Blaze Sign Five Players for 2011

September 23, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce the signings of OL/DL Raymond McNeil (6-2, 315, Fort Valley State), DB Al Phillips (5-11, 195, Wagner University), DL Mike Lewis (6-2, 250, Adrian College), WR Rasheed Rancher (6-5, 200, Massachusetts) and K Carlos Ojeda (5-8, 190, Florida International).

"We are continuing to improve our roster on a daily basis and filling key positions," said Blaze Head Coach Ron James. "These signings and more will fill out our training camp roster in the weeks to come."

McNeil spent the 2010 season with the Milwaukee Iron, anchoring the offensive line at center and allowing only two sacks, ranking first in the League. He spent the 2008-09 seasons with the Green Bay Blizzard of the af2, where he earned First-Team All-af2 honors both years, holding opponents to only 16 regular season sacks, ranking seventh best in the League in 2009. McNeil played collegiately at Fort Valley State where he was a SIAC All-Conference Selection, earning him a spot in the Magnolia Gridiron Class All-Star game.

Last season with the Iowa Barnstormers, Lewis played in seven games and tallied 15.0 total tackles and two sacks. He signed with the Peoria Pirates of the af2 in 2009 and recorded one rushing touchdown along with 19.5 total tackles, including seven tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and seven forced fumbles. Lewis spent the 2007-08 seasons with the Albany Conquest of the af2. He finished the 08' season with 56.5 tackles and nine sacks and as a rookie, he tallied 43.5 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Prior to joining the Conquest, he spent time with the semi-professional Michigan Admirals. Collegiately, Lewis won the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletics Association's Defensive MVP Award.

Phillips played in four games last season with the Milwaukee Iron, tallying 16.0 total tackles, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery. In 2009, Phillips played for the Manchester Wolves racking up 66.5 tackles, two interceptions and 15 pass breakups in only 10 games. He was a part of the practice squad for the Cleveland Gladiators in 2008. Phillips was a two-sport athlete at Wagner College, participating in football and track. A three-time all NEC selection, Phillips collected 17 interceptions in his career as a Seahawk.

Rancher finished his collegiate career at University of Massachusetts in 2008. As a senior, he started in all thirteen games, recording 49 receptions for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2007, Rancher earned CAA Second-Team wide receiver after hauling in 22 catches for 362 yards and two touchdowns.

Ojeda served as the kicker for the Fairbanks Grizzles of the IFL in 2009. He was a part of the Albany Conquest of the af2 in 2008 and also spent time with the Daytona Beach Thunder (WIFL), Alaska Wild (IFL), and Ohio Valley Greyhounds (UIF).

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.

The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011 and were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the League office. The Blaze are proud to be under new ownership and making notable strides in providing fans with a premier Arena Football experience. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.



Arena Football League Stories from September 23, 2010


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.

OurSports Central