The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, German Football League finalists and AFI Europe #3, have bolstered their backfield with the signing of Italian American running back Mike Gentili for the 2020 season.
The Unicorns reached the German Bowl in 2019 for the sixth straight time but lost to the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions.
The 31 year old 5’10”, 215 lb native of Leominster, Massachusetts, spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Lazio Ducks in Italy’s Div. I, rushing for a total of 1,087 yards in 14 regular season games. He was important in helping Team Italy defeat Austria this past fall to advance to Europe’s Final Four. He finished his college career with a two-year stint at Bridgewater State University (NCAA Div. III) where he rushed for 912 yards. He also played at the University of New Hampshire (NCAA Div. I) and Curry College (NCAA Div. III).
Mike Gentili breaking tackles against Switzerland, Photo: Giulio Busi
As a member of the Italian national team, Gentili was a key in the crucial win over Austria.
When asked about the move from Italy to Germany and the Unicorns, Gentili had said:
“After everything I had heard from the Italian National Team guys that are here and have played here in the past – the level of seriousness really appealed to me. And having the ability to continue with my national team commitments as we prepare for the European Championship was huge.”
Check out Gentili’s highlights from European Championship qualifying
Highlights from BSU
