Cobras Strike Again - Add Five Players
November 6, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Carolina Cobras announced the signing of five Arena Football League free agents, including a trio of former New York Dragons, wide receiver/defensive back Todd Doxzon, wide receiver/defensive back Damien Groce and wide receiver/linebacker Jack Walker. The team also came to contract terms with five-year veteran fullback/linebacker Chris Pope and defensive standout Ernest Ross.
Cobras assistant head coach and offensive coordinator John Gregory previously served as the head coach of the Dragons from 2001-2003 and the Iowa Barnstormers from 1997-2000.
One of the most productive receivers in the AFL, Doxzon (6-0, 190, Iowa State) reeled in 103 receptions for 1,482 yards during his three-year career in New York. In 30 games of action, he posted an impressive 41 touchdown receptions, including a career-high 21 in 2001. A former quarterback at Iowa State, Doxzon spent the 1998 season with the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League as a back-up quarterback and receiver.
Groce (5-10, 182, Iowa State) had a break-out season in 2003, registering career highs with 48 receptions, 573 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns with the Dragons. A former All-Big 12 performer at Iowa State, he also appeared in three contests for New York in 2002.
Walker (6-3, 200, Kent State) makes his return to the AFL after spending the past two seasons with the Peoria Pirates and Pensacola Barracudas of arenafootball2. In 2003, he led the Pirates with 90 receptions for 1,442 yards and a league-high 45 touchdowns. Walker previously spent the first three seasons of his professional career with New York (2001) and Iowa (1998, 2000).
Pope (6-2, 240, Central Arkansas) appeared in 12 games in 2003 in his fifth season with the Las Vegas Gladiators franchise. For the season, he registered 57 rushing yards and three touchdowns along with nine receptions for 88 yards and a score. Pope also added 14 tackles and an interception on defense.
Ross (5-11, 185, Alabama-Birmingham) joins the Cobras for his second AFL campaign. Last season, he appeared in five games with the Detroit Fury, recording 12.5 tackles and an interception. Following that experience, Ross tallied 67.5 tackles and seven interceptions in leading the Tennessee Valley Vipers of af2 to a league-best 14-2 record.
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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- Cobras Strike Again - Add Five Players - Carolina Cobras
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