Germany’s Allgäu Comets have signed the second top player from Sweden’s Örebro Black Knights in wide receiver Jonatan Gihl.
The 5’10”, 180 lb, 21 year old Gihl from Kristianstad, Sweden spent the 2017 season with the Black Knights and finished the year fifth in the Swedish Super Series in receiving yardage despite being sidelined for three games. He made his national team debut scoring a touchdown against the Great Britain Lions in Sweden’s 15-12 win.
With teammate Danny Wynne also headed to the Comets, Gihl was asked about the connection.
“I had reached out to the Comets on Europlayers.com and began discussions with general manager Jörg Wienstruck and then coach Bedwell. We just got along great, I really liked coach Bedwell’s ideas for the team and when he offered I accepted.”
Although, the 2017 season was his first in the top league in Sweden with the Black Knights, he has been playing football since his early teens with his hometown Kristianstad Predators. He moved to Sacramento, California for his final year of high school, playing for Christian Brothers High School where he teamed up with childhood friend from Sweden and quarterback, Christopher Guillen.
“That was fun, two Swedes from the same town playing on the same high school team in California. We would communicate in Swedish on the field, keeping opposing teams in the dark.”
This is quite a journey for a young player from Sweden who has only played in the top division for one year.
“My parents and sister have really been supportive, when I was away for a year in high school and now.”
Comets head coach Stan Bedwell:
“Jonatan really impressed me from our very first conversation. He’s a very talented young player that is hungry to prove himself in the top level of Europe. When you watch his film, the first thing that stands out is how explosive he is. He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands and is able to score in just about every way possible…rushing, receiving, in the return game, and even throwing the ball in wildcat sets. We feel very lucky to have Jonatan with us, he perfectly fits the mold of the type of young players we want to build our team with. “
Needless to say, Gihl is excited about the opportunity.
“I am really excited about playing against the top football players in Germany. A good friend of mine, William James from Sweden, plays for the Dresden Monarchs, so it has been valuable to be able to discuss this with him.”
With his 4.5 speed and physical style of play, Gihl is expected to help the Comets and Bedwell’s Air Raid offense . He will be playing alongside one of the top college receivers in Tommy Shuler so expect Allgäu to return to offensive prominence in 2017.