In the ELF, homegrowns play an important role in the success of every franchise. In this segment, we take a look at the best perfomances of the week. In week 8, a bunch of homegrowns found their way to the opposing quarterbacks, therefore multiple pass rushers had do be included.  

János Zilai, linebacker, Fehérvár Enthroners

The first to make this list is János Zilai. He is one of two homegrown Enthroners, who took week 8 by storm. During the first Fehérvár victory of the season (38-6 against the Prague Lions), Zilai was a constant force on the field.

The linebacker, who had earned an invitation to the 2021 NFL International combine in the past, did it all this past weekend, collecting seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup.  

Benedek Bodnár, linebacker, Fehérvár Enthroners

Alongside him, Benedek Bodnár found his way into the backfield multiple times. The youngster, who is in his second season in the ELF, continues to be a brightspot for the Enthroners. Against the Lions, Bodnár had six tackles, 1.5 sacks and harrased the opposing quarterback multiple times. 

Milan Spiller, wide receiver, Helvetic Mercenaries

Speaking of youngsters, how about 21-year old Milan Spiller?! The wide receiver, who is in his debut season in the ELF, has been playing sensational for the Helvetic Mercenaries, with the best perfomance of the season coming this past weekend. Just take a look at these stats: Seven catches, 200 yards, two touchdowns against a good Vienna Vikings defense.

Spiller had not one, not two, not three, but four (!) catches for over 40 yards and therefore played a huge role (in a positive way) during the 40-49 loss against the Vikings. 

Andreas Buri, linebacker, Helvetic Mercenaries

Still, there is more to come from the Helvetic Mercenaries, who put up a great fight against the Vienna Vikings. On defense, it was Andreas Buri who was a constant threat for the Vikings offense. The pass rusher disrupted multiple plays in the running and passing game, collecting five tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. 

Aaron Donkor, linebacker, Rhein Fire

There was great anticipation and even greater expectations for Aaron Donkor's upcoming season at Rhein Fire. And he delivered. The former Seattle Seahawks player showed his skills once again, this time against the Hamburg Sea Devils.  

Donkor found his way to the quarterback twice and made a couple of nice tackles along the way. In total, he is now up to six sacks this season, as he made the move from off-ball linebacker to pass rusher this offseason. 

©uzis.studio

Leo Misangukumini, defensive liner, Vienna Vikings

A lot of different Vikings players put in a very good perfomance against the Helvetic Mercenaries. As far as the homegrowns go, Leo Misangukumini stood out in particular, not just because of his height. The defensive liner, who was invited to try out for the NFL International Player Pathway Program in 2021 and 2022, collected 2.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. 

Hugo Tekedam, wide receiver, Paris Musketeers

Last but not least, a familiar face once again appears in this segment. All season long, Huge Tekedam has been giving opposing secondaries headaches. Against Berlin Thunder, the speedster caught five balls for 106 yards and two touchdowns. 

Tekedam is now up to 475 receiving yards this season, with just 22 catches to his name, making him one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league.