Blaze Add Three to Active Roster
May 9, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze have acquired defensive end Julian Miller and defensive back Josh Ferguson from the Spokane Shock in exchange wide receiver Brandon Thompkins, the franchise announced today. In addition to finalizing the trade, Utah also agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Anthony Jackson.
After participating in training camp with the Blaze, Josh Ferguson (5-8, 180, UTEP) spent the first seven weeks of the season on injured reserve before being released last week. Ferguson now returns to the Blaze after being claimed off of waivers by Spokane this past Monday.
Ferguson started 19 games over the past two seasons for the Shock, posting 104 tackles (89 solo) with two tackles for loss, two interceptions, 18 pass breakups and one fumble recovery. He entered the AFL with the Chicago Rush in 2010 and earned second-team All-Arena accolades after delivering nine interceptions during his rookie campaign.
Julian Miller (6-4, 265, West Virginia) played in a school record of 52 games at West Virginia University, where he ranks second in school history with 27.5 career sacks and 42.5 tackles for loss. Miller signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and now enters his rookie season in the Arena Football League.
Anthony "A.J." Jackson (6-5, 230, California PA) played in five games as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Power last season, seeing action at wide receiver and Jack linebacker. He totaled 17 receptions for 227 yards and three touchdowns while adding 10 tackles and one pass breakup.
Brandon Thompkins (5-10, 190, Arkansas State) heads back to Spokane, where he played the previous two seasons. Thompkins recorded 27 receptions for 345 yards and four touchdowns in four games with the Blaze, but was inactive during the past two contests.
Coming off of a 52-48 victory over the Shock, Utah will travel to Phoenix in Week 8 to take on the division-leading Arizona Rattlers on Saturday, May 11. The game can be viewed live in high definition on KJZZ-TV or heard on The Zone 97.5 FM. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT.
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