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News Brief

June 25, 2018DES MOINES, Ia.

Enyard shines in 2nd season with the Iowa Barnstormers

Photo courtesy Todd Weddle, Northwest Missouri State University

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Former Northwest Missouri State defensive back Bryce Enyard garnered honors throughout his college career, from MIAA Freshman of the Year to a first team all-conference selection as a senior.

But the lasting memory from Enyard comes from the 2015 NCAA Division 2 National Championship – his final game as a Bearcat.

Ahead by 17 points inside the final minute of the first half, Enyard picked off a pass on the sideline and returned it 59 yards for a touchdown. The first half was just coming to a close, but the game was securely in the Bearcats’ grasp after the interception return.

“Just that play – I'll never forget,” Enyard said as he reminisced about the 34-7 win over Shepherd. “That season we were talking about leaving a legacy, leaving your mark. I feel like just that play, especially in that game, was something that I'll never forget. Hopefully everybody in Bearcat Nation won't ever forget.”

Two seasons removed from his senior year at Northwest, Enyard is making waves with the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League, and is nearing another championship.

The Barnstormers finished the regular season as the top seed heading into the playoffs, and knocked off the Nebraska Danger to reach the United Bowl on July 7.

Enyard has the Barnstormers in their first championship game since the ArenaBowl in 1997, but they’ll be forced to play without their defensive leader. Enyard suffered a season-ending leg injury in the win over Nebraska.

But that won’t lessen the spectacular year he had as a second-year pro for Iowa.

The Huntsville, Missouri native led the league throughout the regular season with 8 interceptions, 13 pass break-ups, and finished 10th overall in tackles.

He credits defensive coordinator and former NFL defensive back Marcus Coleman for his growth, as well as valuable experience from his rookie season.

“Coming into this season, I felt more comfortable than I did last year,” Enyard said. “Understanding the rules and just playing like a professional was different. I felt like just coming back in, understanding more about this league gave me more of a helping hand all through this year.”

That new comfort level has helped Enyard reach new heights as he continues his professional football career, and he hopes that he'll get the chance to continue climbing the ranks.

“The real reason why I'm in the IFL is to learn from those mistakes that I made that didn't get me to the CFL or NFL. I'm hoping that I have caught an eye this season, and within the next five or 10 years, that I'll become a successful player in the CFL or NFL. And if not, then hopefully just be successful wherever.”

But for now, with another championship game on the horizon, Enyard is hoping to create another unforgettable memory.