Unsigned Global college prospects for European teams to target
The CFL completed its annual Global Draft last week, while NFL clubs have rapidly begun to fill their designated International Player Pathway Program spots ahead of rookie mini-camps. As a result, many of the top graduating international college prospects have landed professional opportunities, with much of the remainder already entrenched on ELF rosters.
However, a number of experienced players from the NCAA and below have flown under the radar and remain unsigned. With the ELF season set to start later this month, they could be value additions for teams looking to improve their E-Import talent or intriguing options for lower level clubs hoping to take the next step in their national leagues.
Here are 12 currently unaffiliated players who teams may want to consider, presented without consideration to their potential interest level. Only prospects from countries that could qualify as E-Imports have been included.
For further details, film, contact info, and more testing information please refer to player’s profiles on the ALL22 scouting app, or contact J.C. Abbott.
To sign up for ALL22, contact Derek Sawyer at dsawyer@all22.org. Anyone interested in learning more about scouting evaluation and training opportunities is asked to email Patrik Asen at programs@all22.org.
OL Jasper Friis — McNeese State University (2023) | Jackson State University (2022) | Iowa Central Community College [JUCO] (2020-21) | University of California (2018-19)
HT: 6061 | WT: 337 | HND: 95 | ARM: 347 | WNG: 827
BP: 19 | VJ: 21.5 | BJ: 7074 | 10YD: 1.97 | 40YD: 5.53 | 3C: 8.81 | SS: 5.40
Statistics: 18 GP | 2 GS
Country of Origin: Germany
A heavy-footed tackle with a massive frame and elite arm length, Friis was a highly touted recruit but struggled to see the field throughout his college career. He is technically raw and struggles to reset his hands, while stiffness in his lower body leads to lunging and challenges when redirecting. He has enough functional strength and mobility to contribute at the ELF level, where his size and pedigree would be unique.
Video:
OL Gerrik Vollmer — Furman University (2022-23) | Old Dominion University (2021) | University of Virginia (2017-20)
HT: 6042 | WT: 288 | HND: N/A | ARM: N/A | WNG: N/A
BP: N/A | VJ: N/A | BJ: N/A | 10YD: N/A | 40YD: N/A | 3C: N/A | SS: N/A
Statistics: 27 GP | 7 GS
Country of Origin: Germany
A long interior lineman with starting experience at both centre and guard, Vollmer shows good understanding of angles in the run game and possesses above-average leg drive despite a lack of ideal bulk. He is a waist bender who plays with poor eyes and hand placement in pass protection, but displays enough athleticism to excel in the ELF. Should be a priority target for any team looking to add a versatile interior starter.
IDL Ben Key — University of Nevada-Las Vegas (2022-23) | University of Missouri (2020-2021) | East Los Angeles College [JUCO] (2018-19)
HT: 6026 | WT: 323 | HND: 106 | ARM: 344 | WNG: 820
BP: 22 | VJ: 26 | BJ: 8005 | 10YD: 1.94 | 40YD: 5.31 | 3C: 8.83 | SS: 5.15
Statistics: 9 GP | 3 TCK
Country of Origin: Australia
A round-bodied nose tackle with elite length, Key was highly recruited coming out of JUCO but has seen action on just 59 defensive snaps in his NCAA career. He shows good play strength but is slow off the snap and lacks the refined hand usage to maximize his reach. Has consistently gained weight over his college career and needs to trim down to regain his quickness, though his frame would immediately provide a mismatch at the ELF level.
Video:
OL Ezzat Elnagmi — St. Clair College [CJFL] (2022-23)
HT: 6036 | WT: 325 | HND: 96 | ARM: 324 | WNG: 802
BP: 16 | VJ: 22 | BJ: 7094 | 10YD: 1.90 | 40YD: 5.57 | 3C: 8.51 | SS: 5.31
Statistics: 21 GP | 21 GS
Country of Origin: England
An All-Canadian selection in junior football who saw action at four different spots along the offensive line last year, Elnagmi excelled at a level roughly equivalent to a mid-tier European league. He is technically sloppy with below average balance and high pad level, struggling to contend with speed rushers due to slow feet. However, he displays a forceful punch and generates displacement as a run blocker due to good leg drive. Would be best suited to an interior role on a run-first power team, but has the versatility to provide value if forced to play tackle.
Video:
TE Ianis Cherdieu — Bishop’s University [U Sports] (2019-23)
HT: 6004 | WT: 220 | HND: 93 | ARM: 314 | WNG: 742
BP: 17 | VJ: 24.5 | BJ: 8110 | 10YD: 1.76 | 40YD: 4.83 | 3C: 7.22 | SS: 4.38
Statistics: 31 GP | 22 REC | 215 YDS | 2 TD | 1 BLK
Country of Origin: France
An undersized tight end who was only used sparingly at Bishop’s, Cherdieu flashes some athletic twitch and short area burst in the passing game. He releases well off the line and shows a solid ability to settle in space, though his inconsistent route running and tendency to decelerate after the catch are a concern. He struggles to create displacement or finish as a drive blocker due to his lack of weight, but could carve out a role as a change of pace receiving threat with a team willing to focus on his strengths.
Video:
IDL Emeka Jillani — Northern State University (2022-23) | Ball State University (2018-2021)
HT: 6020 | WT: 310 | HND: N/A | ARM: N/A | WNG: N/A
BP: N/A | VJ: N/A | BJ: N/A | 10YD: N/A | 40YD: N/A | 3C: N/A | SS: N/A
Statistics: 37 GP | 39 TCK | 6.5 TFL | 4 SCK | 2 FF | 1 FR
Country of Origin: England
Jillani is a stocky interior defender who has been a solid rotational piece throughout his college career but never developed into a difference-maker, even after transferring down several levels of competition. Struggled with play strength against the run at Ball State but was a functional starter later in his career. Provides limited pass rush upside but would be a capable contributor for any European club.
Subscribe to ALL22’s Substack to read about the six remaining prospects.