Coaches Poll Top NAL Players Who Should be Outdoors

As we all know, the goal of most players is to make it outdoors at the highest possible level. Whether that is the CFL, UFL, NFL, or leagues like the LFA, ELF, X-League, or GFL depends on the player. A lot has been said about the NAL this season but lost in all of the issues at the ownership level for some teams, is the fact that we are watching some very good football. With talented players battling it out every weekend. For our entertainment and to catch the attention of teams in higher level leagues.

I went directly to the Coaches for their opinions on which players they thought were the most capable outdoor players. Some names may be rather obvious others may come as a surprise. One thing was encouraging; across the board, every coach said it was difficult to limit it to just five.

One name that should come as no surprise:

Guy Myers, QB Carolina Cobras

Guy Myers looks, sounds, and plays like a professional quarterback should. He is the type of lead-by-example player every team should want in their QB1, and his teammates, including the men behind him on the depth chart, love him by all accounts.

Myers has had a couple of chances with USFL teams but has yet to stick long-term. He has a permanent home in Carolina as long as he wants it, but even his coaches know he deserves to be outdoors and they would happily vouch for him should any team come calling. Myers was an unpolished product coming out of college but now having gotten a taste of the professional ranks you can see a maturity in his game that wasn’t there in 2021.

The 6’6 215 pound quarterback has a calm, cool, and collected demeanor, he lets his play do the talking, and it has plenty to say. Myers can make all the throws; he shows good touch but when the situation calls for it he will throw a dart between defenders. He isn’t typically regarded as a dual threat though he can escape pressure in the pocket, or take off and run when needed. He’s even had some breakaway runs in the past that caught defenses by surprise. Myers is too young and too talented to not get another opportunity outdoors.

Myers is well respected across the league and his name was mentioned by every coach asked.

Sam Hammond, DL, Colorado Spartans

Another name who was unanimously chosen was Sam Hammond a pass rusher from the Colorado Spartans. Hammond is another player that looks the part. The University of Nevada graduate had a productive career for the Wolfpack finding himself in the opposing backfield often.

The 6’5 265 pound defensive end graduated with 124 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, 3 fumbles recovered, and 1 blocked kick. He also played as a blocker on the kick return unit with a couple bouncing his way, he wasn’t shy about picking them up and collecting 23 yards. Hammond was in an NFL rookie minicamp in 2022 but it didn’t last long before the Super Bowl Champions moved forward with other players.

Hammond didn’t have the typical stop in the CFL, UFL, or otherwise before landing indoors with the IFL. Signing with the Quad City Steamwheelers he jump-started his professional career playing a much faster game that forces defensive linemen to win without a lot of the tools they use outdoors. This hasn’t stopped Hammond from finding himself in the backfield early and often once again.

In his first season indoors he produced 41 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, .5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 blocked kicks. He also was used on the kick return unit as a blocker once again. For the 2024 season, he signed with the Expansion Colorado Spartans on a devastating defensive unit that featured multiple guys who could cut it outdoors. Hammond however sticks out when you watch the games, he may only be credited with 21 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery but watching how often he produces pressure it’s hard to truly quantify his impact.

If you want a pass rusher who gets off the snap quickly, can win without help like stunts and twists, and has speed and power in his tool bag this is the player for you. Hammond is the type of athlete who could likely fit right in as a 4-3 defensive end, a 3-4 outside linebacker, or even potentially as a tight end if a team wanted to get creative. He also holds value on all special teams’ units. As mentioned before he’s no stranger to blocking.

At Nevada’s pro day, he measured in just shy of an 80-inch wingspan, with 33-inch arms. He ran a 4.97 but put up 17 reps on the bench, ran a 7.08 3-cone drill, and a 4.55 short shuttle. His 33.5-inch vertical displays some explosion to his game but he simply isn’t the type of player who will impress in testing like he will if you just watch him play:

https://www.facebook.com/NevadaWolfPack/videos/2377027685733588/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Steve Newbold, WR, Colorado Spartans

Steve Newbold was mentioned by multiple coaches which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Newbold is a Swiss Army knife, he is one of those rare players that can not only play but legitimately contribute in all three phases of the game.

