German Football League: Potsdam Royals sign former CFL defensive tackle Tibo Debaillie

The Potsdam Royals of the German Football League have agreed to terms with former Canadian Football League defensive lineman Tibo Debaillie. Potsdam head coach Michael Vogt is excited to have added the Belgian talent  to his defense:

“We were already in contact back then, before the CFL draft, but we could already guess that he would be drafted. He brings a lot of power and energy with him, a nightmare for every offensive line. We are very, very happy that he has chosen us.” 

The 6′2″, 285-pound native of Gistel, Belgium, learned to play football with his local team the Ostend Pirates. Debaillie’s size and athleticism quickly caught the attention of NCAA recruiters as he moved on to play college football at Towson University (NCAA D1). In his three seasons as a member of the Tigers, he played in 22 games recording 28 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one and a half sacks.

Belgian defensive lineman Tibo Debaillie, who was picked 20th overall in the CFL Global Draft by the Edmonton Elks, played three games last season in the CFL, making one tackle. He caught the attention of CFL scouts after a solid collegiate career and an impressive CFL combine where he put up 31 bench press reps of 225-pounds. Deballie was released by the Elks in February making him available to play in Europe.

The former CFL player joins fellow Belgian Reuben de Ruyter on a Royals team filled with talent. Potsdam has also signed former Penn State receiver Brandon Polk, Finnish talent Karri Pajarinen, and GFL’s leading rusher last season Jake Mayon. However the quarterback position remains a mystery in Potsdam.

Read more about Tibo Deballie’s football journey

Watch Deballie’s highlights