Hugh Mongo

Hugh Mongo

Hugh Mongo at Norther Illinois
No. 19 – Orange County Otters
Position:	Wide Receiver
Personal information
Born:	(2008-05-02)May 2, 2008 (aged 53) St. Rita, Illinois
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
College:	Northern Illinois University
Career history
Roster status:	Active

Hugh Mongo (born January 2, 2008) is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Orange County Otters.

Early years

Hugh Mongo was adopted by Belle and Bonnie Mongo of St. Rita, Illinois on May 5, 2008. They considered him their prized boy and recall that he was always quite a bit larger than most of his peers. Hugh's stature lended itself to an early interest and success in athletics, particularly basketball. As others in his age group began to grow as well, Hugh's advantage on the hardwood diminished and he realized that he'd spent so much time getting by on his size that he never really improved as a player. Desperate for other opportunities to get involved as an athlete, he tried out for his high school's varsity football team. The coaches were impressed with his size and athleticism, but sent him to junior varsity so he could learn the game at a slower pace. Mongo made varsity in his junior season, working primarily as the team's tight end and as a receiver on plays at the goal line. He really didn't experience any individual success until his senior year, when a new coaching staff saw wasted potential in using Mongo as a tight end. They began playing him as a wide receiver, and by the end of his senior season, he'd received offers from Illinois, Purdue, and Northern Illinois, where he elected to play college football.

College career

Still relatively raw as a football player when he arrived at Northern Illinois, Mongo spent his freshman season red shirted as he continued to add weight and learn the offense. Frustrated by feeling as though he was right back where he started as a player, he considered leaving the team late in his freshman season. However, when the Huskies's head coach was fired after the season, Mongo elected to give the new staff a year before he looked into transfer options. Head coach Saul Dobson brought his triple option to the program, much to the dismay of many in the Huskies' receiving corps. One player announced a transfer after spring practices, opening the door for Mongo to earn a starting position. As a starting receiver that season, Mongo posted modest numbers, but ones that were more than respectable given his role in the run first offense. He entered his sophomore campaign hoping to build on his previous season, but a nagging ankle injury cost him the first four games of the season. After two games, he was benched in favor of a healthier receiver, only to watch that player go down for the season one game later. After a bye week that seemingly cured his woes, Mongo exploded onto the scene, catching ten touchdowns in his final six games. Scouts took notice of his ability to make difficult catches and gain yards after the catch using his physicality. He submitted his paperwork to see where he stood as a prospect in the upcoming DSFL draft and received a 2nd round grade. Unsure as to whether or not he felt ready to make the leap, Mongo delayed his decision until mid-way through the draft. At that time he announced his intentions to declare for the Season 16 DSFL Draft.

College career statistics

College statistics

Year	Games	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD
2027	14	48	691	14.4	33	5
2028	14	62	980	15.8	67	12
Career	28	110	1671	15.2	67	17

Professional career

Mongo was selected 17th overall by the Tijuana Luchadores upon entering the DSFL Draft, under what many call dubious circumstances. Because the league wishes to involve all off-season declarations in the draft process, the Luchadores were able to select Mongo with a pick much later than he might have otherwise been picked. Once with the Luchadores, he joined a loaded receiving corps along with Rod Tidwell, a send down from the Austin Copperheads, and rookie Laszlo Fourty-Two, who went on to be picked 3rd overall by the Colorado Yeti following the season. Mongo's first season with Tijuana was a productive one, but also one marred by subpar quarterback play from Corvo Havran. Mongo did manage to crack the top ten in receiving yardage, checking in at 650 yards. He was, however, one of the DSFL's more explosive talents, ranking 3rd in average yards per reception. After a disappointing playoff loss to the Palm Beach Solar Bears, Mongo declared for the NSFL Draft and was selected 18th overall by the Orange County Otters.

Mongo was sent down for the 16th NSFL season, and was dealt to the Portland Pythons prior to the start of the DSFL season. He reportedly asked for the trade to develop chemistry with Franklin Armstrong, Orange County's quarterback in waiting. The season was a resounding success for Mongo and the Pythons, with Mongo leading the league in both receptions and yards, ultimately winning the Wide Receiver of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year awards over future teammate Dexter Banks II. The Pythons won 11 games but ultimately fell to Tijuana in the Ultimini Game at the conclusion of the season.

Mongo debuted with Orange County during the league's 17th season, and led all rookies with 79 receptions, 799 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He came on particularly strong late that season, and had an outstanding playoffs, contributing 12 receptions, 182 yards, and 2 touchdowns over Orange County's three playoff games, including a 99-yard performance in the Ultimus. Despite such a strong outing as a rookie, Mongo was never truly able to build on his rookie numbers in a substantial way. He did, however, provide quarterback Franklin Armstrong with a reliable and sure-handed outlet as Orange County won the Ultimus Bowl again in the league's 18th and 19th seasons. Although he is regarded as one of the league's most talented receivers and plays alongside 3-time MVP Franklin Armstrong, Mongo has never made a Pro Bowl or received an award in his 7-season career, although Armstrong has often referenced Mongo as being his favorite receiver. Following the 23rd NSFL season, Mongo announced that he would be retiring at the end of the following season, citing a lack of motivation and a confidence in receivers Jeffrey Phillips, Future Trunks, and Garfield Despacito, Jr. to step up in his absence.

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	40‑yd dash	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad	BP	Wonderlic
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.39 s	4.21 s	7.35 s	26.3 in (0.67 m)	10 ft 3 in (3.12 m)	14 reps	25

Professional career statistics

Year	Games	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD
S17	13	57	799	14.0	46	6
S18	13	54	888	16.4	58	5
S19	13	46	850	18.5	64	5
S20	13	54	768	14.2	55	4
S21	13	53	712	13.4	45	9
S22	13	55	871	15.8	53	5
S23	16	66	794	12.0	37	6
Career	94	385	5682	14.8	64	40