Darryl "D.J." Rankin has been offered an opportunity to continue his football career through the Professional Indoor Football League
Charlotte, NC – Johnson C. Smith University senior Darryl Rankin has been offered a contract from the Columbus Lions of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) for the 2014 season. Rankin played his last season for the Golden Bulls in 2012.
The Columbus Lions are an indoor football team of the Professional Indoor Football League. Based in Columbus, Georgia, the Lions play their home games at the Columbus Civic Center. Before joining the PIFL, the Lions were members of the World Indoor Football League (2007), the American Indoor Football Association (2008-09), and the Southern Indoor Football League (2010–11).
The PIFL began in 2012 with six teams in the southeastern United States, five of which joined from the Southern Indoor Football League, and the expansion Knoxville NightHawks. Following a successful 2012, the PIFL added two new teams for the 2013 season. The league currently consists of the following eight teams: Alabama Hammers, Albany Panthers, Columbus Lions, Harrisburg Stampede, Knoxville NightHawks, Lehigh Valley SteelHawks, Richmond Raiders, and Trenton Freedom.
Rankin, a native Charlottean, played two seasons at linebacker for the Golden Bulls after transferring from Carson-Newman College. After the seventh game of the 2012 season, Rankin was elected the CIAA Linebacker of the Week. He tallied 28 tackles (18 solo), two sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery returned 95 yards for a touchdown his senior year.
Rankin played at Independence High for head coach Tommy Knox before graduating in 2005. While there, the team won four consecutive 4-AA state championships with an unbeaten record of 77-0. His fellow teammates include 2009 NFL draft selections Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants – 1st round) and Mohammed Massaquoi (Cleveland Browns – 2nd round).
"I thank God to be in this position," said Rankin. "I feel great to have an opportunity to play with an organization with a winning tradition. I just want to come in, work hard, and uphold that tradition.
The PIFL has a 16-game season with each team receiving four byes throughout the season; resulting in a 12-game schedule. The season spans from March until July.