He is the top wide receiver for the Spartans, the top kick returner and he moonlights as a defensive back because he is that valuable. He leads the team with 35 offensive touches for 488 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has added 4 tackles on defense, as well as 21 kick returns for 374 yards and 3 touchdowns. All of this has come in 7 games. Without Newbold, this entire team would look different.

The former Green Bay Blizzard player followed his old coach Tae Brooks to Colorado, and Coach Brooks knew exactly what he was getting in Newbold. For two years he was a jack of all trades for the Blizzard playing all three phases. He collected:

8 carries 19 yards, and 1 TD

76 receptions for 958 yards and 24 tds

51 returns for 836 yards

31 tackles, 1 interception

A record holder at Tennessee State who went overlooked in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the 2023 XFL Draft, at some point a team will realize that Newbold is too valuable to pass on again. Outdoors he may have even more value given he can aid in the punt game as well, a facet of the game he doesn’t see indoors, that’s not even considering giving this speedster more room to work in the open field.

Tommy Armstrong, QB, Omaha Beef

Tommy Armstrong is a legend in Nebraska for his college career as a Cornhusker. Redshirting in 2012, Armstrong spent five years at Nebraska including 43 starts in 45 appearances. He would graduate after the 2016 season holding every record you could hope to have as a quarterback.

From Nebraska’s Website

Armstrong’s Nebraska Rankings» Career Passing Yards, 1st (8,871 yards)» Career Pass Completions, 1st (625 completions)» Career Touchdown Passes, 1st (67 touchdowns)» Career Total Offense, 1st (10,690 yards)» Career Total Touchdowns, 1st (91 touchdowns)» Career 250-Yard Passing Games, 1st (14 games)» Career 300-Yard Total Offense Games, 1st (11 games)» Career Starts by a Quarteback, 1st (44 starts)» Season Passing Yards, 3rd/5th (3,030 yards in 2015, 2,695 yards in 2014)» Season Passing Touchdowns, 4th (22 TDs in both 2014 and 2015)» Season Passing Completions, 5th (222 completions, 2015)» Season Total Offense, 3rd/4th (3,430 yards in 2015, 3,400 yards in 2014)» Season 300-Yard Passing Games, 2nd (4, 2015)» Season 250-Yard Passing Games, 1st-tied (8, 2015)» Season 300-Yard Total Offense Games, 1st-tied (6, 2015)

After college Armstrong was advised to change positions to pursue the NFL. He opted to work out as a wide receiver. He had a respectable workout:

6’0 216 lbs

4.57 40-yard dash

1.61 10-yard split

37.5 inch vertical

6.76 3-cone drill

This drew interest from the Vikings first as a running back and then as a safety. Ultimately Armstrong lasted just a couple weeks before being waived. I’m honestly surprised he didn’t see more interest as a wide receiver or running back.

This began his career in NFL alternative leagues, starting with Your Call Football a league designed to allow fans to call plays. This allowed him to move back to quarterback. He would go on to sign with the AAF but didn’t play in the league before it folded. This left him looking for other options. That’s when the Nebraska Danger came calling. The Danger gave Armstrong a chance to return to Nebraska, while he gave them an easy sell to the Cornhusker fans in the area, that partnership was short-lived but fruitful as Armstrong won IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and led the league in rushing.

In 2020 the IFL shut down due to Covid 19 and returned looking different. With the Danger gone, Sioux Falls brought Armstrong in to lead the way. He would go on to put up 680 yards 17 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He even returned 1 kick for 8 yards.

In 2023 Armstrong returned to Nebraska this time with the Omaha Beef. He would lead Omaha on an undefeated run winning a championship, POW 3 times, and League MVP in his first season as a member of the CIF. He would re-sign before 2024 now playing in the National Arena League for the first time.

