ELF resumes operations. - A late bloomer gives the Sea Devils hope.
Max Paatz, the new boss, moves to Düsseldorf to join the Rhein Fire champions. Coach Yogi Jones (64), who was earlier fired, is replaced by Matt Johnson (36), a former quarterback. Brandon Noble (50), who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins, is now in charge of defense.
With half the team already leaving for competition, they face a massive challenge. One potential savior is Javarian Smith (27). The athletic American (1.88 meters, 88 kg) is expected to re-establish stability at the quarterback position after two years of constant arguments.
Johnson says, "Together with wide receiver Jarvis McClam, he's exactly what we were searching for. They bring a new dimension to our offense."
Smith started playing football at 16, switching from basketball. After his college days, Corona pushed the world into paralysis. "While I was training, I had the feeling that I still had plenty of football left in me," says Smith. "So, I signed up on a portal for European players to offer their services."
In 2022, he landed in Prague and was named MVP that season. "It was surreal coming to Europe," Smith remembers. "You grow up in the States and read all the books, learn about the history, but never experience it. Then, you're here. It felt like I was in a movie. I try to adapt to the European lifestyle. I eat well, I go shopping, and I like bakeries. That's not a big thing in the USA."
Smith was a star last season with the Allgäu Comets in Kempten (44 touchdown passes) and submitted his interest to all ELF teams. "My goal with football is to play at the highest level," he explains. "I take it seriously. I wouldn't spend time away from my family otherwise."
Smith, who sometimes feels like a Duracell bunny on an energy drink, works relentlessly at the Hamburg Blue Devils' training ground. He adds, "I bring a certain energy to the field in training and set the pace, too."
Seeing the complete overhaul as a chance, Smith looks forward: "We can start afresh and new. New coaches, new players, new techniques. It feels like a breath of fresh air. You can leave your old egos at the door. The past doesn't matter. We can turn the page and start anew." The objective? As a team, the goal each year is to win the championship.
The Sea Devils kick off against the Prague Lions on Sunday at 2:30 pm - it's back to the city where Smith's journey began. A full circle.
Read also:
- BVB trails 1-0 against Paris, with Füllkrug leading them towards the final.
- Munich Drama: Late Real Penalty Leaves Bayern Shocked
- Lars is capable of leading BVB, according to many.
- Subsequent torrential rainfall leads to 48 fatalities due to partial highway collapse in China.
Source: symclub.org
