When the International Federation of American World Championship tournament opens this week in Canton, Ohio, a former South Dakota State football player will be on the Team USA roster.

Former Jackrabbit defensive end Jack Sherlock is not only on the American squad, he's been singled out as one of the 'Five Players to Watch' for Team USA.

The Chicago native played in 46 games for the Jacks, leading SDSU in sacks as a senior in 2014, ranking second on the team with seven tackles for loss. Sherlock is one of 45 players on the team assembled by USA Football. Former Boise State and Colorado coach Dan Hawkins is the squad’s head coach.

Carrington Hanna - University of Sioux Falls
University of Sioux Falls
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Two former University of Sioux Falls players are also on the roster - defensive back Robert Virgil and tight end Carrington Hanna. Hanna was an All-NSIC selection as a quarterback and receiver during his senior season in 2013. That year he completed 99-of-162 passes for 1,085 yards and seven TDs. He also had 44 receptions for 491 yards and three TDs while running 72 times for 214 yards. Virgil had a Northern Sun Conference best 23 passes defended during his senior year in 2012, to go with 67 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and seven interceptions.

South Dakota State and the University of Sioux Falls also have representatives on the Team USA coaching staff. Former Jackrabbit linebacker Isaiah Jackson (2006-09), will coach the team’s linebackers. He is currently the defensive line and special teams coordinator at West Virginia State. Former Cougar defensive lineman Robert Tucker (2010-13), now head coach at Los Angeles Valley College, will serve as defensive coordinator.

Team USA begins play Thursday, July 9, against Mexico. The tournament is double elimination, with the gold and bronze medal games scheduled for Saturday, July 18.    Australia, South Korea, France, Brazil, and Japan are also taking part. All of the games will be available via live stream on ESPN3.com.

The IFAF World Championship has been held every four years since 1999. The United States has competed in the last two events, winning gold in 2007 and 2011. Prior to that, Japan won back-to-back gold medals in 1999 and 2003.

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