Lübeck Cougars sign US running back Ashton Heard

First international newcomer for the Lübeck Cougars. The second division football team has signed US running back Ashton Heard for the 2022 season. The 27-year-old powerhouse (1.75 m / 85 kg) is moving from the Serbian first division club Kragujevac Wild Boars to the Hanseatic city.

“Ashton was an All American when he was in college and has experience in Europe. Throughout his entire career he has proven that he can pose problems to any opponent with his speed, explosiveness, but also pure power, “said the new Cougars head coach Jim Ward, looking forward to the newcomer, who should revive the recently ailing running game.

From North Greenville to Copenhagen and Serbia to the Cougars

Before his engagement in Serbia, Heard was active for the Copenhagen Towers in 2019 and became Danish runner-up with them. In his home country, the 27-year-old played for North Greenville University (NCAA Div. II), where he ran 2926 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. And he still holds the school record there for the most yards run in a game (315 yards and two touchdowns in 2015 against Tusculum College).

Heard himself would like to get started right away. “I’m excited about the chance to play for a club as special as the Cougars. After my first conversation with coach, it was clear to me that Lübeck was the right club for me, ”said the 27-year-old, who has already intensified his training program in order to come to Germany in the best shape of his life.

Quarterback search is a priority for Lübeck footballers

A large construction site in the cadre of the mountain lions is closed, but there is still a lot of work waiting for the people of Lübeck. “Above all, we now have to fill the quarterback position again and then see where we can strengthen ourselves in defense,” says the outgoing head coach Mark Holtze, who will continue to be part of the coaching staff in 2022.

It is still unclear which position the 50-year-old will take on. Because there were also some departures in the coaching staff of the Cougars. In addition to special teams coordinator Max Groß (wants to concentrate on the position of flag football national coach), the defense coaches also have something surprising Florian Dannehl and Vladi Ilic announced their resignation.

From Axel Wronowski