When he isn’t playing football, he’s coaching it at his football academy. Tommy Armstrong is A Football Guy.

Since Playing Indoor Football;

345 of 570 for 5,853 total yards, 159 total touchdowns, 17 interceptions

Jason Whittaker Colorado Spartans

Jason Whittaker is a rookie quarterback playing his first professional football with the Colorado Spartans. The two-year starter may have finished with Davenport but he began with Northwestern. While it began as a four star recruit as a quarterback redshirting as a freshman, it ended 3 seasons later after a position change to h-back, and then a later move back to quarterback when injuries occurred.

The 6’5 225 pound QB/TE would later transfer to Davenport for a chance to get on the field in more than just spot duty. He would go on to play in 20 games for Davenport collecting 46 touchdowns to 19 interceptions, and 4,211 yards completing 54% of his passes. So far in his only season at the professional level he has found success with the Spartans who surrounded him with playmakers.

Players like the aforementioned Steve Newbold, D Washington, and Deonte Rarreick. He has completed 63.8% of his passes, for 32 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. He has just topped 1,400 yards passing adding 105 yards on the ground and 5 more touchdowns. If not for a few untimely interceptions Whitaker might be the top name on this list. At least one coach mentioned a tendency to throw interceptions at the worst times, which is nearly impossible to deny. If he can clean up this one facet of his game there is no doubt in my mind he can find success at the next level.

Jeff Mack, RB, Omaha Beef

Jeff Mack is one of those players who might be past consideration at the next level due to his age, but he is certainly a guy teams made a mistake not giving a real opportunity to. Mack is a dual-threat back who has the skill set needed to line up as a running back, or a slot receiver given the situation.

At 5’8 190 pounds Mack still has plenty of gas left in the tank after graduating college back in 2013. He has grown into something of a legend among the Champions Indoor Football League fans and teams having played for Omaha, Salina Liberty, Topeka Tropics, Rapid City Marshals, and the Salina Bombers.

Most of his success has come in Omaha where he is currently working to climb the record charts after starting the season 6th in rushing yards and attempts. He and Tabyus Taylor are great complements to each other given their very different styles of play.

Mack has contributed 39 carries for 201 yards, 4 touchdowns, 7 receptions for 36 yards, and 7 kick returns for 134 yards this season showing he is far from done in year 11.

https://www.facebook.com/TheOmahaBeef/videos/1106991790629201/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Every name above was mentioned by at least two coaches, but in this next group, each name was brought up only once.

Honorable Mention

Gibson Ziah

Pass rushers that produce are constantly in demand no matter what league you follow. Ziah is a player who should be garnering attention outdoors soon. He has long arms that allow him to get off blocks quickly, on several of his sacks he was able to disengage and get in the backfield too fast for the quarterback to even react.

At 6’2 232 lbs he isn’t the biggest player, but could be the type of designated pass rusher teams could use with his hand in the dirt or standing up at linebacker at the next level. No matter where he has played he’s been a master of getting to the quarterback. Producing 27 sacks in college, 15.5 sacks in 2 seasons with the Beef, 4 sacks with the Tulsa Oilers, and now 5 sacks in just 6 games for the Cobras. With Carolina he has displayed the ability to cover a little bit logging 1 pbu, and 1 interception as well.

Austin Schaffer

Schaffer is an athletic quarterback who once played wide receiver in college. Standing 6’0 200 lbs at that time he attended South Oregon University. In his first week in the NAL, he was named Offensive Player of the Week after a 253-yard and 7-touchdown performance.

Kyler Henson

Kyler Henson is a 6’3 195 lb wide receiver who has contributed in the run game and passing game. Henson has 5 carries for 25 yards, 39 receptions for 487 yards, and 9 touchdowns in just 7 league games. In years past he has played special teams and defense for Idaho as well. Henson graduated in 2019 and tried to begin his professional career in the worst season in recent memory during the COVID-marred 2020 season.

