Five Lions selected for Second Team All-NAL
The 2021 All-NAL Second Team has been announced and five Columbus Lions players made the team. Lonnie Outlaw, Corey Crawford, Lenroy Neysmith, Kewan Alfred and Desmond Reece were the five players selected for Second Team All-NAL.
Lonnie Outlaw was one of three receivers selected to Second Team All-NAL. Outlaw has appeared in all nine games for the Lions this season and he currently leads the team in receptions and yards. The veteran receiver is third in the NAL in receptions (62), fourth in yards (676) and sixth in touchdowns (12). Outlaw has been an integral part of the Lions offense this season and the four-headed monster receiving corps, with four receivers eclipsing ten or more touchdowns.
Corey Crawford is one of the biggest surprises of the season, excelling at his new position as the fullback, a role that initially seemed to be a temporary solution but has now seen Crawford become an important part of the Lions offense. While Crawford has only received touches in five games this season, he has made the most of his opportunities, catching seven passes for 63 yards and six touchdowns. Crawford also has 11 carries for 15 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, giving him 8 total touchdowns this year.
On the defensive side, the Lions saw two linebackers chosen for Second Team All-NAL. Lenroy Neysmith has been a pivotal part of the stout Lions defense that has dominated opponents throughout the season. In nine games, Neysmith has 45 total tackles, 3.5 for loss, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one pass breakup. Neysmith’s 45 total tackles are the most of any defender on Columbus and third-most in the NAL, and the most among linebackers.
Kewan Alfred made his return to the gridiron this season after over 2 years away from the game due to injury and the veteran linebacker has not disappointed in his return. Alfred has appeared in seven games for the Lions this season, racking up 19 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interceptions. He is tied with fellow Lion Ken Washington and Flight defender Sean Daniels for the most fumble recoveries in the NAL.
On special teams, Desmond Reece was chosen as the returner for the Second Team All-NAL special teams. Despite being the primary returner for the Lions, Reece has only returned kicks in seven games this season. Reece has 285 yards on 18 returns this season, an average of 15.8 yards per return. He leads the league in both total returns and total return yards.
This Saturday the Lions will travel to Albany, New York to take on the Albany Empire in the 2021 NAL Championship game. Kickoff for 2021 NAL Championship game is set for 7 p.m EST on August 14. The game can be watched live with CTV Beam, at https://www.nationalarenaleague.com/home or on the NAL’s official Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzSD8STXiEVPVtUDO9juhA.
ABOUT THE COLUMBUS LIONS
The Columbus Lions are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2007, the Columbus Lions are starting their 15th season in 2021. The Lions are a 3x league champion and 13 playoff appearances in their rich history. The Lions play their home games at Hughston Field in the Columbus Civic Center. Lions Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (706) 322-3336 or visit columbuslions.com. Follow the Lions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lionsfootball/, twitter @columbuslions and instagram.com/Columbuslions.
ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE
The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. The National Arena League will kick off its fifth season in 2021. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.