2011 AFL Defensive Lineman of the Year Returns

Published on October 26, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - Cliff Dukes will return to the Tampa Bay Storm and wide receiver Chandler Williams will join him, announced head coach Dave Ewart.

"We are real excited to have Cliff back," said Ewart. "He is a pro on and off of the field. Anytime you can bring back a player of his caliber with those intangibles is a good day. Chandler is a guy we have followed since college and we are fortunate to be able to bring in a receiver with his experience."

Dukes (6-foot-3, 280 lbs., Michigan State) enters his fourth season in the AFL and with the Storm. He has earned All-Arena honors in 2010 and 2011, was named the 2011 AFL Defensive Lineman of the Year and a finalist for the 2011 AFL Defensive Player of the Year. No player has collected more sacks over the past two seasons than Dukes' 21.5.

During the 2011 season he led the AFL with 16.0 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks, tied for fourth most fumble recoveries with four and was ninth with four forced fumbles. His 16.0 TFLs set a franchise single-season record and his 12.5 sacks were the second most in a season.

Dukes also earned AFL Defensive Player of the Week honors twice in 2011; Week 1 versus the New Orleans VooDoo as he collected four sacks, the fourth best single-game effort in AFL history, and again in Week 11 at Spokane as he recorded three TFLs, two fumble recoveries, forced a fumble and blocked a kick. He finished the season with 40.5 tackles, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three pass breakups and one blocked kick despite missing one game while with the Virginia Destroyers in the United Football League.

Williams (6-0, 190, Florida International) was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round (233rd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was the second player in FIU history to be selected in the NFL Draft. Cut by the Vikings in 2007, he joined the Miami Dolphins. In 2008 he joined the Atlanta Falcons and then spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009-2011. Williams, who prepped at Miami Senior H.S., finished his career at FIU as its career receiving leader with 203 receptions and 2,519 yards.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm celebrates its 25th season in the AFL. The 2012 Season home opener is Friday, March 16 versus South Division rival Georgia Force. Fans and sponsors can go to www.tampabaystorm.com or call 813.276.7300 to get the latest news or updates. 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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