Blaze Re-Ink Former Utah Lineman
October 13, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze announced the signing of three players, OL/DL Garrett Smith (6-3, 290, Utah), FB/LB Devon Hicks (6-2, 260, Northwest Mississippi) and FB/LB Ben Stallings (5-11, 258, Delta State University).
Smith enters his fourth year in the AFL, all with the Blaze. During his career, he tallied 22.5 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Smith attended the University of Utah where he was a two-time First-Team All-MWC defensive lineman. The former Ute played from 1998-2002 and started 31 games in his career. During the 2002 season, Smith recorded 38.0 tackles, five stops for losses and three pass breakups.
Hicks signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2007 but was released prior to the regular season. He later signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL before landing at Saint Mary's University, a member of the Canadian Interuniversity Sports league to gain more experience. At Saint Mary's, Hicks was named to the 2009 Atlantic University All-Star team.
"Garrett Smith is a proven AFL veteran who adds a lot to our defensive front," said Blaze Head Coach Ron James.
"We are looking forward to Hicks adding to that equation with his unique skill set."
Stallings signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played collegiately at Delta State for three seasons, playing in 33 games and rushing the ball 218 times for 1,077 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 32 receptions for 265 yards and two touchdowns before transferring to Lambuth for his senior season, where he played in nine games. He rushed 116 times for 567 yards. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry and averaged 63 yards per contest, scoring nine touchdowns.
"Stallings is an up and coming fullback with NFL experience and we are eager to see what he can do in the AFL game," said James.
Player tryouts for the 2011 season will be held on October 30, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Spence Eccles Field House at the University of Utah. For more information please visit our website at www.utblaze.com or call 888-99BLAZE.
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