VooDoo Assigned Nine
October 28, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (October 28, 2014) - The New Orleans VooDoo have added nine to the roster, including veteran offensive lineman Chuck Curry and defensive back Cortez Stubbs, announced the VooDoo front office Tuesday morning. The VooDoo also picked up seven rookies including defensive lineman Antonio Dixon and Jerome Raymond, defensive backs Kenneth Gilstrap, Camren Hudson, Davon Morgan and Malcolm Williams, and wide receiver Alex Gillett.
Curry (6-5, 330, West Alabama) appeared in 13 games with 10 starts along the offensive line with the Iowa Barnstormers in 2014. Curry began his collegiate career at East Central Community College before transferring to West Alabama where he was a two-year starter for the Tigers.
"I'm really happy to get Chuck with us," said Head Coach Cokinos. "He is such a dynamic, big man as he can play all three spots on the OL and long snap. He is very athletic and is as tough as they come. Chuck is also great in the locker room, and he is a leader by example."
Dixon (6-3, 320, Miami) enters the AFL after spending five seasons in the National Football League spending time with the Indianapolis Colt, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. Dixon saw action in 35 games with 10 starts for the Eagles from 2009-2011, logging single-season career highs with 30 tackles and two sacks in 2010. A four-year letterman at the University of Miami, Dixon played in 40 college games with 10 starts for the Hurricanes, finishing his collegiate career with 71 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and one pass defensed. In 2009, he was one of six college athletes to win the Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award, which honors college athletes who have overcome great personal, academic, and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success.
"Antonio is a vested NFL veteran with a proven track record," said Coach Cokinos. "He is in great shape and still has a lot left in the tank. In the AFL, it is vital that you get a good push on the defensive line and with Antonio's size, strength and speed he will be an asset for us."
Stubbs (5-9, 185, Concordia), a two-year veteran of the AFL logged 17 tackles in six games with the Orlando Predators, in 2014. In 2013, Stubbs collected nine tackles and one interception in two starts with the Predators.
Prior to coming to the AFL, Stubbs played college ball at Concordia College in Selma, Alabama.
"Stubbs has Arena League experience and is a smart player who can play all three spots in the secondary, which is vital," said Cokinos. "He is a good addition to our team."
Hudson (5-11, 195, Troy) comes to the VooDoo for his first season in the AFL after finishing his senior year at Troy ranked second among defensive backs with 6.8 tackles per game. He earned Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week after returning an interception 65 yards for a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette in the 2013 regular season finale. Prior to coming to the AFL, Hudson spent time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Gilstrap (5-9, 185, Middle Tennessee State) enters his first year in the AFL after appearing in 46 games with 28 starts at Middle Tennessee State. He recorded 125 tackles and three interceptions at cornerback and led the team with seven pass breakups as a senior. Gilstrap was also a conference champion 55-meter sprinter on the school's track team. Prior to coming to the AFL, Gilstrap spent time with the Baltimore Ravens.
Gillett (6-1, 215, Eastern Michigan) enters his rookie season in the AFL after spending time with the Green Bay Packers earlier this year. A four-year letterman at Eastern Michigan, Gillett played both quarterback and wide receiver during his time with the Eagles. He finished his collegiate career ranked third in school history with 6,836 yards of total offense. He threw for 4,448 yards and 35 touchdowns, rushed for 2,388 yards and 14 touchdowns on 506 carries, and caught 14 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown during his career. Gillett also earned honorable mention Academic All-MAC recognition as a senior in 2012.
"Hudson, Gilstrap and Gillett all have NFL experience, but offer different qualities," said Head Coach Cokinos. "Gillett is a very diverse player who excels as a receiver, but can also play quarterback. He is smart, touch and physical. Hudson is a bigger, more physical defensive back with good size. Gilstap is a smaller, quicker player with excellent cover skills. I'm excited about all three of these players. Once they learn the arena game, they will be a tremendous asset to our team.
Williams (5-11, 200, Texas Christian) enters his first season in the AFL after spending two seasons with the New England Patriots. A seventh round draft pick in 2011, Williams appeared in two regular season contests and all three postseason games as a rookie in New England.
Prior to his NFL stint, Williams, a transfer from Trinity Valley Community College, ranked fourth on Texas Christian University with 11 special teams tackles, totaling 12 stops on the year. Williams is a native of Grand Prairie, TX.
"We are really excited to sign Malcolm to our roster. He fits us nicely," said VooDoo Head Coach Cokinos. "There is a reason why New England drafted Malcolm, not only does he possess excellent physical attributes, but he is also a smart, tough and versatile player who can excel in many areas on the field. I am really looking forward to working with Malcolm in the Arena Football League with the VooDoo."
Morgan (6-0, 205, Virginia Tech) comes to the AFL after spending time with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
Before turning pro, the Hokie finished out his collegiate career at Virginia Tech racking up 158 total tackles (88 solo) and five interceptions for 119 yards. As a senior, Morgan earned Second Team ACC Honors. Morgan is a native of Richmond, VA.
"Davon is an exceptional athlete," said Coach Cokinos. "He was a high school quarterback who was recruited to play DB at Virginia Tech. The traits that I like most about him are that he is a very physical player and a fierce competitor. He has been in and out of two NFL training camps and understands the importance of being a professional on a daily basis. He will help us in multiple ways in New Orleans."
Raymond (6-5, 285, Moorehead State) comes to the AFL after ranking among Morehead State's all-time best defenders, recording 27 sacks and 41 tackles for loss at Morehead State. An All-Pioneer Football League selection in 2011, Raymond earned a rookie mini-camp invitation with the Atlanta Falcons. Raymond is a native of Lawrenceville, Ga.
"I'm really excited about Raymond; his physical attributes are off the chart," said Cokinos. "He is a very young and hungry player with tremendous upside. Leaving college at a young age, he has not fully developed his football skills and that hurt him when he entered the NFL with Atlanta. Playing for us in New Orleans will help him refine his craft. He will add nice dimension to our pass rush with his length, speed and power."
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