Rashad Flanders

Flanders is a key part of the Horsemen’s offense, defense, and special teams. He has amassed 26 carries for 72 yards and 1 touchdown, 21 receptions for 135 yards and 3 touchdowns, 13 tackles, 6 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and 25 kick returns for 376 yards, and 1 touchdown. The two-time AWFC Champion and former collegiate defensive back has developed into a mainstay for the Horsemen but an argument could be made he should have been outdoors years ago.

Adam Smith

Adam Smith is as versatile as they come, an old-school NAL ironman who plays all three phases of the game. Playing in 6 games he has caught 29 passes for 346 yards and 6 touchdowns, he added 5 carries for 21 yards, 1 touchdown, 22 kick returns for 385 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The 2023 All-NAL Wide Receiver returned for one last ride with Carolina but one has to wonder if he would return for 2025 if it meant playing in the UFL, or CFL. The veteran wideout is one of those players who will simply be in the right place at the right time. A quarterback’s best friend.

Frederick Bruno

Bruno is likely too old to get the call-up at this point but he has all the traits to have played outdoors early in his career. At this point in his career, he displays a route-running savvy that leaves much younger defensive backs in his dust. His ability to return kicks is uncanny, almost like a 6th sense. This season he is second in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns, first in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, and first in kick return attempts, yards, and touchdowns for Sioux City. His 629 total yards and 7 touchdowns lead the team. He is the Sioux City Bandit player to know.

Brandon Shepard

Coaches love veteran receivers, guys who know where to be, when to be there, and how to get open on their way there. His best trait might be his size at 6’3 205 lbs, but it’s his ability to get open that has made him so valuable over his years of playing indoor football. Since 2019 he has bounced back and forth between Sioux Falls in the IFL, Sioux City in the CIF, and now NAL. During that time he has scored 38 touchdowns on 131 receptions collecting 1,931 yards in 43 games. He also spent time in the NFL, CFL, and GDFL. This year he returned to Sioux City to try his hand at a new league with a familiar team.

Torrance Carr

Carr is another Oklahoma State alum on this list. Carr however is a jack of all trades who has played everything from quarterback to wide receiver, to defensive back, and linebacker. The 6’2 215 lb offensive weapon ran a 4.52 40-yard dash coming out of college. He has played for several teams over his career and was one of many players who had interest from multiple leagues this season. Carr chose to go to Oklahoma staying close to where he once played his college football. Carr would again play multiple positions displaying his versatility. He may never get outdoors at the highest level, but a team in the LFA, or ELF, should seriously consider making Carr an offer he can’t refuse.

Leagues like these look to maximize the value they get from their American Imports, and there aren’t many players that are more versatile than Carr. They could utilize him as a receiver, running back, emergency QB, have him play special teams, and maybe even serve as depth on defense. I hear he can even handle the merchandise for the team.

Justin Hall

Justin “Jay” Hall has outdoor football size but did not have the college production needed to get there right away. The 6’0 265 pound defensive end finished his career playing 8 games for the University of North Carolina Pembroke where he had 17 tackles, 3 for a loss, and 1 sack. So far in 4 games split between Carolina and Colorado, he’s collected 11 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.

Cory Henry

Henry and Hammond have combined for 8 sacks on the season. Each player has logged 4 sacks and is tied for the team lead. Henry is a veteran presence on a team full of rookies. In his tenth season of professional football, he has spent time in the NFL, AFL, CFL, IFL, UFL, CIF, and NAL. The 6’4 260-pound edge rusher attended Florida Atlantic University before beginning his journey in the pro ranks.

There you have it, 16 players from the NAL recommended by the coaches within the league. If you’re looking for talent to add to your team in 2025, I highly recommend you look at all these guys and more. The NAL has elevated players in the past, it’s time they get that attention again.