WR Rodney Wright Rejoins SaberCats, Team Makes Roster Moves
February 18, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE - The SaberCats today announced former SaberCat WR Rodney Wright has rejoined the team along with DB DeAndre Wright who was activated off league exempt status. The team also announced the additions of WR Joel Filani, DB Damion Owens, OL Mark Lewis and the trade of DB Mike Brown to the Philadelphia Soul for higher claim order position.
"Rodney was an explosive player for us during his four seasons with the team and he will be dynamic for us this year," said Owner/Head Darren Arbet. "DeAndre has received a wealth of experience at the NFL level and his versatility in the secondary will be an asset for us with Joel, Damion and Mark providing depth on the roster," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet.
WR RODNEY WRIGHT
Wright (5-9, 181) played four seasons for the SaberCats, totaling 293 receptions for 3,233 yards and 42 touchdowns. A threat in the return game, Wright brought back 113 kicks for 2,440 yards and four touchdowns.
Originally drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills in 2002, Wright spent two seasons on their practice squad. He also served a stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2008 following his time with the SaberCats.
A versatile athlete at Fresno State, Wright played in 38 games (19 starts) over four seasons with the Bulldogs. He finished as the career leader in receptions with 222. As a senior, Wright earned second-team All-WAC honors as a senior after setting school season records with 104 receptions and 1,630 yards.
A native of Bakersfield, CA, Wright played at Bakersfield High School where he was a standout at wide receiver.
DB DEANDRE WRIGHT
Originally a sixth-round draft choice of the New York Giants in 2009, Wright (5-11, 190) spent time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2010 after spending time on the Giants, Detroit Lions and Vikings the previous season.
He played in 43 games (38 starts) at cornerback and free safety for New Mexico, earning All-Mountain West Conference honors his final three years. Wright totaled 10 interceptions and finished tied for sixth in school history with 25 passes defensed.
A native of Washington, D.C., he attended Gwynn Park (MD) High School where he earned all-county honors after rushing for 1,300 yards as a senior.
WR JOEL FILANI
Filani (6-2, 215) spent 2009 with the California Redwoods of the United Football League. Prior to his time with California, Filani served stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009), St. Louis Rams (2008-09), Detroit Lions (2008) Seattle Seahawks (2008), Minnesota Vikings (2007) and Tennessee Titans (2007).
Originally a sixth-round draft pick of Tennessee in 2007, Filani played four seasons at Texas Tech where he totaled 175 receptions for 2,667 yards and 23 touchdowns in 50 games for the Red Raiders.
A native of Tempe, AZ, Filani attended Paradise Valley (AZ) High School where he was named first-team All-Arizona as a senior.
DB DAMION OWENS
Owens (6-1, 205) played four years at Fresno State where in 50 games for the Bulldogs, he tallied 96 tackles, 17 passes defensed, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
A native of Los Angeles, CA, Owens attended San Leandro (CA) High School where he was an all-around contributor, earning first-team All-Hayward Area and all-metro team honors playing on both sides of the ball.
OL MARK LEWIS
Lewis (6-3, 300) spent time with the St. Louis Rams in 2010 after spending four seasons with Oregon. In 44 games (25 starts) for the Ducks, Lewis led all offensive linemen in snaps and helped break Oregon's school-record rushing offense, (ranked second nationally) which produced 280.1 rushing yards per game.
A native of Pasadena, CA, Lewis attended Arroyo Grande (CA) High School where he earned first-team all-league honors on the offensive line.
Arena Football League Stories from February 18, 2011
- Soul Acquire Fan Favorite Mike Brown in Trade - Philadelphia Soul
- Shock Add Holmes to Roster - Spokane Shock
- SaberCats to Open Training Camp on February 20 - San Jose SaberCats
- WR Rodney Wright Rejoins SaberCats, Team Makes Roster Moves - San Jose SaberCats
- Blaze Ink Former BYU Quarterback - Utah Blaze
- VooDoo Players Set to Report for Training Camp on Saturday - New Orleans VooDoo
- Blaze Single-Game Tickets Now on Sale - Utah Blaze
- SaberCats Announce Time Change - San Jose SaberCats
- Free Scrimmage Set for Friday, February 25; Super Suite Season Ticket Giveaway to Take Place - New Orleans VooDoo
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