Tucson Sugar Skulls sign IFL Rookie of the Year Ramone Atkins as new QB; Daquan Neal to USFL

Tucson announced the addition of quarterback Ramone Atkins, the 2022 IFL Rookie of the Year. Atkins joins new head coach Hurtis Chinn — the Sugar Skulls’ former offensive coordinator who replaced three-year head coach and general manager Dixie Wooten — after passing for 2,169 yards, 50 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Duke City Gladiators. Atkins finished fourth in the IFL in passing yards.

The 6-foot-2-inch Atkins will replace Sugar Skulls star quarterback Daquan Neal, who recently signed with the USFL’s New Jersey Generals. Under Chinn’s tutelage, Neal finished second in the IFL with 2,342 yards, 50 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

A native of Gary, Indiana, Atkins joined the Gladiators following a stellar career at New Mexico Highlands University. Atkins joins All-IFL running back Mike Jones as players signed to the Sugar Skulls’ 2023 roster.

The IFL also announced on Wednesday a “wide-ranging player personnel partnership” with the revamped XFL, which is set to relaunch in 2023 under new ownership. Along with organizing joint tryouts, the two leagues will exchange game film and work in sync to transfer players.

“We are extremely excited to be working with the XFL,” IFL commissioner Todd Tryon said. “This partnership will allow a bigger opportunity for the players of the IFL. Our goal is to create a platform for our players to advance their career on and off the field and this is another step towards that.”