As every ELF fan knows, the team only goes as far as its homegrown players will take it. As we’ve passed the half way mark on the season let’s take a look at who the league’s top homegrown have been through seven weeks of thrilling ELF football. Today we’ll be handing out the hypotherical mid-season award for "Homegrown of the Year" while taking a look at several deserving players. 

The Frontrunner

WR Louis Geyer - Stuttgart Surge

In only five games Geyer has scored seven touchdowns becoming the go-to target for the undefeated Stuttgart Surge in the red zone. The 22-year old ELF veteran has hauled in 37 passes for 459 yards averaging 92 yards a game. Last season, Geyer flirted with a thousand receiving yards, but this year he looks on pace to cross that barrier comfortably.

The Challenger

Tobias Bonatti - Raiders Tirol

The homegrown star is currently second in the league in rushing with 660 yards and nine touchdowns. The veteran ballcarrier has been heavily relied on this year from head coach Jim Herman and his staff. The 26-year old Austrian looks to break through the thousand barrier this season averaging a impressive 110 yards a game.

The Other Challenger

WR Noah Toure - Vienna Vikings

The 22-year old Austrian has caught 30 passes for 495 yards and four touchdowns this season sitting fifth in the league in receiving yards. The young pass catcher has been a favorite target for quarterback Ban Holmes catching 16 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games.

The Dark Horse

DB Benjamin Straight - Vienna Vikings

Another Viking to watch is defender Benjamin Straight. The 25-year old Austrian has been a staple of Vikings defense for years. This season however, he’s taken another step forward snatching four interceptions and even returning one for a touchdown. To go along with his ability to create turnovers, Straight has 36 tackles and 6 pass break ups. Besides his defensive profess he’s also once again been Vienna’s punter kicking 5 punts inside the 20-yard line and booting another three punts over 50 yards.
 

Another Dark Horse

DB Pablo Araya - Madrid Bravos

The first year ELF player has been a impact defender for the first year Madrid Bravos this season. Araya is a key part of the Madrid defense that has led them to a 5-1 start to the season. The 23-year old Spanish talent has put up 42 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and three pass break ups helping complete a Bravos secondary that has been playing like one of the league's bet units.