| # | 98 |
|---|---|
| Name | Hugo Klages |
| Nationality |  Germany |
| Position | Defensive Line, Defensive Tackle |
| Height | 189cm |
| Weight | 129kg |
| Past Teams | Rhein Fire |
| Leagues | European League of Football |
| Seasons | 2024, 2025 |
| Age | 27 |
Hugo Klages is part of a new generation of European-born players who crossed the Atlantic to compete in NCAA Division I before returning to shape professional football in Europe. Born in Spain, Klages earned his place on the University of Massachusetts Minutemen roster, where he developed as a strong, technically gifted defensive tackle. In 2024 he signed with the Rhein Fire, bringing his U.S. college experience into the European League of Football. Coaches describe him as a smart, disciplined lineman who combines size with agility, and his move to ELF is seen as a major step in showcasing homegrown European talent at the highest level of the continent.
Previous Stations
- High School Football (Spain → USA transition years)
- University of Massachusetts Minutemen (NCAA Division I FBS) – Defensive Tackle (2017–2021)
- Rhein Fire (ELF, Germany) – Defensive Tackle (2024–2025)
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Starter and rotation player for UMass Minutemen defensive line in NCAA Division I
- Signed with Rhein Fire for 2024 ELF season, joining one of Europe’s most successful franchises
- Contributed to Rhein Fire’s strong defensive front in their title defense campaign
Personal Achievements
- One of very few Spanish-born athletes to play NCAA Division I football
- Earned reputation as a tough, technically polished interior defender
- Showcased versatility as both run-stopper and pass-rush contributor at UMass
Selected Statistics
- UMass career: appearances across multiple seasons in defensive rotation
- Recorded tackles and QB pressures in NCAA FBS competition (2018–2021)
- ELF 2024: Appeared in regular season games with Rhein Fire, contributing to defensive depth
Other
- Praised for his unusual career path: from Spain → NCAA D1 → ELF
- Embodies the new wave of European players who prove they can compete in U.S. college football
- Seen as a role model for young Spanish players dreaming of higher levels
