Pro Hockey News

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

IFL: Jacksonville Sharks Add Four to Roster

JACKSONVILLE (www.jaxsportsday.com) The Jacksonville Sharks announced the signing of four players as they continue to move through this year's free agency period. 

Rookie defensive end Amani Peoples, rookie defensive lineman Ethan Skarmas, offensive lineman Taylor Sanders, and wide receiver Brian Smith. 

Amani Peoples, a Florida native hails from the powerhouse high school in south Florida, Miami Northwestern. The former Bull would go on to finish his collegiate career at Bethel College where he was selected as a All-KCAC (Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference) Honorable Mention selection his senior year (2022). 

He collected 21 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks and one forced fumble during his senior season campaign where he helped lead Bethel to a 9-1 record and a conference title. 

The Sharks add a fast pass rusher who gives 110% effort every play and the ability to also play a major role in special teams with his speed and athletic ability. Peoples will be joined by fellow rookie Ethan Skarmas out of Peru State College. Skarmas recorded 31 tackles, five and a half tackles for loss, and two sacks his senior season. 

The Sharks also added two familiar faces by announcing the re-signing of Taylor Sanders and Brian Smith. Both players were members of the 2023 NAL championship team. Sanders out of Alabama A&M signed with Jacksonville last year after earning a spot on the roster in an open workout. Taylor saw action on both sides of the ball last year with the offensive line being his main position but contributed a sack and forced fumble on defense as well. 

Smith comes to Jacksonville for his second season from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he saw action in ten games. He joined the Ragin' Cajuns after spending two seasons at Glendale Community College where he had 828 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons.  Smith had 167 yards receiving and four touchdowns last year for the Sharks.