Albany Empire Adds Six Players on the Third Day of Free Agency
March 7, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Albany Empire News Release
ALBANY- The Albany Empire announce that six players have been assigned to the team roster on the third day of free agency. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. Of the six players assigned, two of which 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 focus the entire offseason has been with one goal in mind; to win a championship," said Les Moss, Assistant Head Coach and General Manager of the Albany Empire. "In order to achieve that goal, our task as a staff is to make sure we have great competition for every final roster spot. We believe in our process of identifying both AFL veteran and rookie players. We are just getting started."
Mykel Benson, Fullback
Making his way to the Empire late in 2018, Mykel "Boom Boom" Benson made an immediate impact in the Empire offense. In just three regular season games, Benson racked up 85 yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries. In the two playoff games for Albany, Benson carried the ball an additional 16 times for 43 yards and one touchdown. The veteran has amassed double digit rushing touchdowns in six seasons with his career high of 23 coming in 2017 with the Philadelphia Soul. Benson can't wait to get back to the Capital Region and playing a full season with the Empire.
Ryan Cave, Offensive Line
Entering his second season with the Empire, Ryan Cave was simply a wall at the center position last season. Earning First Team All-Arena for the first time in his career, Cave was the centerpiece of an offensive line that surrendered a mere four sacks all of last season. "Big Cave" was a crucial asset to the offensive line of an Empire team that boasted the League's best offense. The Hampton University graduate reached the ArenaBowl in 2017 with the Tampa Bay Storm and is looking forward to being part of the Empire and helping the team reach a championship in 2019. Throughout the Empire's inaugural season, Cave made multiple community appearances and is looking forward to continuing his community efforts through the duration of his second year with the team.
Christian Love, Defensive Back
Another rookie defensive back added to the Empire, Christian Love played his final two collegiate years at Henderson State University. During his career with the Reddies, Love racked up 72 total tackles and two interceptions and was named to both the All-Conference and All-American teams. Love recently spent time with the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football League.
Quinn McQueary, Quarterback
Hailing from a different Manhattan than New Yorkers are used to, Quinn McQueary is from and played his college football in Montana at Montana Tech University. Breaking out in 2016, McQueary passed for 3,021 yards and 26 touchdowns, while leading the Conference in pass efficiency on his way to being named Second Team All-Conference. Recently, McQueary was drafted by the Arizona Hotshots in the third round of the AAF draft. He is looking forward to his first taste of indoor football and can't wait to be playing in Albany.
Brad Muhammad, Defensive Back
Brad Muhammad joins the Empire as another rookie to bolster the defensive backfield. Muhammad played his college ball at Florida International University, where as a senior, played in 13 games and racked up 53 total tackles, four interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. Muhammad is looking forward to coming to Albany and showcasing his talent on Transfinder Field in from of the team's strong fanbase.
Monte Taylor, Defensive Line/MAC Linebacker
Hailing from California, Monte Taylor transferred to the University of Cincinnati after showcasing his talents at El Camino Community College. Playing defensive line, Taylor was a member of a Bearcats team that won the Liberty Bowl in 2011, defeating Vanderbilt by a score of 31-24. Following college, Taylor had a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Seattle Seahawks. After his time with the Seahawks, Taylor was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. In 2017, Taylor spent time in the Spring League with Fort Valley.
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.
Arena Football League Stories from March 7, 2019
- Atlantic City Blackjacks Announced as AFL Team Name and Logo - Atlantic City Blackjacks
- Brigade Announce Player Signings to Kick off Free Agency - Baltimore Brigade
- Atlantic City AFL Adds Another Three Players to Inaugural Roster - Atlantic City Blackjacks
- Albany Empire Adds Six Players on the Third Day of Free Agency - Albany Empire
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