DES MOINES - Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach and Director of Football Operations John Gregory has announced the team has reached agreement with LB/DB Jason Simpson along with WR Ira Gooch for the 2010 season. Both bring a large amount of Arena Football experience to the Barnstormers roster. Simpson (6-1, 198) is a fourth year veteran from Missouri who entered the af2 in 2007 with the Arkansas Twisters. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games at Defensive Back and led the league in tackles with 142.5. He also chipped in with 8 interceptions. In 2008, Simpson followed Coach Gregory to Des Moines, where once again he started all 16 games at DB, accumulating 91 tackles and 6 interceptions. Last season, he was moved to a new role playing JLB where he did not disappoint. Although he appeared in only 10 games, Simpson finished third on the team in tackles with 54 and made numerous big plays in key situations.
Meanwhile, Gooch (6-0, 195) joins the Barnstormers for the 2010 season. The six-year veteran and alumni of Central Michigan has played for four different teams since breaking into the AFL in 2004 with the New Orleans Voodoo. Gooch has also spent time with the Austin Wranglers, Columbus Destroyers and Kansas City Brigade, with his best season coming in 2005 when he had 54 receptions for 722 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Both players will report to the Barnstormers training camp this March to compete for a spot with the club. The 2010 Arena Football One season kicks off this spring, with the schedule to be announced in the coming weeks. Don't forget that 2010 Iowa Barnstormers season tickets remain on sale for as low as $196.00 per seat! Early bird pricing remains in effect now through December 18. Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Call 515-633-2255 or visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com for more information.
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