Edmonton Elks sign WR Aaron Dilworth
The Edmonton Elks have signed wide receiver Aaron Dilworth. This name might not be one you recognize, unless you followed the Indoor Football League in 2022. Dilworth had been signed by the Sioux Falls Storm, a team we have talked about here before for players connected to Canada.
Who is Aaron Dilworth?
Aaron Dilworth played his college football at Texas A&M Kingston. He was set to enter the NFL draft the same year that covid 19 shut the football world down at the college level. Unfortunately without the ability to showcase his abilities on the field, Dilworth went unselected in the draft process.
However, He landed on his feet with the West Texas Warbirds. If you’re not familiar with what the Warbirds were able to do in the 2021 season, you might be surprised to hear the numbers. The Warbirds went undefeated in 2021.
Their starting quarterback Daniel Smith threw a ridiculous 49 touchdowns in 7 games. Meaning he AVERAGED 7 touchdown passes a game. Naturally Dilworth with his ability as a jump ball and redzone specialist got his fair share of those touchdowns.
In fact he would find himself leading the league in 2021 with 15 touchdowns. Not bad for a rookie. He totaled 41 receptions for 745 yards and 15 touchdowns. This would lead to more interest from larger leagues.
Introduction to the IFL
The IFL is essentially the biggest and best arena football league that America has to offer at this point. Players often end up here after dominating other smaller leagues like Dilworth did. While the IFL is a solid launching pad, some guys will end up spending their entire career at this level.
Not Dilworth. Dilworth found success early and often starting his second season as a professional football player by scoring in each of his first 6 games to start the season. He proved his ability to be counted on in clutch situations, and this didn’t go unnoticed north of the border.
Dilworth would ultimately receive an offer he couldn’t pass up and be forced to leave the Sioux Falls Storm, a team that had welcomed him in with open arms. Much like when Dilworth catches a pass, the fans in Sioux Falls, had hoped to hold on all the way to the endzone, the endzone being the IFL Championship game in this metaphor.
Making the Leap
Aaron Dilworth is and always has been known for his leaping ability. He is a redzone threat due to his ability to at times literally leap over 36 inches vertically. Couple that with the prototypical size as a wideout at 6’3 215 lbs, its no surprise the CFL came calling.
The Edmonton Elks are undergoing a transformation on offense. This offseason they ultimately made several moves to try and improve their offense. One of those moves was to bring in wideout Martavis Bryant. A man known for similar strengths to Dilworth.
Ultimately Bryant was released before playing a down for the Elks, but it showed they had hoped to add a speedy redzone threat. With Bryant headed to the XFL draft class already following being released it opened up an opportunity.
That opportunity would turn into an offer for Dilworth with the Elks. They get the exact strengths they were looking for in a wide receiver, while also getting a player that has no where near the history that Bryant has of being a malcontent. Dilworth in fact has quietly come out and balled when called upon. Obviously the Elks, have been paying attention.
Congratulations to Aaron Dilworth!
Full coverage of the 2022 season on CFL News Hub.
