LB John-Kevin Dolce Returns, WR James Hardy Acquired
January 29, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release
TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the return of linebacker John-Kevin Dolce and the acquisition of wide receiver James Hardy.
"We are really pleased with the improvement John-Kevin made recovering from his injury, he put in a lot of hard work and we expect him to be able to make an impact for us this season," said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. "James brings big-play ability and adds to what is already a competitive wide receiver corps."
Dolce (6-foot-2, 255 lbs., Virginia) returns for his second season with the Storm. He played in one game in 2012, the season opener versus Chicago, and suffered a knee injury that kept him out the remainder of the season.
He appeared in 35 games with the Cavaliers and was named team captain in 2010, his senior season. A versatile defensive lineman, Dolce lined up as an undersized nose tackle and made an impact chasing down quarterbacks. During his career he recorded 61 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, eight sacks, a fumble recovery and forced a fumble.
Hardy (6-5, 220, Indiana) was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round (41st pick overall) of the 2008 National Football League Entry Draft. He spent two seasons with the Bills and appeared in 16 games. Hardy caught 10 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. The Bills released him prior to the start of the 2010 NFL season. In 2011 he was in training camp with the Baltimore Ravens and in 2012 he was assigned to Arizona Rattlers but did not see any action.
A two-sport athlete in college, he played football and basketball for the Hoosiers prior to declaring for the NFL Draft after his junior season. Hardy started in 32-of-33 games and finished his career as the only Hoosier to surpass 2,500 yards, 175 receptions and 35 touchdowns. He is the all-time career leader in receiving yards (2,740), receptions (191) and receiving touchdowns (36). The 2002 Indiana Mr. Basketball runner-up appeared in 23 games for the Hoosiers basketball team.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks. Season tickets are available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com . Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.
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