Storm Acquires Wide Receiver V'Keon Lacey in Free Agency
November 13, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release
Tampa Bay Storm Signee WR V'Keon Lacey with the Portland Thunder
(Tampa Bay Storm, Credit: Portland Thunder)
TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm has acquired veteran wide receiver V'Keon Lacey, announced head coach Lawrence Samuels.
"V'Keon is one of the premier wide receivers in the Arena Football League," said Samuels. "His veteran presence and playmaking ability will be a tremendous asset to the team. We are pleased to have him as a member of the Storm."
Lacey (6-foot-4, 218 lbs., Angelo State) enters his fourth season in the Arena Football League and his first in a Storm uniform. The Arlington, Texas native comes to the Storm after spending the 2015 season with the Portland Thunder. During his time in Portland, Lacey solidified himself as one of the top receivers in the AFL. He was the team's leading receiver, hauling in 113 passes for 1,217 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Lacey began his professional career in 2012 with the Jacksonville Sharks. He would go on to start 9-of-14 games for the Philadelphia Soul in 2014, reeling in 42 passes for 457 yards and 13 touchdowns. For his career, Lacey has started in 26-of-31 games, including playoff appearances. He has compiled a total of 155 receptions for 1,647 yards and 43 touchcowns.
Prior to turning pro, Lacey began his collegiate career at Cisco College before settling in at Angelo State University. In two seasons with the Rams, he corralled 127 passes for 1,447 yards and 15 touchdowns. He earned All-LSC South honors for his performance during his junior season.
The team also acquired wide receiver, Tristan Purifoy, along with defensive linemen, Justin Edison and Cory Henry.
"Tristan joined the team late last season," said Samuels. "His versatility will prove invaluable as he can play wide receiver and jack linebacker."
Purifoy (6-foot, 200 lbs., North Alabama) enters his third season in the Arena Football League and second in the blue and gold. The two-year veteran appeared in three games for the Storm last season, catching five passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. Purifoy has the ability to play both sides of the ball, making appearances at the jack linebacker position and recording 7.5 tackles on defense for the Storm in 2015. He began his AFL career in 2014 with the Jacksonville Sharks. For his career he has caught 22 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns.
"Justin and Cory are big bodies that will be able to help improve our defense," said Samuels. "We can't wait to see them get out there and compete."
Edison (6-foot-4, 265 lbs, UCLA) begins his second season in the AFL and his first in a Storm uniform. The former UCLA Bruin began his professional career with the San Jose SaberCats in 2013. Prior to the 2014 season, the Inglewood, California native was traded to the Orlando Predators. Edison started in 5-of-7 games for the Predators, recording 20.5 tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. Showing his versatility, Edison can play multiple positions along the defensive line and has seen action at the mac linebacker position.
Before turning pro, Edison started in 15-of-35 games for the UCLA Bruins, recording 22.0 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup.
Henry (6-3, 265, Florida Atlantic) begins his rookie season in the AFL with the Storm. Henry started in 30-of-46 for the Owls, finishing his collegiate career as the team's all-time sack leader with 15.0 sacks. He would go on to earn Most Outstanding Player honors for his performance in the 2013 Shula Bowl. Henry would finish his career at FAU with 117.0 tackles, 27.0 tackles for loss, 15.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three pass breakups and one defensive touchdown.
Henry began his professional career with the Ottawa RedBlacks of the Canadian Football League in 2014. He also spent part of the 2014 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm is entering its 29th season in the Arena Football League. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.
Images from this story
 Tampa Bay Storm Wide Receiver Tristan Purifoy (Scott Audette/Tampa Bay Storm) |
 Tampa Bay Storm Signee WR V'Keon Lacey with the Portland Thunder (Portland Thunder) |
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Arena Football League Stories from November 13, 2015
- Storm Acquires Wide Receiver V'Keon Lacey in Free Agency - Tampa Bay Storm
- Sharks Add Veteran Kicker Kyle Brotzman - Jacksonville Sharks
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