The L’Hospitalet Pioners have returned to Spain’s top division and have signed quarterback Khalid Ali from Central State.
Ali led the Eger Heroes to the playoffs in the Hungarian Football League in 2017. He threw for 714 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 402 and another three touchdowns in nine games with the Heroes.
The 6′, 185 lb Ali was a three-year starter at Central State (NCAA Div 2 Independent) where he was a team captain in his junior and senior years.
American Football International asked Khalid about his move to Spain and playing in Europe.
AFI: Why did you change from the Heroes to the Pioners?
Ali: I changed from the Heroes to the L’Hospitalet Pioners of Barcelona, Spain because it is a better league as well as a beautiful city to see and live in.
AFI: How did you find out about playing in Europe?
Ali: My older brother played professional basketball in Germany as well as my former college coach (Ben “Winter” Coates) coached for the Frankfurt Galaxy NFLE.
AFI: What have you enjoyed the most about playing in Europe?
Ali: The cultural exchange. Learning other cultures and interacting with others from different origins while playing as well as teaching the game of American football.
AFI: What do you think you bring to the Pioners?
Ali: I think I bring solid leadership great knowledge of the game as well as a versatile athlete that can line up at multiple positions on the field.
AFI: What are your expectations?
Ali: This is the first year the Pioners have been back in the top division however my expectations are to be one of if not the most competitive team in Spain and plan to make a big statement in the series A of the league.