Avengers Extend Contracts of Two Key Defenders
August 3, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- In the first of many offseason transactions, the Avengers have agreed to contract extensions for two of the team's top defenders, head coach Ed Hodgkiss announced today.
Fullback/linebacker-defensive end Josh Jeffries has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2010 season. Jeffries, who recently completed his fourth year with the Avengers, was eligible to become a free agent later this month.
Safety Damen Wheeler, who is under contract for next season, has agreed to a one-year extension. He will remain with the club through the 2009 campaign.
"Jeffries is a versatile player and a very good playmaker on defense," said Hodgkiss, who signed a five-year contract extension of his own with the Avengers last month. "He also can come in and play fullback for us if necessary, but we are really counting on him to be a full-time defensive end for us in the future. We really think he can be one of the better pass rushers in the AFL.
"Wheeler is our mainstay in the defensive backfield," Hodgkiss added. "He's our âquarterback' on defense and a big part of the reason why we had success on that side of the football this past season. We look forward to having both Josh and Damen on our team for the next few seasons and hope they finish their careers as L.A. Avengers."
Jeffries (6-3, 260, Appalachian State), played in 12 regular-season games in 2007 primarily on defense, recording 13.5 tackles, including 2.5 for losses and 1.5 quarterback sacks. However, in L.A.'s playoff victory over the Utah Blaze, he started at fullback in place of an injured Lonnie Ford and exploded for four touchdowns. In that contest, a 64-42 win on July 2, Jeffries caught two touchdown passes, covering a total of 56 yards, and also rushed five times for 18 yards and a pair of scores.
Wheeler (5-9, 180, Colorado), who was selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and played one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recently completed his fifth year with the Avengers. During the 2007 regular season, he intercepted a career-high six passes and finished with 60 tackles. He also led the team with 20 pass breakups and five forced fumbles (tied for second in the AFL). Wheeler also came up big in L.A.'s playoff victory over Utah, forcing two key fumbles.
Avenger 2008 season tickets, which include nine games played at STAPLES Center, are on sale now at 1-888-AVENGERS or www.laavengers.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 3, 2007
- Avengers Extend Contracts of Two Key Defenders - Los Angeles Avengers
- Blaze Re-Sign Thaddeus Bullard - Utah Blaze
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