FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Former University of Charleston football standout Xavier Drakeford has signed a professional contract to play for the Fairbanks Grizzlies of the Indoor Football League, Wednesday afternoon.
Drakeford was a powerful piece of a Charleston defense that won 29 games between 2006-2009. In his final season for the Golden Eagles Drakeford finished third on the team with 48 total tackles, including four tackles for loss, one sack and a team high five pass break-ups.
He will now enter training camp with the Grizzlies to prepare for a 2011 campaign that kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 27 against the Amarillo Venom. Drakeford is expected to compete for the starting safety position with Fairbanks.
“Xavier has the potential to be a big part of our defense,” Grizzlies head coach Robert Fuller said. “He brings a physical presence to our secondary and has a knack for making big hits.”
According to Fuller, Drakeford brings a lot of experience from the collegiate level, having been a four-year starter at Charleston as well as a four-time All-WVIAC selection at safety.
In his junior season, Drakeford was selected to the All-Super Region 1 team and also was an Honorable Mention All-American. He finished his career with 200 tackles, six sacks, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles and seven blocked kicks.
“He played a ton of football in college,” Fuller said of the 6-foot-2, 215 pound back, “and his ability to play multiple positions for us on defense is a great asset.”
