Kats sign QB Ramone Atkins

NASHVILLE – The Nashville Kats have signed their first quarterback to a roster that continues to evolve in advance of training camp that opens April 5 and the season opener on April 27.

Ramone Atkins, the 2022 Indoor Football League Rookie of the Year, led the IFL in passing yards per game and was second in the league in touchdowns (50) to interceptions (10) ratio for the Duke City Gladiators “has a full set of tools to play the quarterback position,” Kats coach Dean Cokinos said. “ is a big, strong, athletic, tough guy who can beat you with his arm from the pocket or with his legs if the play is extended.”

Atkins (6-4, 230) was a steady force for the Tucson Skulls of the IFL in 2023, starting all 16 games and finishing tied for third in completion percentage (65.1). He totaled 37 touchdowns (11 interceptions) and accumulated 1,984 total passing yards. The dual-threat QB also ran for 691 rushing yards (5th in IFL) and 21 rushing TDs.

“is a great opportunity for me at an important time for me,” said Atkins, who will complete this spring his Masters Degree in Human Performance and Sports to complement his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, all from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas.“ are aligning for me personally and professionally,” Atkins added, “ I am eager to continue that growth with an exciting opportunity to be the quarterback and a leader of the Nashville Kats.”

Cokinos also announced the signing of wide receiver Isaiah Grice (6-3, 185), a product of Avery University. He played for Quad City of the IFL in 2022 and had five catches for 84 yards and a touchdown in the conference title game.“ has a good skill set for the Arena game,” Cokinos said. “ has a long frame, good speed and good ball skills. Isaiah is a hard worker and is a person of high character. Throughout his career he continually improved year by year.”

Previously signed to the Nashville Kats roster are former Tennessee State offensive lineman Robert Lacey and former Texas A&M defensive lineman Zay Henderson.

The Nashville Kats announced team tryouts will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 9-11 a.m. at Lipscomb Academy. To register and/or learn more, visit TheNashvilleKats.com

The franchise acquired the trademark for the team to be called the Nashville Kats, a nod to its groundbreaking run with the original AFL. The Kats will play five home games at historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville with the season opener versus the Minnesota Myth slated for Saturday, April 27. The Kats will also play the Georgia Force on Saturday, May 18 at the new F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville on Armed Forces Day.