Blaze Sign Lineman and Defensive Back
September 30, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce the signings of OL/DL Ryan Blaszczyk (6-3, 295, Rutgers) and DB Quinton Andrews (6-1, 205, North Alabama) for the 2011 season.
"We are excited to have two proven performers," said Head Coach Ron James. "We have a quality center and a play-making defensive back in our fold for the 2011 season."
Blaszczyk, who played collegiately at Rutgers University, was named to the Preseason Rimington Trophy Watch List, which is presented annually to the Most Outstanding Center in the NCAA Division I-A College Football in 2008 and 2009. He was the only offensive lineman to start every contest at the same position in 2008. He was also a key member of the RU offensive line, allowing only ten sacks, the second fewest in the nation in 2007. Most recently, Blaszczyk spent time with the Hartford Colonials (UFL) and Detroit Lions (NFL).
"Utah seems to be a great place where I can grow as a player and I look forward to winning a lot of games and bringing a championship to the Blaze," said Blaszczyk regarding his decision to join the Blaze.
Andrews joins the Blaze after spending the 2010 season with the Green Bay Blizzard of the IFL. He was a three star recruit and ranked as the 22nd best safety in the nation by Rivals.com coming out of high school. He began his college career at West Virginia where he was named Second-Team All-Big East by Athlon Sports and the First-Team All-Big East by Phil Steele's Football Magazine as a junior. He spent his senior season at North Alabama.
Tryouts for the 2011 season will be held on October 30, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Spence Eccles Field House at the University of Utah. For more information please visit our website at www.utblaze.com or call 888-99BLAZE.
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