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Brigade re-signs Smalls and inks free agent Demaree

October 19, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


Kansas City, Mo. (Oct. 19) - One defensive staple from the 2006 squad and an up-and-coming fullback/linebacker from Georgia are the Brigade's most recent free agent signings, the team announced Wednesday. Defensive specialist Denario Smalls, a three-year veteran, re-upped and will strengthen what is already shaping up to be a stacked defensive backfield. Chris Demaree, a FB/LB who also has played on the defensive line, chose to join former teammate Robert Thomas in Kansas City.

"It was important to bring back Dino [Denario Smalls] to have another smart defender and leader on the field," head coach Kevin Porter said. "We think Demaree is ready for a breakout year will do some great things in our system."

Smalls started all 10 games for which he was active last season for the expansion Brigade. His missed the last six games due to injury but still led team in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (11) and finished tied for second in tackles. Smalls set single-game franchise records for tackles (10.5), pass breakups (4) and interceptions (2) on February 19 against the Columbus Destroyers. He returned one of the interceptions for a touchdown-the first and only one in team history thus far-for which he was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game.

"I'm very excited to be back with the Brigade," Smalls said. "Coach Porter and his staff are putting together a great team and I'm glad to be one of those pieces. We have high expectations and we're trying to put together a great team for the community and our fans. I can't wait to get back there and start working."

Demaree (6-3, 265 lbs.) enters his third season of Arena Football after two with the Georgia Force. He appeared in all 16 regular season games in 2006, finishing second on the team with four sacks and eighth in tackles. Demaree had a solid rookie campaign that was cut short by injury, appearing in only four games.

"I joined the team because I think it's going to be a good team," Demaree said. "Defensively we've got a lot of good players. I know we'll be the best in the league when it comes to defense and I am one of the better pass rushers in the league so the Brigade is going to be getting a lot of sacks."

Although he is listed as a FB/LB, Demaree spends a lot of time at defensive end as he played the position in the NFL with stops in San Diego, Chicago, San Francisco and Carolina. He went to training camp with the 49ers in 2004 and was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. Demaree was also on the Bears and Panthers practice squads in 2002 and 2003, respectively. He was originally singed by the Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent.

A native of Louisville, Ken., Demaree played in 41 games in a four-year career at the University of Kentucky. He started all 11 games as a senior and recorded a career-high 57 tackles and 2.5 sacks.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 19, 2006


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