Post by lionsroar on Feb 18, 2009 21:47:26 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=14
Lions Mold Roster For Training Camp
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (February 18, 2009) – With Thursday marking the beginning of training camp, the Columbus Lions of the American Indoor Football Association continued to add some final pieces to their roster by bringing in some familiar faces, some fresh competition, while another sustains an injury.
After resigning with the club yesterday, 2009 will mark the third season with the Lions for linebacker Justen Rivers (6’0” 250, Eastern Kentucky). Rivers has guided the Lions to the post-season the last two years including a 2008 campaign where he collected 24 tackles (19 solo) and lead the team in fumble recoveries (3). “Justen has been a playmaker year after year” says head coach Jason Gibson. “Were lucky to have such a leader come back to lead our defense.”
Looking to improve a squad that finished last in the AIFA in total defense, Gibson also added defensive lineman/linebacker Maurice Simpkins (6’1” 235, Coastal Carolina). With the Raptors in 2007, Simpkins led the team in all of the following categories, tackles 106 tackles (80 solo), 4 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 5 blocked field goals.
Continuing the over-haul is the addition of defensive back Bruce Johnson (5’8” 195, James Madison). While with the Dukes, Johnson was a three-year starter at defensive back and Captain of the 2004 National Championship team. Johnson spent last season with the Sioux City Bandits of the UIF.
Other fresh faces for training camp include defensive back Chris Goffer (6’0” 200, Youngstown State) and fullback/linebacker Leon Foster (6’2” 268, Union) who spent the past season with the Texas Copperheads (AF2). Making their arena football debuts are linebacker Clifton Dortch (6’1” 215, Furman) and wide receiver Cornelius Murrell (5’9” 180, UAB). Also coming to camp fresh out of Coach Gibson’s alma mater is wide receiver Allen Jewell (6’4” 220, Fairmont State). Jewell finished the 2007 season third in NCAA Division II in yards per catch (20.8).
After the conclusion of the 2008 season, quarterback Joey Conrad underwent surgery on his knee. While preparing for this upcoming season the coaching staff learned that he will be physically unable to perform. With Joey under center, the Lions finished as the AIFA’s top passing team in 08. Conrad completed the season completing 56.1% of his passes while compiling 41 TD’s and 2,204 yards. “Joey has been the backbone of our offense and will be sorely missed” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “But we have three great QB’s in camp and have a proven offensive system that will continue to help us win games.”
Can’t wait for the season to start? The Lions in conjunction with WTVM, Columbus Regional, and Columbus State University will be holding the first annual Georgia vs. Alabama High School Indoor Football Classic taking place Sunday February 22 at 4 pm. The game will feature some of the Valley’s most outstanding seniors in an indoor style all-star game. For more information, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN.
:smileylions:
Lions Mold Roster For Training Camp
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (February 18, 2009) – With Thursday marking the beginning of training camp, the Columbus Lions of the American Indoor Football Association continued to add some final pieces to their roster by bringing in some familiar faces, some fresh competition, while another sustains an injury.
After resigning with the club yesterday, 2009 will mark the third season with the Lions for linebacker Justen Rivers (6’0” 250, Eastern Kentucky). Rivers has guided the Lions to the post-season the last two years including a 2008 campaign where he collected 24 tackles (19 solo) and lead the team in fumble recoveries (3). “Justen has been a playmaker year after year” says head coach Jason Gibson. “Were lucky to have such a leader come back to lead our defense.”
Looking to improve a squad that finished last in the AIFA in total defense, Gibson also added defensive lineman/linebacker Maurice Simpkins (6’1” 235, Coastal Carolina). With the Raptors in 2007, Simpkins led the team in all of the following categories, tackles 106 tackles (80 solo), 4 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 5 blocked field goals.
Continuing the over-haul is the addition of defensive back Bruce Johnson (5’8” 195, James Madison). While with the Dukes, Johnson was a three-year starter at defensive back and Captain of the 2004 National Championship team. Johnson spent last season with the Sioux City Bandits of the UIF.
Other fresh faces for training camp include defensive back Chris Goffer (6’0” 200, Youngstown State) and fullback/linebacker Leon Foster (6’2” 268, Union) who spent the past season with the Texas Copperheads (AF2). Making their arena football debuts are linebacker Clifton Dortch (6’1” 215, Furman) and wide receiver Cornelius Murrell (5’9” 180, UAB). Also coming to camp fresh out of Coach Gibson’s alma mater is wide receiver Allen Jewell (6’4” 220, Fairmont State). Jewell finished the 2007 season third in NCAA Division II in yards per catch (20.8).
After the conclusion of the 2008 season, quarterback Joey Conrad underwent surgery on his knee. While preparing for this upcoming season the coaching staff learned that he will be physically unable to perform. With Joey under center, the Lions finished as the AIFA’s top passing team in 08. Conrad completed the season completing 56.1% of his passes while compiling 41 TD’s and 2,204 yards. “Joey has been the backbone of our offense and will be sorely missed” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “But we have three great QB’s in camp and have a proven offensive system that will continue to help us win games.”
Can’t wait for the season to start? The Lions in conjunction with WTVM, Columbus Regional, and Columbus State University will be holding the first annual Georgia vs. Alabama High School Indoor Football Classic taking place Sunday February 22 at 4 pm. The game will feature some of the Valley’s most outstanding seniors in an indoor style all-star game. For more information, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN.
:smileylions:
