The Carlstad Crusaders have signed receiver/running back Hunter Belzo for the remainder of the season in Sweden including the Scandinavian Cup.
The versatile 5’9″, 190 pound, 26-year-old Belzo, a native of Meridien, Connecticut, spent part of the 2022 season with the Badalona Dracs in the Spanish top league recording 570 yards receiving and scoring nine touchdowns in five games, helping the Dracs reach the Spanish semifinals. Before missing the 2021 season due to covid, Belzo spent the 2020 season playing in the Arena Football League with the Idaho Horsemen where he scored 13 touchdowns in seven games. The versatile receiver played for four years (2016-20) at the University of Springfield (NCAA Div. III). amassing 2,332 yards of offense both receiving and rushing, scoring 27 touchdowns while lining up as a running back, wide receiver and at times quarterback. He helped Springfield win the NEWMAC conference title and was named to the All-Conference team in three out of his four years. He was also named to the Noontime Sports All-New England team and was an FAF All American.
The Crusaders had been looking for a versatile player to replace the injured quarterback/receiver Dante Vandeven who has returned home to the United States. They needed a player who could contribute to the offense and be a backup quarterback to Albin Forsman. And in Belzo, they feel they have found their man.
Belzo himself is confident he can help:
“I can play in several different positions. I’m an American football player more than a position player. Wherever the team needs me, wherever I am most useful for us to win games – that is what I will contribute to them.”
