There’s a Storm brewing in Southwest Kansas…and at the eye of that Storm is a new quarterback. This quarterback brings with him a championship resume having played for the NAZ Wranglers in 2022. That is none other than the 6’6 250 lb Tahj Tolbert. Tolbert was granted his release just twelve days ago and has now signed with the Southwest Kansas Storm for the 2023 season.
Young, Yet Experienced
The Storm wanted to find a quarterback that had an IFL pedigree, but someone who wanted the opportunity to lead a team as the QB1 for the 2023 season. They found that man in Tolbert, who primarily played behind starter Kaleb Barker in Northern Arizona. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Tolbert brings a 6’6 250 lb frame with him. He is durable, athletic, and has a cannon for an arm.
Tolbert split his time between two teams last season first playing with the Bismarck Bucks. He played 7 games attempting 88 passes. Completing 46 of them for 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions as well as 399 yards. Tolbert is also fairly mobile adding 16 carries for 37 yards and 4 touchdowns. He is a weapon close to the goal-line on quarterback sneaks with his size, and often reminds me of a young Cam Newton.
Moving On From Bismarck
Tolbert would ultimately be released by the Bucks on May 25th. The same day they signed QB Giovanni Sanders. Ultimately, he would be signed by the NAZ Wranglers on July 12th. He would go on to play in 2 games for the Wranglers.
Completing 5 of 9 passes for 18 yards, running once for 0 yards. However, he would stick with the team through their championship run. Winning the Championship to finish out the 2022 season, Tolbert now sees an opportunity to be the unquestioned starter of a very solid roster.
Storm Coach Thrilled to Add Tolbert
“When asked Why Tahj?”
Head Coach Brandon Venson did not mince words, and the excitement behind what he says is clear: “He is 6’6 230 who can see the whole field and can make all the throws and can run if need. He is a winner and has the tools to lead this offense and this team. I believe in Tahj and I think he is going to have a great year for us.”
“What does Signing Tahj bring to the team and organization?”
“Signing Tahj means that as a coaching staff and organization we are doing the right things to get guys like Tahj to come play for SWK STORM. We want the best players out there to come play for us. With the Signing of Tahj and the rest of the players it gets the team, organization and the community excited about the upcoming season. He won a championship with the NAZ Wranglers and that’s our goal is to win a championship and help these men become successful on and off the field.”
Southwest Kansas Making Moves
Not only have the Storm signed Tolbert as their QB1, but they also brought in WR Nakia Brown who had an impressive season in the AWFC with the Wenatchee Valley Skyhawks. Brown was crucial to the Skyhawks offense putting up 16 carries for 66 yards adding 31 receptions for 370 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also handled kick-return duties at times. With 26 returns for 330 yards and 1 touchdown.
Opposite of Brown will be former Orlando Predators WR Daveon Howard. Howard is the exact opposite style of receiver Brown. At 6’4 220 lbs, he is the kind of jump ball red zone threat every team needs. Something tells me Tolbert will look to him early and often when the Storm hits the field. Howard has experience with the CIF, having played for the Liberty in the past.
Center Dwayne Larkin was signed the day before Tolbert put pen to paper. Larkin once attended Lincoln University of Missouri, however, he is an indoor football veteran. The Storm Coaching Staff is confident that they have the right pairing to build their offense around. The offense starts with the center/quarterback exchange, having a solid center can make or break an offense at any level.
As if these moves weren’t enough they also brought in:
LaMont McGriff RB 6’0 210 lbs
Andre Thomas Cobb Jr. WR 6’4 210 lbs
Torrence Carr WR 6’3 230 lbs
Check out Our Interview With WR Nakia Brown Below:
