Cobras Ink Ironman Standout Jarrick Hillery
October 30, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC (October 30, 2003) - The Carolina Cobras announced the signing of one of the Arena Football League's most prolific two-way players, Jarrick Hillery, a former First Team All-Arena performer. The team also came to contract terms with quarterback Caleb Slover and offensive specialist Ernest Simms.
Hillery (6-0, 200, Tennessee State) spent the 2003 campaign with the Georgia Force, where he was named the team's Ironman of the Year after recording 57 receptions for 607 yards and nine touchdowns on offense, and adding 44 tackles and seven passes defended on the defensive side of the ball. Overall, Hillery has received Ironman of the Game recognition on 11 occasions in 63 career regular and postseason games.
"As a receiver, runner, defensive back and kick returner, Jarrick is as versatile a player as there is in this league," said Cobras head coach and director of football operations Eddie Khayat. "Also, he is a great young man that will lead by example.
The four-year veteran found instant success when he entered the league as a member of the Nashville Kats in 2000. During his first campaign, Hillery earned AFL All-Rookie honors as he tallied 403 yards receiving, 126 yards rushing and 31.5 tackles in leading the Kats to an ArenaBowl appearance. The following season, the Kats returned to the ArenaBowl as Hillery was recognized as a First Team All-Arena performer after leading the league with 12 rushing touchdowns while also ranking among the team leaders in receiving (39 receptions for 309 yards), tackles (35.5) and kickoff returns (19.9 yard average).
"I'm very happy to have the chance to play for the Cobras and Coach Khayat," Hillery said. "I think that I have a lot to bring to the team and I look forward to the chance to be a key contributor in their progress.
Slover (6-3, 200, Tusculum) spent the 2003 campaign directing the Greensboro Prowlers of arenafootball2. In 12 games as starter, he ranked among the league top ten with 3,474 yards and 75 touchdowns through the air and 162 yards on the ground.
Simms (5-7, 180, Kentucky) enters his first season in the AFL following a productive collegiate career at the University of Kentucky. Noted most for his speed and quickness, he reeled in 43 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns as a Wildcat, while also spending time on the school's track and field squad. As a senior Simms recorded a career-best 6.40 time in the 60-mater dash.
The Cobras kick off the 2003 season on Sunday, February 8 on the road against the Dallas Desperados. Carolina will open their home schedule on Saturday, February 21 versus the Arizona Rattlers. Season tickets are on sale now and start as low as $64 per seat. For more information, call 877-4-COBRAS or visit www.cobrasfootball.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 30, 2003
- Firebirds Sign af2 Player of the Year - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Cobras Ink Ironman Standout Jarrick Hillery - Carolina Cobras
- Frazier to Tackle Rampage Defense - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Firebirds Sign Veteran Defensive Back - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Rush Signs Free Agent QB Philyaw - Chicago Rush
- Fury Sign a Handful to 2004 Roster - Detroit Fury
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