AFI International Players of the Week
In an attempt to bring more attention to the growing numbers of talented athletes from around the world who are taking their games abroad, AFI will name their weekly International Players of the Week, for high school and college football, throughout the 2017 season.
Criteria: For 2017, we are searching for football players from, or citizens of countries outside of the the 50 United States, and Canada, who are playing football in the 50 United States or Canada. How the AFI community can help: If you fit the criteria, or know someone who does, please pass on the name of the athlete, home country and current school. If you are a high school or college coach or SID, please keep send AFI statistical updates on your international students each week.
American Football International College Players of the Week: August 23-26, 2017
College: With NCAA games at any level not kicking off until August 30, it was the NAIA and NJCAA’s time to shine, and we look to the state of Nebraska for our offensive and defensive performances of the week.
Offense: Hastings College (Nebraska) running back, Travis Agagah, (feature photo) originally from Togo, scored his first collegiate touchdown Saturday, in a 31-3 win over Jamestown (North Dakota). Agagah finished the day with 49 yards on 5 carries. Stats via DakStats
Michael Bullard #11, Peru State DB
Defense: Peru State (Nebraska) defensive back Michael Bullard notched six total tackles, including one for a loss, in the Bobcats’ 31-14 victory against Avila University (Missouri). Bullard is from Nassau, Bahamas. Stats via Dakstats
Special Teams: Brazilian (Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro) junior college kicker, Thiago Kapps, notched more than half of his College of Dupage squad’s points in a 13-6 win against Iowa Central. Kapps converted his only PAT attempt, and was 2-2 on field goals (37, 41)
Rabun Gap RB Bailey McBride from the Bahamas scored 4 TDs in blowout win over Carolina Gladiators Photo: Klark Byrd The Clayton Tribute
High School: In his first game as the new Rabun Gap Nachoochee School Head Coach, former Tennessee and NFL star, Shawn Bryson, produced not only a big win, but the AFI offensive and defensive players of the week. Bahamian running back, Bailey McBride, from Freeport, Bahamas, exploded for four touchdowns and 112 yards on 13 carries, while Brazilian outside linebacker, Luke Helmlinger Fernandes (São Paulo) was all over the field for the Eagle defense, notching 10 tackles and snagging an interception. Rabun Gap rolled to a 50-14 victory over the Carolina Gladiators. Stats via Max Preps
Who did we miss? Who do you know with a Player of the Week worth performance?
Contact AFI to let us know the international athletes making a big impact on high school and college fields in North America.
