Turkey: RB Joshua Quezada signs with Turkish champs, the Koc Rams

Turkish champions and AFI Europe #12, the Koc Rams, and have signed running back Joshua Quezada for the 2018 season.

Quezada, 5’11”, 215 lb, is a native of La Habra, California and played his college football at BYU and Fresno State where over four years he rushed for 2,135 yards and caught 96 passes for 580 yards scoring 20 touchdowns. While at Fresno State, Quezada played with current Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

This past season with the Kragujevac Wild Boars, he was instrumental in the Wild Boars third consecutive Serbian championship and eighth overall. He scored five touchdowns (!) in the title game and was named Game MVP.

For the season, Quezada led the Serbian league, rushing for 1,152 yards averaging 11.5 yards a carry while catching 21 passes for another 311 yards. He scored 20 touchdowns and was named Import Player of the Year in Serbia.

In 2017, while playing for Finland’s Turku Trojans, he led the Finnish Maple League with 1,111 yards rushing. He spent the 2016 season with the Gdynia Seahawks in Poland rushing for 1,037 yards, averaging 11.2 yards a carry and helping lead the Seahawks to the Polish championship game.

American Football International:  Why the move from Serbia to the Koc Rams in Turkey?

Quezada: I loved Serbia! The Kragujevac Wild Boars is a great organization and I enjoyed my time there. I was very fortunate to be be a part of the first 3-peat with them but it was time for me to move on. After playing against the Koç Rams in the CEFL and visiting there massive city I couldn’t resist the chance to return to Istanbul, Turkey! I’ve never seen such a beautiful city. Out of the 10 countries that I visited in 2018, Istanbul was one of my favorites!

AFI: How much do you know about football in Turkey?

Quezada: One of the few things I know about American Football in Turkey is Koç Rams are the best team and they are one of the best teams in Europe!

AFI: This will be your fourth country since first arriving in Europe. What have you enjoyed the most?

Quezada: Signing with the Koç Rams will be the 4th organization in Europe I’ve been a part of. I’ve been fortunate to visit 16 countries so far in Europe and enjoyed every moment of it. Playing American Football and traveling has always been a dream of mine as a kid and I’ve been fortunate to do both.

AFI: What kind of differences have you seen in football in Europe since coming here?

Quezada:  I’ve been able to see a difference in competition this year competing in the CEFL international league. The domestic league compared to the international competition is a whole different ball game. You play the best from other countries in the CEFL and it’s been fun experience!

AFI: What do you feel is your role as an import in Europe?

Quezada:  For any import, you have a responsibility not only as a player but also a coach. Helping the youth is something every import should expect to do when coming to Europe and it’s something I have a passion for not only in Europe but in back home in Southern California.

AFI: Have you had a chance to travel much and if so where?

Quezada:  Most Eastern countries I’ve seen so far. I haven’t seen the typical west side popular counties like France, Spain, Italy, or the U.K. yet. So far I’ve visited Bulgaria, Poland, Estonia, Sweden, Serbia, Turkey, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Netherlands, Macedonia, Germany, and Czech Republic. Maybe 4-5 more countries in 2019.

AFI: What are your plans for the future?

Quezada: The only plans I have lined up is winning another championship! That is my main focus not only in Turkish league but in the CEFL conference as well! If anyone wants to follow my journey you can add me on social media: Twitter & Instagram @raw_juice20

I want to give thanks to American Football International and grateful for giving athletes a platform to speak.