Carvalho Returns to Help Anchor Soul Line
January 3, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (January 3, 2014) - The defending Back-to-Back American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul and the Arena Football League announce that center, Brennen Carvalho (6'1, 310, Portland State) will return to the team for the 2014 season after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract. The former All-Arena center will be entering his fifth season in the AFL.
Also, the Soul acquired defensive lineman Pernell Phillips (6'1, 270, Central State) from the expansion Portland Thunder in exchange for defensive back Dion Turner. Turner was acquired by the Soul following the 2013 regular season in the League's re-assignment process. Phillips, who is entering his third AFL season, played the last two seasons for the Tampa Bay Storm and has 41.5 total tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 12.0 sacks in his young career.
"Brennen is the best center in the League," said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. "Without a doubt, this is one of our biggest offseason signings. He is a perennial All-Arena caliber lineman who will be a key piece to our overall success on offense. Phillips brings strength and power to our squad as we continue to add depth to our overall roster."
In 2013, Carvalho anchored the offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks (7) and blocked for the League's leading rusher, Derrick Ross, as he shattered the AFL's career rushing yardage record (1,773). He played in 16 regular-season games and all three postseason contests for the Soul. He also played in the last three ArenaBowls (2011 with Arizona and 2012 and 2013 with Philadelphia) and was named First Team All-Arena in 2013, while taking home Second Team All-Arena honors in 2011 with the Rattlers.
Carvalho also spent time in the National Football League before joining the AFL. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as a rookie free agent and spent the season on the team's practice squad (2008).
Before starting his pro career Carvalho was a standout player at Portland State (2004-07). He started in 39 consecutive games, the most of any player in the 2007 senior class, and was named to the First-Team All-Big Sky three years in a row (2005-07). During his senior season, Carvalho also received the Division I FCS Remington Award, which is given to the nation's best center.
Carvalho was born in Kapa'a, Hawaii. He attended Kamehameha High School where he lettered three times and was First Team All-League as a junior and senior and First Team All-State as a senior as well.
Arena Football League Stories from January 3, 2014
- SaberCats Acquire Fullback from Cleveland - San Jose SaberCats
- Sharks Boost O-Line with Ayo Ademiluyi - Jacksonville Sharks
- Carvalho Returns to Help Anchor Soul Line - Philadelphia Soul
- AFL China: 'Climbing the Wall' Debuts Monday, January 6 - Philadelphia Soul
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