Albany Empire Add Another Four on the Fourth Day of Free Agency
March 8, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Albany Empire News Release
ALBANY - The Albany Empire announce that four players have been assigned to the team roster on the fourth day of free agency. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. Of the four players assigned, two were on the roster during the team's inaugural season. The free agency signing period for the Arena Football League began on Monday, March 4.
"Our goal as a staff is to build on the success that the team had last year," said Dave Ewart, Director of Player Personnel and Line Coach of the Empire. "Coach Keefe and Coach Moss have done a great job setting up the scouting system and we are confident that the results will speak for themselves."
Darrell Brown, Offensive Line
Darrell Brown is another free agent to join the Empire with NFL experience under his belt. Attending Louisiana Tech University, Brown really made a name for himself during his redshirt junior season in 2015. The offensive lineman started all 13 games and earned First Team All-Louisiana and Second Team All-Conference USA honors. Following college, Brown signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent and remained with the team throughout the preseason. Most recently, Brown spent time with the Birmingham Iron of the AAF.
Mo Ruffins, Offensive Line
Joining the Empire about halfway through the team's inaugural season, Mo Ruffins made an immediate impact on Albany's offensive line. The former First Team All-Arena lineman started the final three games of the season on an offensive line that didn't give up a sack with Ruffins in the trenches. The Empire won all three of the games with Ruffins on the line and he even logged a 22-yard catch-and-run into his stat sheet. Ruffins is looking forward to playing a full season with the Empire and building off of the success from last year. During the offseason, Ruffins was frequent in the community, making appearances everywhere from large events to elementary schools.
Brandon Sesay, Defensive Line
Another midseason acquisition for the Empire last year, Brandon Sesay did not disappoint. Earning Second Team All-Arena for the first time in his career, Sesay played six games for Albany in 2018 after starting the season off in Washington. In a tight game against Baltimore, Sesay came up with a big strip sack in the fourth quarter on Brigade quarterback, Randy Hippeard, that ultimately ended up being recovered in the end zone for an Empire touchdown and swung the momentum in our favor on the way to a 61-53 victory. Sesay spent a lot of time in the offseason in the Capital Region making many appearances within the community and is adamant about continuing to do so throughout 2019.
Erick Wren, Offensive Line
Growing up a big Oklahoma Sooners fan, Erick Wren played his collegiate football at the school he had loved since he was a kid. Wren started 24 of 29 games during his career at Oklahoma after walking on in 2015. In his junior season, Wren allowed only one sack in 518 snaps. During his senior year, Wren and was named All-Big 12 First Team in 2017. After college, the lineman earned a workout with the Cleveland Browns before signing with the San Diego Chargers in 2018. Most recently, Wren spent time with the San Antonio Commanders in the AAF.
Fans can secure season tickets for the Albany Empire by calling 518-533-2200, by going to TheAlbanyEmpire.com, or by stopping by the Empire office located in the Times Union Center. A limited number of great seats are still available! Want to bring your organization to a game, fundraise, or perform on the field? Group experiences are now on sale. Call 518-533-2200 for additional information.
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Arena Football League Stories from March 8, 2019
- Albany Empire Add Another Four on the Fourth Day of Free Agency - Albany Empire
- Atlantic City Blackjacks Adds Five More to Inaugural Roster - Atlantic City Blackjacks
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