Atlantic City Blackjacks Adds Five More to Inaugural Roster
March 8, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Atlantic City Blackjacks News Release
ATLANTIC CITY- The Atlantic City Blackjacks announce that five players have been assigned to the team roster on the fourth day of free agency. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. The free agency signing period for the Arena Football League began on Monday, March 4.
Nick Haag, Linebacker
Originally from Grafton, Massachusetts, Nick Haag remained in-state for college, attending University of Massachusetts for his freshman year before transferring to Assumption college for the remainder of his time. At Assumption, Haag was a team captain and Northeast-10 Second Team All-Conference selection. Following college, Haag made his way to the NFL, spending time with the Indianapolis Colts. Following his time with the Colts, Haag broke into indoor football, playing with the Spokane Empire before making his way back to the NFL with the New York Giants in 2017. Most recently, Haag spent 2018 playing in the NAL with the Massachusetts Pirates where he was named Second Team All-NAL.
Keiron Jones, Defensive Back
Keiron Jones joins the Blackjacks with indoor football experience already under his belt. The Southeastern Louisiana grad finished fifth on the team with 57 total tackles in his senior year. Jones got his first taste in the AFL playing with the Jacksonville Sharks in 2014 where he played for two seasons. Following his time in Jacksonville, Jones spent 2016 with the Arizona Rattlers before transitioning to the NAL in 2017. In 2018, Jones broke out for the Maine Mammoths, leading the League with 83 total tackles and was named Second Team All-NAL.
Kiante Northington, Defensive Back
Kiante Northington is another defensive back that brings indoor football experience to the Blackjacks. Attending Eastern Kentucky University, Northington stood out in his senior year and was named Second Team All-Ohio Valley Conference. After college, one of his former teammates persuaded him to try playing indoor football in the National Arena League. He played last season with the Massachusetts Pirates where he dominated. The DB racked up 63.5 total tackles, leading his team, as well as a League-best 12 interceptions on his way to being named First Team All-NAL. Northington is excited to be apart of a new franchise and can't wait to get to work.
Drew Powell, Quarterback
Originally from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Drew Powell played collegiately at Livingston College. The quarterback enjoyed an accolade filled college career including All-Time leading passing yards, First Team All-Conference, and All-County Offensive Player of the Year. In 2012, Powell was named the CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year. Powell spent 2018 in the IFL with the Iowa Barnstormers and simply dominated. The League MVP tallied up 57 total touchdowns and led the team all the way to a championship. Following his successful season, Powell was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.
Pasquale Vacchio, Defensive Back/Linebacker
Pasquale Vacchio played his collegiate football at Buffalo State where he was named All-NJAC Honorable Mention in 2011. A year later, Vacchio was named All-Empire 8 First Team, ECAC North All-Star, and won Defensive Player of the Week awards twice. After college, Vacchio debuted in indoor football playing with the Cedar Rapids Titans in 2014. After spending a few years in the IFL, Vacchio transitioned to the NAL where he joined the Massachusetts Pirates. Midway through last season, Vacchio was moved to the Carolina Cobras where he helped the team win the NAL Championship. Vacchio was named First Team All-NAL during his championship season.
The Atlantic City Blackjacks' inaugural campaign will begin on the road on Saturday, April 27th against the three-time League champions, Philadelphia Soul, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Kickoff time will be announced at a later date. The Blackjacks will play their first ever home game at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, May 4 against the Columbus Destroyers. Witness history and get your tickets to the Blackjacks' home opener by calling 609-783-9494 or by visiting ACBlackjacks.com today!
Fans can secure their season tickets for the Atlantic City Blackjacks now with a $50 deposit per seat ($75 for VIP seats) by calling 609-783-9494 or by going to ACBlackjacks.com. A team representative will contact those that have submitted a deposit within a week to select your specific seats, which will be done in order in which deposits were received.
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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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