Post by MizzouTiger on Nov 19, 2007 12:28:00 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/sports/brigade/story/344785.html
Brigade ventures into free-agency with signings
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR
The Kansas City Star
Just a few days after losing key pieces from last year’s team, the Brigade made its first splash in free-agency.
The team signed four players Friday — defensive back Jerald Brown, wide receiver Mike Horacek, fullback/linebacker Chris Avery and wide receiver Chris Jones.
Horacek and Brown are the headliners. Brown, 26, had 65 1/2 tackles and five interceptions last season for Columbus and led the team in passes defended with 16. Brown, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back, enjoyed a career year in 2006, when he picked off 11 passes (including one for a touchdown) and was the Arena Football League’s defensive player of the year.
Brown is the latest addition to a secondary that appears to be revamped heading into 2008. He’ll join returning starter Travis Coleman and newly acquired veterans Monty Montgomery and Kahlil Carter (provided he signs a new contract) in the competition for playing time.
Brigade coach Kevin Porter said he likes the group’s versatility — all four can play cornerback or safety.
“They’re all good players, they can all do a bunch of different things real well,” Porter said. “It’s nice knowing we have players that can cover receivers at any position.”
Horacek, 34, has spent the last three seasons with New York as one of quarterback Aaron Garcia’s top targets. Horacek caught 102 passes for 1,470 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, his third consecutive with at least 1,200 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Porter said Horacek, who went to Iowa State and lives in Omaha, will give the Brigade another dependable target.
The signing of Horacek and Brown helps ease the loss of quarterback Raymond Philyaw (Cleveland) and defensive end B.J. Cohen (Orlando) to free-agency, although the team is still looking to bolster those respective positions.
The Brigade also has high hopes for the 6-1, 260-pound Avery, who suffered a knee injury with Grand Rapids in training camp last season and missed the whole year. However, Porter said he’s now 100 percent and been cleared to play. In 2006, Avery ran for five touchdowns as a fullback and had 34 tackles at linebacker for the Rampage.
Jones, 25, is a 6-3, 205-pound receiver who spent the end of last season with the Seattle Seahawks but didn‘t accumulate any stats.
The team also resigned offensive lineman Ed Ta’amu, who came on strong toward the middle of the season and helped stabilize an offensive line besieged by injuries.
Brigade ventures into free-agency with signings
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR
The Kansas City Star
Just a few days after losing key pieces from last year’s team, the Brigade made its first splash in free-agency.
The team signed four players Friday — defensive back Jerald Brown, wide receiver Mike Horacek, fullback/linebacker Chris Avery and wide receiver Chris Jones.
Horacek and Brown are the headliners. Brown, 26, had 65 1/2 tackles and five interceptions last season for Columbus and led the team in passes defended with 16. Brown, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back, enjoyed a career year in 2006, when he picked off 11 passes (including one for a touchdown) and was the Arena Football League’s defensive player of the year.
Brown is the latest addition to a secondary that appears to be revamped heading into 2008. He’ll join returning starter Travis Coleman and newly acquired veterans Monty Montgomery and Kahlil Carter (provided he signs a new contract) in the competition for playing time.
Brigade coach Kevin Porter said he likes the group’s versatility — all four can play cornerback or safety.
“They’re all good players, they can all do a bunch of different things real well,” Porter said. “It’s nice knowing we have players that can cover receivers at any position.”
Horacek, 34, has spent the last three seasons with New York as one of quarterback Aaron Garcia’s top targets. Horacek caught 102 passes for 1,470 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, his third consecutive with at least 1,200 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Porter said Horacek, who went to Iowa State and lives in Omaha, will give the Brigade another dependable target.
The signing of Horacek and Brown helps ease the loss of quarterback Raymond Philyaw (Cleveland) and defensive end B.J. Cohen (Orlando) to free-agency, although the team is still looking to bolster those respective positions.
The Brigade also has high hopes for the 6-1, 260-pound Avery, who suffered a knee injury with Grand Rapids in training camp last season and missed the whole year. However, Porter said he’s now 100 percent and been cleared to play. In 2006, Avery ran for five touchdowns as a fullback and had 34 tackles at linebacker for the Rampage.
Jones, 25, is a 6-3, 205-pound receiver who spent the end of last season with the Seattle Seahawks but didn‘t accumulate any stats.
The team also resigned offensive lineman Ed Ta’amu, who came on strong toward the middle of the season and helped stabilize an offensive line besieged by injuries.