By Brad Duff
The Berlin Rebels have announced the signing of 30-year-old linebacker Jonathan Avant.
The 6’4”, 245 pound Virginia native was a multi-position standout at Salem High, earning himself second-team All-Eastern Region honors. Avant then played for ASA Junior College in Brooklyn, before moving to Missouri State, where he graduated in 2015 after playing in 11 games.
Following his graduation, Jonathan Avant began his semi-professional career for the Virginia Hurricanes of the AAF.
Avant had recently signed with the Cologne Crocodiles, however, given the team’s recent withdrawal from the GFL, the Rebels were able to add him to their already strong roster.
Although this will be his first time playing in Europe, the Avant name is not an unfamiliar one to German fans; Jonathan’s brother Donnie Avant played for the Dresden Monarchs and coached for the Assindia Cardinals of the GFL2.
After talking to his brother, the decision to play in Germany only became easier for Jonathan:
“I chose the Berlin Rebels for the diversity that the team has and the vision that the coaches have to make it to the playoffs. I feel that this team can go a long way this year on the road to a championship.”
Joining recently imported signings including British standouts Mykal Dallas Nixon and Tyrese Johnson-Fisher, along with fellow American import Connor Kaegi, Avant’s big build and athleticism is sure to be a monumental difference maker to the Rebels defense.
Rebels defensive coordinator Jag Bal provided his thoughts on the signing:
“We’re extremely excited to have Jonathan in a Rebels uniform. He’s an experienced athlete whose versatility as an athlete and mindset will have a huge impact on our football culture.”