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Sign Linebacker Leroy Thompson, Quarterback Perry Patterson And Defensive Back E. J. Underwood

February 24, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH - The Columbus Destroyers, presented by Germain, have signed linebacker Leroy Thompson, quarterback Perry Patterson and defensive back E.J. Underwood, Head Coach Doug Kay announced today. The team also acquired linebacker Peter Lazare from the Dallas Desperados in exchange for defensive lineman Winfield Garnett.

Thompson (6-3, 270, Delaware State) will play in his 13th season in the Arena Football League and third with the Destroyers in 2008. A member of the 2007 National Conference champion Destroyers, he tallied 16.5 tackles (13UT-7AT), two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In 141-AFL career regular season games, he has totaled 153.5 tackles (119UT-69AT), 12 fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles, 14.5 sacks and 19.0 tackles for loss. The Camden, NJ native won an ArenaBowl with the Indiana Firebirds in 1999.

Patterson (6-4, 242, Syracuse) will make his debut in the AFL in 2008. In 41 games at Syracuse University (2002-06), he completed 456-of-852 passes for 5,220 yards and 25 touchdowns. The Yonkers, NY native was signed and released by the Philadelphia Eagles last June.

Underwood (6-1, 185, Pikeville) will enter his rookie season in the AFL in 2008. He attended The Ohio State University and played cornerback from 2002-04, before transferring to Pikeville College. A member of the 2002 National Championship team, he played in 26 games with the Buckeyes tallying 25 tackles. The Hamilton, Ohio native has attended training camp with the New York Giants, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.

Lazare (6-2, 300, CW Post) will enter his second season in the AFL in 2008. A member of the 2007 Dallas Desperados, he played in 10 games tallying 13.0 tackles, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

The Destroyers will kickoff their 2008 home schedule against division and in-state rival Cleveland Gladiators in the "Battle of the Buckeye State" presented by Columbus Worthington Air on Saturday, Mar. 15. Kickoff at Nationwide Arena is slated for 7 p.m. The first 10,000 fans will receive a 2008 Destroyers magnet schedule. During the post game autograph session, presented by Nationwide, fans will be able to win a $10 gift certificate in the Giant Eagle Ham Toss.

WE BELIEVE Saturdays are made for football. The Destroyers 2008 home schedule features seven Saturday night games and one Monday night contest. For a limited time fans can purchase two season tickets, two AFL replica footballs, two Destroyers hats for ONLY $222. The package can be purchased by calling (877) COLS-AFL. Single game tickets are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, ticketmaster Ticket Centers, ticketmaster.com and all FSN Ohio Blue Line team stores located at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, Chiller Easton, Chiller Dublin and Chiller North. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group rates by calling (614) 246-HITS.

ESPN's coverage of the Russell Athletic AFL on ESPN debuts Saturday, Mar. 1 on ABC (HD) when the Dallas Desperados visit the Georgia Force with kickoff set for 1 p.m. (ET).

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