The Wranglers are preparing their roster for the 2024 season, as they head into year four as a franchise in the Indoor Football League. The roster assembly so far includes six players returning from the 2023 season. As of October 4th, 2023, the Wranglers have brought back four offensive players and two defensive players that played for the team last season. On the offensive side of the football, the Wranglers will be retaining running back Jarrod Ware Jr., offensive lineman Anthony Barber, wide receiver Isaiah Johnson Sr. and wide receiver Justin Manyweather. For the Wranglers defensive unit, defensive back Terik Miller and defensive back Travion Banks will be returning.
Ware Jr. returns to the Wranglers after a great rookie season in the IFL. Ware Jr. is a versatile running back who made plays all over the field for Northern Arizona last season. In 2023, Ware Jr. rushed for 388 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Ware Jr. also caught 46 passes for 394 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 8.6 yards per reception. Ware Jr. posted these numbers in his 13 starts for Northern Arizona. Ware Jr. is a quick player, who also displayed his power as a runner when taking defenders head on. When given the opportunity to make plays, Ware Jr. proved to be explosive as a runner and pass catcher. This was no different for Ware Jr., in college, at Wisconsin Whitewater University. Ware Jr. was a consistent weapon for the Wranglers in 2023, and is a big returning piece for the Wranglers offensive attack.
Barber comes back to the Wranglers after joining the team during the back half of the season and starting at center for six games. Barber was a solid force on the offensive line, making his first start at center less than a week after signing with Northern Arizona. Barber is a 6'5" force on the interior line, and he provided the Wranglers both with great pass protection, and exceptional run blocking. During his collegiate career, Barber spent time playing both offensive and defensive line at Saint Francis University, and Lockhaven University. Barber was truly a plug-and-play center for Northern Arizona in 2023, as he got to work right away and played well. Barber brings back stability for the Wranglers at any position on the offensive line.
Johnson Sr. returns to Northern Arizona after suffering an injury that kept him off the field for what would have been his rookie season in the IFL. Before signing with the Wranglers, Johnson Sr. spent May of 2022 in minicamp with the NFL's New York Giants. During his senior season at Saginaw Valley State, Johnson Sr. hauled in 44 receptions for 561 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson Sr. earned a spot on the Second Team All-GLIAC squad (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.) Johnson Sr. is a big target for any quarterback and brings down field playmaking ability to the Wranglers.
Manyweather returns to the Wranglers after his rookie season in the IFL. Manyweather played in two games for the Wranglers in 2023, and was an integral piece to the Wranglers special teams in those two games. Manyweather returned eight kickoffs for 150 yards, averaging 18.8 yards per return. In addition to these returns, Manyweather recorded two solo tackles in kickoff coverage, and recorded one reception for seven yards on offense. Manyweather is a quick receiver who makes plays in space with the ball is in his hands. During his collegiate career, at Eastern New Mexico University, Manyweather was a versatile threat to opponents on offense and special teams. Manyweather will have more opportunities to make plays on both offense and special teams with the Wranglers in 2024.
On the defensive side of the ball, Miller will be back with Northern Arizona after an impressive rookie campaign in the IFL. Miller racked up 36 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and three passes defended. Miller started 10 games in the Wranglers defensive backfield, and proved to be a physical player who is great in coverage. Miller had very productive career at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette prior to joining Northern Arizona. Miller was a consistent starter for the Wranglers defense in 2023, and brings back more stability to the Wranglers defensive backfield.
Banks is the second defensive back from the Wranglers 2023 season to re-sign with the team. Banks started 16 games for the Wranglers as a rookie, notching 54.5 total tackles, seven passes defended, four interceptions, two-and-a-half tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. Banks was great in coverage and made plays all over the field for the Wranglers. Banks spent his collegiate career at Miami University, which is in Oxford, Ohio. Banks also helped solidify the Wranglers secondary as a top tier defensive back field in 2023, as he returns to the team for the 2024 campaign.