Championship Caliber Players Have Begun Enlisting in the Battalion for 2013
October 2, 2012 - Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Lakeland Raiders News Release
LAKELAND, FL- The Lakeland Raiders are very pleased to welcome the newest group of athletes to join the Battalion. These men are ready to represent the Raiders on and off the field and bring a championship to Central Florida.
DeAndrew Rubin (WR, 6'0 190 lbs from The University of South Florida) attended Dixie Hollins High School in Saint Petersburg, Florida and after running a 4.42 in the 40 yard dash and showing off a 35=C21/2-inch vertical jump, Rubin was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He then also signed with the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also has Arena experience with the Orlando Predators, Dallas Vigilantes and the Tampa Bay Storm. DeAndrew brings speed, experience and athleticism to the Raiders receiving core. He is a student of the game and is eager to play for the Raiders.
Jason Harmon (WR, 6'3 215 lbs fromFlorida Atlantic University) was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars and alsoplayed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Jason has the ability to stretch the field but also find the open holes on a defense. His speed and athleticism will be a huge factor for the Raiders and his size will make a great target for the Raiders Quarterback.
Tyler Batts (RB/ATH, 5'9 185 lbs from Gannon University) is a multi-sport athlete that brings speed and athleticism to the Raiders roster. Batts is used to a fast pace game from playing basketball and also brings the indoor/arena experience. Tyler played for the Cedar Rapids Titans in the IFL last year and was a threat coming out of the backfield. His cuts and hunger to find the end-zone will make it very difficult for teams tostop him. He is a very physical athlete that will fight through tackles and block any defender that comes his way.
Curtis Chance (DL, 6'2 295lbs from The University of South Florida) is a great addition to the Raiders defensive line. Curtis is a returning Raider, he was a part of the original Gulf Coast Raiders and is ready to become a Lakeland Raider. He played his high school football at Dixie Hollins and then went on to play for the South Florida Bulls. Curtis has the footwork to play any position on the defensive line and the strength to match up with anyone. His abilities also give the Raiders the option to use him on the offensive line or as a fullback.
CJ Davis (WR/DB, 6'0 175lbs from Troy University) is another athlete that brings speed to the Raiders roster. Cj played his high school football at Dixie Hollins and then played his collegiate football at Troy. Cj also has indoor/arena experience, he played for the New Mexico Wildcats of the AIFA and also the Lafayette Wildcatters.
Marcello Church (LB/DE/FB, 6'2 250 lbs Florida State University) adds another Seminole into the Raiders program. Marcello was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins after FSU and is excited to get back in the field for the Raiders. He brings an ability to fly around the ball in different positions on defense and can also block and run the ball.
"I feel great about the group on men that we signed. It's great to see Central Florida talent stay in Central Florida. Many of the players I speak to are leaving Florida to play and they are talented, so why not keep them playing in front of the home crowd and help some of these men get the chance to play on the big stage (NFL,CFL, UFL). These players are hungry and eager to get to work and bring a championship home, " commented General Manager Feddy Azofeifa.
"This is a great group of players to bring in. They all have experience playing at a high level and that will help make this team better. I look to some of these players to be team leaders and teach the younger generation what it is to be a leader on and off the field. It's only going to keep getting better," commented Coach Mink.
The Lakeland Raiders 2013 season tickets are on sale. The Raiders are showing fan appreciation by buying the first 500 season ticket holders parking for the season and there are still some available. The Raiders 2013 season kicks-off in March and 6 home game season ticket packages starting as low as $35 are now on- sale and can be purchased bycalling 1-855-RAIDER1 or ordering online atwww.lakelandraiders.com. The upcoming season will feature new rivals from Sarasota, Miami and out of state teams from Dalton, Georgia and St. Charles, Missouri. For more information about the Ultimate Indoor Football League visit the league website www.uiflfootball.com or by calling 877-500-UIFL. With all the great news on tickets, the Raiders will also like to announce a few of the players that will be battling it out for a chance to play for the Lakeland Raiders.
For more information about the Ultimate Indoor Football League visit the league website at www.uiflfootball.com. The Raiders will be playing home games at The Lakeland Center. The Lakeland Center offers a full variety of sporting events, concerts and shows. The Lakeland Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm.t The Raiders were formed by Michael Mink in honor of Michael's mother Dorothy Mink. With Robert Tannenbaum's business knowledge and experience operating successful companies, the combo look to the Lakeland community to help build the best indoor arena franchise in the country along with a championship team. The original Raiders also honored a group of warriors and sons from America. These Raiders completed their mission in real war and were the Marine Raiders of World War II. One Team. One Mission. The invasion continues in 2013!
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Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from October 2, 2012
- Championship Caliber Players Have Begun Enlisting in the Battalion for 2013 - Lakeland Raiders
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