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Raptors add DB and WR depth to roster

June 1, 2006 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Rock River Raptors News Release


ROCKFORD - Over the last couple of weeks, Rockford River head coach Rik Richards and the rest of the Raptors coaching staff has been busy shoring up a couple of areas on the Raptor roster.

Prior to the teams 62-43 win over Lexington on May 20th, the team signed former University of Tennessee product Brandon Johnson and former Arkansas Razorback J.R. Stewart.

"Even though we are 6-3 and in first place in our division, we do gave some holes that we as a coaching staff felt needed to be addressed," said Raptors head coach Rik Richards. "We are trying to make our final roster changes in hopes of making a run at the championship."

Johnson played in 11 games for the Volunteers in 2003 and recorded four pass break-ups and was third in special teams tackles with seven. He recorded four tackles and had two pass break-ups in his Raptors debut.

Prior to coming to Knoxville, Johnson was part of Northeastern Oklahoma A & M team that was 11-1 in 2002 and was ranked number two in the final NJCAA poll with an 11-1 record.

Johnson, a 6-1 187 pound cornerback recorded one tackle in his debut for the Rock River Raptors.

The Raptors are also proud to announce the signing of former Wisconsin Badger defensive back Kareem Timbers.

Timbers was a two-year starter for the Badgers and recorded 51 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 pass break-up, 1 forced fumble and three sacks.

Earlier this season, the 6-3, 210-pound defensive back spent some time with the Amarillo Dusters of the AF2.

Before going to Wisconsin, Timbers played his prep football at Illinois state powerhouse Mount Carmel of Chicago.

Rock River is also pleased to announce the signing of former Kansas University linebacker Greg Cole.

Cole has spent time in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and was recently released by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

Cole played at Hutchinson Community College and was rated as the number 1 outside linebacker in Kansas College football by MoKan football. Cole helped lead the Blue Dragons to a 14-6 record in his two years there including a win in the Valley of the Sun Bowl.

As a Jayhawk, Cole recorded 39 tackles his junior year and five tackles for loss. In his senior year, Cole came back for his senior year at Kansas and recorded 106 tackles and was named to the All-Big 12 team.

He played is prep ball at Killian High School in Miami, Florida. The Raptors are also bringing in some help on the offensive side of the football with the addition of former Ohio University standout Stafford Owens.

In two years with the Bobcats, Owens rushed for 473 yards on 79 carries and had five touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns.

"Our hope is that these changes make us a better team and not only get us into the play-offs but into United Bowl II." Richards said.

The Raptors are in action on Saturday night when they travel to Lexington for a game with the Horsemen. Kick-off is set for 6:30. Tune in to ESPN-1380 "The Jock" or "The Big Easy" 93.7 FM or log on to www.espn1380.com, www.wekz.com and www.raptorsuif.com.

The next home game will be on June 17th when the Raptors host Fort Wayne. Kick-off will be at 7:30. It will be Trading Card Night with the first 1,500 fans 14 and under receiving a free set of Raptor trading cards.

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