Wesley Eriksen

Wesley Eriksen

A picture of Eriksen taken at an interview before committing to Arkansas
No. 23 – Philadelphia Liberty
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(2015-07-18)July 18, 2015 (aged 45) Fayetteville, Arkansas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
College:	University of Arkansas
ISFL Draft:	2037 / Round: 2 / Pick: 18
DSFL Draft:	2036 / Round: 4 / Pick: 38
Career history
Norfolk Seawolves
Roster status:	Active

Wesley Eriksen (born July 18, 2015) is an American football safety who is currently unsigned by a professional team. He played college football for University of Arkansas (UA) and has declared his intent to enter the professional ranks next season.

Early years

Wesley Eriksen was born of July 18th, 2015 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was raised in the shadow of Donald Reynolds Stadium, but didn't take an interest in football until his high school years, when his friends on the team noticed he had been getting more competitive in their pickup basketball games. He tried out for his high school football team his Sophomore year and quickly established himself as a reliable player in the secondary. His Junior year he broke out, recording 85 tackles and 5 INTs on the way to a State Championship. His senior year he recorded 78 tackles and forced 3 fumbles, returning one for a touchdown, as well as notching a pair of interceptions, one of which came in the State Semifinals. Eriksen was scouted as a three star recruit going into college, but he decided to accept a scholarship from his hometown program, The University of Arkansas.

College career

Eriksen had a difficult time establishing himself as a starter for the Razorbacks. His Freshman year was spent almost exclusively on the bench as he worked on gaining weight (coming into college at a slight 170 lbs) and learning the speed of the college game. During his Sophomore year Eriksen got more gametime but was still a clear second stringer in the system. He looked set to have a repeat experience his Junior year, until an injury to Senior Eric Derrick gave Eriksen the opportunity to establish himself as a premier Safety. In his Junior year Eriksen snagged a pair of interceptions and 32 tackles, two for loss and helped his team to a Bowl game, where they defeated Texas Tech 35-17. In Eriksen's Senior year he progressed even further, having his strongest statistical season and finally began attracting the attention of professional scouts. Eriksen would finish his college career with a Razorbacks DPOY award and a Bowl victory.

DSFL Career

Eriksen was drafted 38th overall by the Norfolk Seawolves. He helped the team ultimately achieve their playoff ambitions and established himself as a very solid starter. Eriksen seemed to have a strong effect in the locker room, leading to being voted co-team captain with fellow safety and locker room maestro Matt "Son of Havoc" Cross. Eriksen recorded 56 tackles, 3 passes defended, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions, one week five against Tijuana that was returned for a touchdown, and another against Dallas in week 12 to help his team clinch a playoff spot. Norfolk was also where Eriksen met his good friend and fellow safety Matt "Son of Havoc" Cross. The two bought a comically large mansion together and would go on to be drafted side-by-side by the Philadelphia Liberty. Eriksen was routinely deployed as a Strong Safety in a nickel defense, and developed his skills as a pass rusher in addition to his natural ability in deep coverage. Eriksen contributed to Norfolk's best performing season of all time, finishing 8-5 on the year. Unfortunately Norfolk suffered a blowout loss against the Myrtle Beach Buccaneers, a harsh ending to an otherwise wonderful season.

ISFL Career

Eriksen was drafted 18th overall by the Philadelphia Liberty and was immediately called up to play alongside fellow Norfolk alum Matt "Son of Havoc" Cross. Eriksen had a fairly unimpressive rookie season as he adjusted to the tempo of the game at the major league level. He had red flags in deep coverage, but found a niche as a hard-hitter and pass rusher, forcing two fumbles and sacking the quarterback three times. However, his sophomore campaign would prove to be far more impressive. Eriksen proved himself to be an energetic, strong and dynamic safety, improving his sack numbers while adding three interceptions (against Franklin Armstrong and Wolfie McDummy, in fact), a touchdown, and an whole bunch of tackles. Eriksen's style was described by his coach as "manic and exciting. When the ball is anywhere near him you feel like something is about to go down." Eriksen played some of his best ball in the four game winning streak that saw the Liberty slide into the playoffs, even if they failed to make it past the wild card round. Eriksen plans to return to Philadelphia for season 24 of the ISFL, and hopes to further tie his future to the club when his contract is up.

Personal Life

Eriksen is close friends with Matt "Son of Havoc" Cross and they have lived together for the past two years with their 2 dogs in a comically large mansion. Eriksen is also a skilled painter, saying he found the passion while watching youtube videos of Bob Ross late one night in college. Eriksen auctioned off many of his paintings to raise funds for charity. During quarantine he started a youtube channel where he showcases athletic stunts and gaming content with Matt Cross. As of writing he has 1.4k subscribers. Eriksen is cross-sport friends with footballer Adrian White and minor league pitcher Todd Bonzalez. He claims he met them on sports forums and they bonded over a similar goofy demeanor mixed with a drive for athletic success.

Professional career statistics

Career statistics			Tackles			Sacks	Interceptions		Other
Season	Team	Games	Reg	TFL	Total	Sack	Int	IntTD	DefTD	FFum	FRec	PD	Safety
2036 (S21)	Seawolves	14	56	0	56	4	2	1	1	0	0	3	0
2037 (S22)	Liberty	13	53	0	53	3	0	0	0	2	0	4	0
2038 (S23)	Liberty	16	84	0	84	5	3	1	1	1	1	5	0

Achievements and records

1x Autozone Liberty Bowl winner

1x University of Arkansas Defensive Player of the Year ""