SaberCats Add Four Offensive Linemen
Published on November 11, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE - The San Jose SaberCats today announced the addition of offensive linemen Eric Phillips, Ray Hisatake, Aaron Kia and Robert Powell. Per team policy, terms were not disclosed.
"You can't be successful without offensive linemen up front to provide your team with time to make plays," said Head Coach Darren Arbet. "I'm confident these four will provide us with the ability to control the line of scrimmage and run our offense successfully."
OL ERIC PHILLIPS
Phillips (6-7, 310) played in 21 games (nine starts) at defensive tackle for Southern Mississippi where he totaled 18 tackles and 1.5 for loss. After his time with the Golden Eagles, Phillips played for the Lafayette Wildcatters of the Southern Indoor Football League. At Wenonah High School (AL), Phillips played both ways, allowing only one sack as the blindside protector on offense, while finishing with 70 tackles and five sacks on defense. He earned honorable mention all-state, first-team all-metro and all-city honors during his high school career.
OL RAY HISATAKE
Hisatake (6-3, 325) was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Carolina Panthers during the 2010 NFL offseason. He played two seasons at Hawaii following two years at the College of San Mateo. Hisatake made the switch to guard with the Warriors after playing defensive tackle at San Mateo. In his senior year, Hisatake started in 13 games at left guard after playing five games as a reserve offensive lineman as a junior, primarily at right guard. At the College of San Mateo, he was named a second-team All-NorCal Conference selection as a sophomore.
OL AARON KIA
Kia (6-4, 300) spent the 2010 NFL offseason with the New York Jets after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He played in 43 games, making 24 consecutive starts at left tackle his junior and senior seasons for Hawaii. Kia earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors for the Warriors as a senior playing alongside fellow SaberCat Ray Hisatake. He was named a first-team all-state selection and team's most valuable offensive lineman as a senior at Mililani High School (HI). Kia guided the Trojans to the division championship as a junior and senior.
OL ROBERT POWELL
Powell (6-5, 310) played the 2010 season with the American Conference champion Tampa Bay Storm. Powell was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns in 2008 before joining the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He played in 41 games, starting in 38 at center and left guard for Purdue. Powell was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list (nation's top center) and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition as a senior for the Boilermakers after starting in 13 games. He earned all-state honorable mention honors as a senior at Cave Spring (VA) High School.
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion, San Jose SaberCats, return to the Arena Football League for their 15th season starting in 2011. The SaberCats began play in 1995, playing their home games at HP Pavilion. Fans and sponsors can go to www.thesanjosesabercats.com or call 408-673-3400 to sign up to receive the latest news and updates about the SaberCats, as well as to pre-register for ticket information. Make sure to follow the SaberCats on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team.
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