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Blaze sign seven players for 2007 season

October 13, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze announce the signing of seven players this week. The group of players includes University of Utah alum, CLARENCE LAWSON (5-8, 180, Utah). Other players signed this week include: defensive lineman BRUCE BLUE (6-2, 290, Western New Mexico), linebacker VALENTINE CHUDE (6-2, 255, Western New Mexico), offensive/defensive lineman JOHN CULP (6-5, 295, Kansas), defensive back MICHAEL DAVIS JR. (6-3, 190, Arizona State), offensive lineman BRANDON EATON (6-2, 314, Hawaii), and defensive lineman CHRIS JANEK (6-3, 300, Wisconsin). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed due to team policy.

"These signings help add depth to key areas for us," said Blaze head coach and general manager DANNY WHITE. "It's a good mix of veterans like Lawson and Janek and up-and-coming young talent. We are excited to bring in players that we feel will help us make a run at the championship in 2007."

LAWSON: Prior to signing with the Blaze, Lawson played his last four seasons with the Arizona Rattlers. In his 2006 season, he totaled 55.5 tackles, three interceptions and led the team with 38 kick returns for a total 270 yards. In 2005, the former Ute played in all 16 games and led the team with 95.0 tackles. Lawson played his 2002 season with the Carolina Cobras where he recorded 73.0 tackles and three interceptions.

The eight-year AFL veteran began his professional career with the Florida Bobcats (1999-2001). In those three years, Lawson totaled 219.5 tackles and six interceptions. During his college career at Utah, the three-year letterman was named First-Team All-WAC in his senior season.

BLUE: During his 2006 season with the New York Dragons, Blue totaled 19.0 tackles, 1.0 sack and two safeties. In only two years with Western New Mexico, he contributed 110.0 tackles, 38.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. The former Dragon comes to the Blaze via an open tryout.

CHUDE: In his 2005 senior season with the Western New Mexico, Chude tallied an impressive 108.0 tackles, 3.0 sacks and three interceptions. The AFL rookie was also named to the Southwest All-Regional Football Team.

CULP: Culp re-signs with the Blaze this year after playing in 12 games during the 2006 season. He scored two touchdowns for the Blaze last year while making 4.0 tackles and blocking two kicks on defense.

DAVIS: Davis comes to the Blaze from Arizona State University via an open tryout. The former Sun Devil led the team his senior season in pass breakups with 11 and finished is college career with 75.0 total tackles and 19 total pass breakups.

EATON: The former Hawaii Warrior joins the Blaze via an open tryout. Eaton was a three-year starter for Hawaii where he was awarded All-Conference honors as a senior.

JANEK: Janek played his last two seasons with the Columbus Destroyers. While at Columbus, the six-year AFL veteran recorded 33.0 tackles and three pass breakups. Janek was a four-year letter winner at the University of Wisconsin where he was a member of a Badger defense that allowed a nation-leading 10.2 points per game.

The Utah Blaze were winners of the 2006 Commissioner's Award, given to the Arena Football League's Organization of the Year, and the Best Support Staff Award. The Blaze led the AFL in attendance and qualified for the postseason in just their first season. Season tickets for the 2007 are now available by logging onto www.utahblaze.com or by calling the Blaze ticket office at (801) 257-3111.

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