Rush Add First Building Blocks to 2013 Roster
November 14, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
CHICAGO (November 14, 2012)-- Familiar faces highlight the Chicago Rush's first free agent class of the offseason. Returning from the 2012 roster are defensive linemen Derek Walker and Darrell Campbell, defensive backs Semaj Moody and Jorrick Calvin, fullback JJ Payne, and offensive lineman Ryan O'Neill.
Moody started all 18 games and led the team with 86.5 tackles in his rookie season. The South Carolina State alum added three interceptions, ten pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries.
Payne, a hard-nosed fullback, carried the ball 57 times for 180 yards and six touchdowns. Also a versatile option out of the backfield, he had 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns through the air. Entering his third AFL season, the former Iowa Barnstormer (2010), Kansas City Command (2011) and Tulsa Talon (2011) Payne's veteran leadership will be invaluable in the locker room.
O'Neill, an Orland Park native, initially signed with the Rush on June 25th, playing in two games for the team at the end of the season, filling in for the injured T.J. Watkins.
Calvin joined the team in mid-June and immediately made his presence known. Stepping in at the safety position, he registered 52.5 tackles and six interceptions in six games for the Rush. He also has NFL experience, drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2010. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he started as their kick returner.
Walker played in four games for the Rush in 2012 before suffering a season ending leg injury. The Glenbard East grad played at the University of Illinois (2004-2008) where he posted 110 career tackles for the Fighting Illini. He graduated at the top of his game and was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in his final season. Following the conclusion of the AFL season, Walker signed with the Chicago Bears before being released after the preseason.
Darrell Campbell brings years of experience to the defensive front. He was initially acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Soul on May 10. In nine games played for Chicago, he had a forced fumble and 5.5 tackles. A Notre Dame graduate, Campbell has experience in the NFL with the Bears, Browns, Bucs and Ravens. In addition, he's spent time with the Orlando Predators and Soul. Campbell is a native of South Holland, Illinois.
As the signings kicked-off the 2013 free agency season for the Rush, Head Coach Bob McMillen was hard pressed to hold his excitement. "Yesterday was a big day for us to sign some key returning players," remarked Coach McMillen. "Getting all those guys back under contract is huge for us and a key piece for what we're trying to build upon for next season."
In addition to the returning players, the Rush picked up six newcomers. Those who will be donning the Rush blue for the first time include quarterback Carson Coffman, offensive lineman Jeff Maddux, defensive back Trevor Coston, defensive linemen Brian McNally and Jacob Hardwick, and linebacker Gabe Knapton.
Coffman played in Utah last season behind MVP quarterback Tommy Grady. A Kansas State graduate, he graduated as the fifth most efficient quarterback in school history. In addition, he set the single-season completion percentage record in his final year.
Maddux was a mainstay on the Cleveland Gladiators offensive line in 2012. Prior to going pro, he started in 45 games for Central Michigan. He was the cornerstone of an impressive line which performed above-average in terms of passing, sacks allowed, and scoring.
Coston was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2012 season. A Maine graduate, he racked up 132 tackles over a three-year span collegiately.
Brian McNally was most recently with the Washington Redskins, appearing in all four 2012 preseason games for them. He starred at the University of New Hampshire, where he played in 50 games for the Wildcats.
Hardwick was most recently with the Utah Blaze, playing in nine games for them last season. During four collegiate seasons between two schools (Bowling Green followed by Albany State), he registered 162 tackles and 26.5 sacks in 45 games played.
Gabe Knapton attended the University of Wyoming, where he made his name known throughout the entire Mountain West Conference. He was credited with a whopping 361 tackles over a four year career, playing both linebacker and defensive lineman. His performances in 2010 & 2011 earned him conference honors.
While the names may be unfamiliar to casual Rush fans, McMillen made it known that they're being brought in to continue the winning ways of the franchise. "These are some of the top guys that we saw on tape that (Director of Player Personnel) Scott Bailey has done his homework on. We believe that they're going to come in here and compete for a spot. They're high character guys that want to help each other succeed."
The Rush will debut their players on Saturday, March 23 against the Iowa Barnstormers at the Allstate Arena.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from November 14, 2012
- Rush Add First Building Blocks to 2013 Roster - Chicago Rush
- Barnstormers Roster Grows by Three - Iowa Barnstormers
- Two Defensive Starters Return to Philadelphia - Philadelphia Soul
- Shock Assigned Cameron McGlenn - Spokane Shock
- Utah Adds Former Packers Defensive Back - Utah Blaze
- New Orleans VooDoo Add DB Delvin Breaux - New Orleans VooDoo
- Utah Adds Former Shock Pass Rusher Alston - Utah Blaze
- Storm Acquire WR Chris Davis - Tampa Bay Storm
- Sharks to Hold Open Player Tryout in Nashville - Jacksonville Sharks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
