Blaze Pair Earns All-AFL Honors
August 11, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce that defensive lineman Caesar Rayford (6-7, 265, Washington) and Mike Lewis (6-2, 250, Adrian College) have earned All-AFL honors for the 2011 season by the Arena Football League. Rayford, in his second season with the Blaze, earned first-team All-AFL, while Lewis, also in his second AFL season, earned second-team All-AFL.
Rayford served on the defensive line in all 18 games with the Blaze and tallied 31.0 total tackles, ranked sixth in the League with 10.0 sacks, seven pass breakups, five blocked kicks, four recovered fumbles and three forced fumbles.
"It is great to see Rayford honored by the AFL for his hard work in the 2011 season. He is a tremendous leader for our team and has excelled not only as a proficient pass rusher but also as a stand out performer on special teams," said Head Coach Ron James. "Rayford is a high motor player on the field and a high character individual off the field. We are proud of his achievements this year and are looking forward to more great moments from him in the upcoming season."
Lewis, who played in seven games with the Iowa Barnstormers in 2010, tallied 15.0 total tackles and two sacks before his breakout season with the Blaze. This season, Lewis appeared in 16 games for the Blaze and ranked first in the League with forced fumbles (7) and fifth in sacks (10.5). He also compiled 34.5 total tackles, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and one quarterback hurry.
"Lewis had a breakout season for our team. We are happy to see that the Arena Football League has recognized his hard work. He is a dynamic player and pass rusher," said James. "Seeing young players like Lewis succeed in our league further validates the emphasis we place on recruiting high caliber athletes to come and contribute to our organization."
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