The Örebro Black Knights have bolstered their backfield with the signing of Italian American running back Mike Gentili for the remainder of the shortened 2020 Swedish Superserien season.
The Black Knights have stumbled out to a 1-3 record with the offense struggling to score points, so Gentili’s explosive skills will no doubt be a welcome addition. In the four games so far, Örebro has scored a total of 56 points.
The 31 year old 5’10”, 215 lb Gentili, a native of Leominster, Massachusetts, played two games with the Helsinki Roosters of Finland’s Maple League rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown.
The two games with Helsinki gave the personable running back a taste of football in Europe’s northern region:
“After getting a taste of Nordic football in Helsinki, I was very excited to have the chance to continue playing with Orebro. The process happened quite suddenly and within 48 hours I was in Sweden.”
He 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).
Gentili had signed a contract for the 2020 season with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns playing in the German Football League, but since that was cancelled, Gentili was free to sign with Helsinki. Now having landed in Örebro, located in south central Sweden, he is eager to get to work:
“Already I’m impressed with the dedication of the players, coaches and support staff! I’m grateful to have the chance to contribute to yet another competitive season with one of Sweden’s top teams.”
Needless to say, Black Knights head coach Timothy Speckman welcomes the signing of the proven running back:
“We are really happy that this worked out. Mike is an intelligent and versatile player who will help us be more dynamic in all 3 phases of the game. I feel he can be that boost of energy we need right now. And our young team will benefit from his experience and hard working attitude.”
The Black Knights next game is this Saturday, September 19 when they play host to the Carlstad Crusaders.