
Blaze Sign Eddie Keele, Trade Konopka
November 13, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze announce the signing of offensive lineman EDDIE KEELE (6-4, 305, Brigham Young University) to a two-year contract today. Also, the Blaze have traded defensive lineman STEVE KONOPKA (6-4, 283, Central Connecticut) to the Philadelphia Soul for wide receiver J.J. McKELVEY (6-4, 225, Clemson). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed due to team policy.
"Eddie and J.J. are great additions to our offense," said Blaze head coach and general manager DANNY WHITE. "It is always exciting when we can find a local guy like Eddie who possesses such great talent."
At BYU, Keele earned letterman honors as a sophomore and junior. In his junior year, the former cougar started all 12 games and did not allow a single sack. He also helped anchor an offensive unit that averaged 33.0 points per game, second in the Mountain West Conference. In addition, Keele recorded one solo tackle. Three games into his 2006 senior season, he was sidelined due to a knee injury. In 2007, Keele spent time with the NFL's Oakland Raiders.
McKelvey played for the Soul from 2006-07 where he recorded 86 receptions for 1,133 yards and 31 touchdowns. Defensively, he tallied 40.5 total tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups. Prior to playing for the Soul, McKelvey played his 2004-05 seasons with the Manchester Wolves (af2). McKelvey also spent time with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 13, 2007
- The OSC Interview: Soul Majority Owner Jon Bon Jovi - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Three New Rattlers Bring Total Of New Players To 26 - Arizona Rattlers
- Robinson Signs With Storm - Tampa Bay Storm
- Desperados Add WR/DB/KR Bush - Dallas Desperados
- Columbus Destroyers Add Four Key Free Agents For 2008 - Columbus Destroyers
- Rampage Sign Former VooDoo Top DB Haith, Four Others - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Blaze Sign Eddie Keele, Trade Konopka - Utah Blaze
- Brigade Tryout Date This Friday - Kansas City Brigade
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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