Axemen Continue to Build Roster

December 3, 2013 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Minnesota Axemen News Release


Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji Axemen have signed defensive lineman Maurice Hampton, offensive lineman Chuck Palonis, wide receiver Maurice Patterson, and linebacker Jory Johnson to contracts for the upcoming Indoor Football League season.

"We're excited about adding this group to our roster as Hampton, Palonis, and Patterson bring indoor experience to our team and Johnson played in plenty of big games during a great career at UConn," Axemen head coach Robert Fuller said. "These guy understand what we're building here and wanted to be a part of it, we're very happy to have them."

Hampton (6'3", 280 lbs.) played collegiately at the University of Maryland. Hampton started 11 games for a Terrapins, recording 26 tackles and three-and-a-half tackles for loss. After attending Maryland, Hampton joined the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent.

"I've seen flashes of what Hampton is capable of and when he's dialed, he can be a real force," reflected Fuller. "He has the potential to be an All-IFL performer, so we're hoping he can realize that potential here."

Palonis (6'4", 305 lbs.) was a three time All-Conference athlete at Kentucky Wesleyan University. In 2009 after his junior campaign, he was awarded 1st Team D2Football.Com honors. Palonis is no stranger to the game after playing under Coach Fuller as a member of the Green Bay Blizzard. Most recently, Palonis started 12 games for the Lone Star Football League's Abilene Ruff Riders.

"I've known Chuck for a few years now and he is my kind of player," Fuller stated. "He's a tough, hard-nosed competitor that works his tail off and is a great team guy. He's about as blue collar as they come."

Patterson (6'3", 200 lbs.) recorded eight receptions for 74 yards and two rushes for 14 yards for the University of Nevada Wolfpack. After his senior year in 2010, Patterson signed with the Wyoming Cavalry of the Indoor Football League. Last season, Patterson played in 12 games for the Cavalry, recording 37 catches for 442 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"Patterson played in the IFL last year after being out of football for a few years and did pretty well," mentioned Fuller. "He flew out from California to work out for us at our try outs and really had a great workout. He ran consecutive 4.2 40's and looked really sharp over both days."

Johnson (6'1", 240 lbs.) played collegiately for the University of Connecticut. Over his storied four year career with the Huskies, Johnson recorded 227 tackles, 21 tackles-for-loss, three interceptions, eight pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Johnson was named to the 2012 Big East Honor Roll during Weeks 5 (10/1 - vs. Buffalo) and 6 (10/8 - @ Rutgers). Johnson also earned Big East All-Academic honors in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

"Jory is a very talented football player and real quality young man," Fuller said. "He was a leader and a tackling machine for the UConn defense and did some great things for that program on and off the field."



Indoor Football League Stories from December 3, 2013


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