SHENZHEN, CHINA- Former Chowan University football student-athlete Adrian Ferns has an opportunity to etch his name in the history books after being drafted to the newly formed China Arena Football League.  Ferns, a native of Los Angeles, California will compete for Shenzhen Naja, one of six teams in the league. 

The linebacker competed for two seasons for the Hawks after transferring from Los Angeles Harbor College.  As a senior in 2012, Ferns played in all ten games for Chowan and recorded three tackles with one for loss (1 yard). The 2012 season was one of Chowan's most successful as a Division II program as the squad compiled a 6-4 overall record and 5-2 finish in CIAA play. During his junior campaign, he competed in nine games and tallied 15 tackles (eight solo, seven assisted) with three tackles for loss (six yards). 

All six of the newly-formed teams are comprised of both Chinese and American football players. Franchises for China's first-ever professional football league are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dalian, and Qingdao.  Play officially begins in Beijing on October 1st with all six teams squaring off in in the LeSports Center.  Ferns and the Shenzhen Naja will take on the Dalian Dragon Kings in their inaugural game.  The China Arena Football league has strong ties to the Arena Football League in the United States with 43 AFL players set to compete in China this fall.  For additional information regarding the China Arena Football League, click HERE.