The Tulsa Oilers have fortified their defensive backfield with the signing of seasoned cornerback Michael Witherspoon, a former Division I athlete, as they gear up for the upcoming season. With experience at both the indoor football and collegiate levels, Witherspoon brings a solid track record to the Oilers lineup.
During his brief stint in the Indoor Football League (IFL) with the Northern Arizona Wranglers in 2023, Witherspoon demonstrated his capabilities on the field. In a high-stakes Week Ten face-off against the Arizona Rattlers on May 20th, he contributed significantly, racking up 4.5 tackles – four of them unassisted.
Before joining the IFL, the 6’1″, 190-pound cornerback honed his skills in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he participated in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ training camp in 2022. However, it is Witherspoon’s collegiate record that truly underscores his potential. While at East Carolina University in the American Athletic Conference, he took part in 14 games across two seasons. With an average of 3.14 tackles per game, he amassed a total of 44 tackles, 33 of them being solo efforts, showcasing his ability to consistently disrupt plays.
As the Tulsa Oilers look ahead, the team is set to kick off its next season on the road. They will be facing the Frisco Fighters on March 22, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. CT in what promises to be a thrilling start to their campaign. Following their opener, the Oilers will be set to entertain their fans at the BOK Center for the first home game of the season. They square off against the Iowa Barnstormers on April 6 at 7:05 p.m. CT, an event that is sure to galvanize the local crowd.
The addition of Witherspoon is a strategic move to strengthen Tulsa’s defensive unit, and the team anticipates his impact on the gridiron. His experience and proven track record at the Division I level and beyond add depth to the Oilers’ roster as they prepare to contend in the upcoming season.
