Oilers Bring in Deonte Cruse as First Lineman to Sign for Inaugural Season
October 3, 2022 – Indoor Football League (IFL) – Tulsa Oilers News Release
Tulsa, Okla. – Tulsa Oilers Football, proud member of the IFL, announced on Monday the addition of OL/DL Deonte Cruse to the inaugural season roster.
Cruse(31) started his collegiate football career as a nose guard at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. As a freshman, he showcased 70 total tackles (48 solo), 22 assisted tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The former Golden Norsemen provided 71 total tackles (33 solo), 38 assisted tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in his sophomore season to conclude his time in Miami, OK. Crusepiled up awards during his junior college career, including 2011 Honorable Mention All-SWJCFC Freshman, 2012 First Team All-SWJCFC Sophomore and 2012 All-Region XIV. After his time at NEO, the Murfreesboro, TN native took his talents to Oklahoma State University, finishing his collegiate journey in 2014.
The OSU Cowboy would begin his professional football career with the Las Vegas Outlaws of the Arena Football League in 2015. Cruseplayed for the Atlanta Vultures of American Indoor Football in 2016 before joining the West Michigan Ironmen of the same league, where he would win the Northern Division Championship to conclude his time in AIF.
“Deonte is a savvy veteran and leader, who will help lead our offensive line,” said head coach Marvin Jones. “He has experience in many leagues and will certainly be an asset to developing younger players.”
The former AIF lineman also played for the Cedar Rapids Titans of the Indoor Football League, along with AFL Tampa Bay Storm and Jacksonville Sharks, who are now in the National Arena League. Crusealso played in the CIF with the Texas Revolution. The First Team All-SWJCFC award winner earned an invitation to play with the 2017 U.S. Federation’s National Team for the World Games in Wroclaw, Poland. In June 2019, Crusespent some time with the Philadelphia Soul and in January 2020, Crusesigned with the Music City Fire of the AAL, but the season was cut short due to Covid-19.
With this announcement, the Oilers announced roster now includes James Summers(QB) and Deonte Cruse(OL/DL).
The Oilers will begin their inaugural season in 2023.
Tulsa Oilers Football Season and Group Tickets are on sale now! Call the front office at 918-632-7825 or visit www.tulsaoilersfootball.com for more information.
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