Rush WR LaTendresse, DB Ordway, DL Smith Set To Stay In Chicago
August 11, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
August 11, 2008 - On the final weekend in which AFL teams could talk to their own players before they became free agents, the Chicago Rush agreed to terms on contract extensions with wide receiver Travis LaTendresse, defensive back Jonathan Ordway and defensive lineman Khreem Smith, the team announced today. LaTendresse and Ordway signed two-year extensions through the 2010 season, while Smith signed a one-year deal for 2009.
"We are glad that we were able to come to terms with all three players prior to the deadline," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "All three were impact players for us last year and it is good to know they will be with us in 2009."
LaTendresse (6-1, 200, Utah), who was acquired in an October 2007 trade with Cleveland, started all 16 games in his first season in Chicago, finishing the year with 91 receptions for 1,105 yards and 20 touchdowns. He combined with AFL Rookie of the Year Donovan Morgan and second team All-Arena selection Damian Harrell to become the first trio of receivers in Rush history to each eclipse the 1,000 yard receiving mark in the same season.
Ordway (5-11, 180, Boston College) has been a starting defensive back for the Rush for each of the past two years, after spending four seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm. Last year he played in 14 games, recording 57 tackles, one interception and 15 passes broken up. He also served as the team's main kick returner, returning 60 kickoffs for 1,079 yards and a TD, and three missed field goals for 97 yards and a touchdown.
During both his seasons in the secondary, the Rush defense led the AFL in fewest points allowed as well as opponent's passer rating against.
An All-Rookie selection with the Rush in 2006 when the team won the AreaBowl XX title, Smith (6-4, 270, Oklahoma State) rejoined the team in Week 7 this year after spending two seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs. He played in 10 games and finished with 6.0 tackles and a pass broken up.
As of this morning, the following eight players who finished the season with the Rush became AFL free agents: WR/DB B.J. Barre, WR Ryan Dennard, LB Liam Ezekiel, K Todd France, FB John Peaua, OL John Sikora, DB Jeremy Unertl and DB Talib Wise
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 11, 2008
- Blaze get new offense coordinator - Utah Blaze
- Utah Blaze DL Maurice Fountain Signs with Miami Dolphins - Utah Blaze
- Soul Re-Sign Bogle, Brackins, Four Others - Philadelphia Soul
- Rush WR LaTendresse, DB Ordway, DL Smith Set To Stay In Chicago - Chicago Rush
- MacPherson, Magner Among Five to Re-Sign with Rampage - Grand Rapids Rampage
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