The Dresden Monarchs, German Football League semifinalists in 2018, have re-signed the anchor of their defense and arguably the top linebacker in Europe, AJ Wentland.
Wentland led the GFL in tackles for the entire 2018 season. He had 18 in Dresden’s 28-28 tie with the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in the final regular season game of the season and finished the year with 187, the highest total in four years. He had three games of 20+ tackles. In the Monarchs final semifinal loss to the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns, he led all defenders racking up 12 tackles in a losing cause. He also had a tackle for loss.
The 6’3″, 225 lb native of Rockford, Illinois was a standout two-time All American linebacker with the McKendree University Bearcats (NCAA, Division II) where he was also a three-time All GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference) linebacker. Over three years he amassed a total of 412 tackles including 145 in 11 games in his senior year, 2017. He also had two touchdowns, three interceptions and six forced fumbles.
AJ Wentland highlights
