offense, a lack of respect for the Liberty defense, or a combination of both, made the call to go for it on 4th and 2. DeSoto’s face lit up when his name was called, putting on his helmet and chin strap quicker than perhaps any player in history. His task was simple, he was to blitz on the right edge of Austin’s offensive line. After a devilish hard count from Austin’s quarterback that almost drew a defensive lineman offsides, the ball was snapped and the quarterback dropped back to pass. DeSoto’s speed took the right tackle completely off guard, and he desperately shuffled to the right to take the edge away from DeSoto. However, it simply wouldn’t be enough. DeSoto blew by the right tackle and got to the quarterback before any wide receiver routes could develop, leaving nowhere to throw the ball to. It was a 7 yard sack and turnover on downs that sucked all the momentum out of Austin. DeSoto couldn’t help but smile as he jogged to the sidelines, where he received many pats on the helmet and thrilled praise from his teammates. Safety Matt Cross pulled him aside, and a sideline microphone picked up Cross saying “That’s what you’re here for. I know you have it in you to make plays like that all the time, and if you continue to train, it’ll come naturally. Let’s work together and achieve greatness.” Austin wouldn’t score again that game, and the Liberty would pull out a win on a late Jake Fencik field goal. This was clearly a moment that DeSoto would never forget, but as time goes on, that sack may just be one of a very long list of great DeSoto plays. Time will tell, but we know one thing for sure: never count him out.
So DeSoto found himself in Week 2, ready for the moment his number might be called. About half of the fourth quarter was left against the Austin Copperheads. DeSoto had already recorded one tackle already. Barely anything at all, but still an improvement from last week. With the score tied at 27-27, and Austin’s drive stalling a bit at Philadelphia’s 36 yard line, the Copperheads, in what may have been massive trust in their offense, a lack of respect for the Liberty defense, or a combination of both, made the call to go for it on 4th and 2. DeSoto’s face lit up when his name was called, putting on his helmet and chin strap quicker than perhaps any player in history. His task was simple, he was to blitz on the right edge of Austin’s offensive line. After a devilish hard count from Austin’s quarterback that almost drew a defensive lineman offsides, the ball was snapped and the quarterback dropped back to pass. DeSoto’s speed took the right tackle completely off guard, and he desperately shuffled to the right to take the edge away from DeSoto. However, it simply wouldn’t be enough. DeSoto blew by the right tackle and got to the quarterback before any wide receiver routes could develop, leaving nowhere to throw the ball to. It was a 7 yard sack and turnover on downs that sucked all the momentum out of Austin. DeSoto couldn’t help but smile as he jogged to the sidelines, where he received many pats on the helmet and thrilled praise from his teammates. Safety Matt Cross pulled him aside, and a sideline microphone picked up Cross saying “That’s what you’re here for. I know you have it in you to make plays like that all the time, and if you continue to train, it’ll come naturally. Let’s work together and achieve greatness.” Austin wouldn’t score again that game, and the Liberty would pull out a win on a late Jake Fencik field goal. This was clearly a moment that DeSoto would never forget, but as time goes on, that sack may just be one of a very long list of great DeSoto plays. Time will tell, but we know one thing for sure: never count him out.
