Sports stats



Brigade adds four more to 2007 free agency haul

October 13, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


Kansas City, Mo. (Oct. 13) - A few impact players a football team does not make, thus the Brigade went a step further in its quest to add depth and talent through free agency. The team announced on Friday the signings of four more players to pair with Clay Rush, Robert Thomas, Jonathan Quinn and a strong core of veterans from the 2006 squad. Wide receiver/defensive back DaShane Dennis and offensive/defensive linemen Larrell Johnson, Jamaar Ward and Arrion Dixon instantly provide the kind of playmakers the Brigade needs to make the leap towards the top of the division.

"We feel we got some players who are up-and-coming and ready to be big contributors," Head Coach Kevin Porter said. "They also give us the talent and stability to be a more complete team."

Dennis (5-10, 175 lbs.) is a three-year veteran of the Arena Football League and came into his own the last two seasons with the New York Dragons. A defensive back by trade, he tied for first on the team in 2006 with seven interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Dennis also was second on the team in kickoff returns and yards and recorded the only missed field goal return for a touchdown on the team.

"I'm excited to have this opportunity to be in this organization," Dennis said. "I was impressed by the ownership with the way they handle the community and how they get the team involved with the community. They see you as a person and not just a player."

Dennis saw his first meaningful action in the AFL in 2005, appearing in the second half of the season and in one playoff game. His first career touchdown came on an onside kick return at Austin on March 19. Dennis played in one game for the Philadelphia Soul in 2004 after a season in arenafootball2 with the Richmond Speed.

Ward (6-4, 375) has seen the field in both the AFL and af2. He spent last season with the Albany Conquest of af2, appearing in ten games. It was Ward's second stint in af2. He played for the Quad City Steamwheelers in 2001 and scored a rushing touchdown in the team's ArenaCup championship win. Ward was also the af2 Lineman of the year that season.

"I'm real excited for this year," Ward said. "Coach Porter and the staff have put a roster together that has a huge chance to be in the playoffs. I've always respected this city and the Midwest and I'm really looking forward to being a part of this organization."

Ward played four years in the AFL between the af2 turns, logging time with the New Jersey/Las Vegas Gladiators in 2002 and 2003, the Austin Wranglers in 2004 and the Columbus Destroyers in 2005. A football and basketball player at Morningside College (Iowa), he totaled eight touchdowns in that stretch.

Johnson (6-2, 320 lbs.) has also played three years in the AFL. He appeared in six games for the Austin Wranglers last season, making one start. Johnson spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons with the Dallas Desperados, working his way up to the active roster from the practice squad. He made his AFL debut on April 10 against San Jose and played in the next eight games.

Before going to training camp with the Georgia Force, Johnson spent the 2003 season with the Charleston Swamp Foxes of af2. He actually played the final five games of the season as the team's offensive specialist. Johnson was a senior captain at South Carolina in 2001, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines as the Gamecocks went 9-3 and beat Ohio State in the Outback Bowl.

Dixon (6-4, 308 lbs.) is a newcomer to the Arena game but is familiar with Kansas City. He was in the Chiefs training camps in 2005 and 2006 and battled for a reserve spot. Arrion started 10 games for the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe in 2006, recording two sacks.

"I'm excited about being with the organization," Dixon said. "I'm really looking forward to playing again."

A native of Wynne, Ark., Dixon saw action in 43 games with 31 starts for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He led the team as the junior with 11 quarterback pressures and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week versus Kentucky.

View the complete bios, including stats, of DeShane Dennis, Jamaar Ward, Larrell Johnson and Arrion Dixon at www.kcbrigade.com.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 13, 2006


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