Photo: Joshua Jones had a tremendous offensive season in his first year with the Wranglers
Despite missing out on the playoffs the Northern Arizona Wranglers still have something to celebrate as quarterback Joshua Jones was named the IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Jones was the major force on the ground and through the air as he helped lead the Wranglers to a (9-7) record in a very competitive Western Conference. Jones was named IFL Offensive Player of the Week twice. The first came when he threw seven touchdown passes in a 60-53 win over the Tucson Sugar Skulls, the second when he threw six TD passes in a 74-68 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers.
Jones raised the bar high as he is now the Wranglers franchise leading passer in all categories. He was selected as the quarterback for the IFL All-Rookie team, alongside three other Wranglers players.
Jones finished second among all quarterbacks in the IFL in both passing yards and touchdowns. Jones completed 63% of his passes for 2,912 yards and 56 touchdowns. Amazingly he only threw only seven interceptions in the 16 games as a rookie. Jones was also masterful on the ground rushing for 21 touchdowns. Do the math and that is an astounding 77 total touchdowns in 2024.
Before becoming a Wrangler, Jones led UNC Pembroke, throwing for 10,148 yards passing with 70 touchdowns, and was a three time All-Mountain East team selection.
Wide receiver John Maldonado garnished two awards for his amazing season for the Wranglers, ranking second in the IFL with 64 receptions for 907 yards and 24 touchdowns. Maldonado was named on the both the IFL All-Rookie Team and First Team All-IFL honors.
Two more IFL All-Rookies honors went to wide receiver Kobay White who had 57 receptions for 677 yards and 11 TDs. Kicker Axel Perez scored 178 points this season, more than any other player earning him first team in the Special Teams category.
Defensive lineman Tramond Lofton earned All-IFL Defense honors making 46 tackles, 13 for loss. He led the team with 7.5 sacks, which tied him for second in the IFL. Defensive back Travion Banks earned his All-IFL Defense award with a league leading eight interceptions. Two of which were last second game savers for the Wranglers.
