Former Colony football standout signed by Arena Football League squad

Oct. 12, 2006

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

The thought of playing in the Arena Football League has always been in the back of Cole Magner's mind. While signing a long-term contract with a National Football League team has been the primary goal, Magner has entertained the idea of playing indoor football, since the conclusion of a stellar college football career at Bowling Green State University.

Earlier this week, the possibility became reality. On Monday, the AFL's Columbus Destroyers signed the former Colony High School standout and free agent wide receiver to a contract.

&#8220Basically I wanted to make sure I was working, playing football,” Magner said from his home in New York on Thursday.

Magner, who was released by the NFL's Atlanta Falcons during preseason, said joining an AFL team has been, &#8220a back-up plan, pretty much.”

When he was unable to land on another NFL roster, Magner saw the Arena League and NFL Europe as his two options.

&#8220(The AFL) definitely means a whole lot more money than NFL Europe,” Magner said.

Plus, Magner said, he didn't really have a desire to move to Europe to play for a squad in the NFL's developmental league.

About eight different Arena franchises had interest in signing the 2000 Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year, but Columbus had one overwhelming draw - Josh Harris, Bowling Green State's quarterback during Magner's days in college, is also Columbus' signal caller.

&#8220Here I have the best opportunity to do well,” Magner said. &#8220Hook up with my old quarterback.”

When Magner set the Bowling Green State single-season school record for receptions, with 99, it was Harris who was throwing the passes. Harris also bounced around the NFL a bit before landing in Columbus, but the duo have remained great friends. Harris was one of the groomsmen when Magner was married in July.

Another Bowling Green product and a former teammate of both Magner and Harris, receiver Steve Sanders, was also signed by Columbus on Monday.

Just by seeing the talent he was up against while he was at Atlanta's training camp, Magner sees the AFL as a stop on a possible path back to the NFL. Just on the Falcons roster, Magner, said there were four receivers with Arena experience fighting for roster spots.

Injuries butchered Magner's second chance to earn a spot on Atlanta's regular season roster. Magner suffered a groin injury, and was not able to suit up for any preseason games.

After Atlanta released Magner in August, he was unable to catch a break with another NFL team.

&#8220There was interest,” Magner said. &#8220But it's tough to join a team when the season starts.”

Magner said often a free agent has to wait for positions to open up because of injuries. And even if that happens, there is not much time to learn a new offense.

Right now, Magner is focused on a complete recovery from the groin injury. Columbus starts its training camp on Feb. 2.

Magner set the single-season school record for catches, and his 215 career receptions is also a Bowling Green State best. As a freshman, Magner saw time at wide receiver, running back and quarterback for the Division I program. As a junior, Magner was a starter, and one of BGSU's top offensive weapons.

During his days at Colony High School, Magner stood out in multiple sports. On the football field, he led the Knights to the 2000 state championship game, and was named the state's top player following his senior year.

The Destroyers were founded in Buffalo in 1997. In 2003, the team moved to Columbus under new ownership. According to the team's Web site, the current ownership group includes the owners of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Joey Galloway. Former NFL All-Pro offensive lineman Jim Lachey is the team's senior vice president of football operations.

Magner is one of two Colony High School graduates playing indoor football. Jason Deml, a teammate of Magner's at CHS, played for the Katy Copperheads of the National Indoor Football League last season.

Last month, Deml told the Frontiersman he may have the chance to join a AFL team prior to the start of the 2007

season.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.