af2 Rookie of the Year joins Rush
Published on October 20, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
2004 af2 Rookie of the Year J.R. Thomas has signed a three-year deal to play in Chicago, the Rush announced today. In addition to Thomas, the Rush has signed lineman Gladston Taylor and offensive specialist C.J. Johnson to two-year contracts.
Thomas (6-1, 175, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) was named 2004 af2 Rookie of the Year after setting team records for receptions (97), receiving yards (1,316) and touchdowns (26) with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers. Thomas caught at least one touchdown pass in each of the 12 games he played, and helped boost the Pioneers' scoring average from 43 points per game in 2003 to 51 points per game last season. Prior to playing for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Thomas spent two seasons at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2001-02), catching 73 passes for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. At IUP his wide receivers coach was former Rush WR/LB Jai Hill.
Taylor (6-5, 272, Northwestern) spent his 2004 rookie season in the AFL with the expansion Austin Wranglers, appearing in three games and recording four tackles. Prior to his AFL debut, Taylor spent the 2003 season with the af2's Tulsa Talons, recording eight tackles and two sacks in six games.
Johnson (5-10, 175, Tennessee State) finished his college career as one of the top receivers in Ohio Valley Conference history. The four-year starter caught 194 career passes for 3,903 yards and 32 touchdowns and was selected First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference after the 2001 and 2003 seasons, and Second Team after the 2002 season. He holds the OVC's career records for receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and yards per reception (20.1).
The 2005 Arena Football League season begins in January and reservations for 2005 season tickets currently are being accepted. To reserve your tickets, or for more information about 2005 Rush season tickets beginning as low as $64, fans can call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the team's Web site, www.chicagorush.com.
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