Colorado Ice Sign 2009 BCS Champion Linebacker Eryk Anders
September 24, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Colorado Crush News Release
(Fort Collins, CO) - The Colorado ICE are proud to announce the signing of two new players and the re-signing of five players to the ICE organization. The players are LB Eryk Anders, RB T.J. Pitts, QB Sherard Ellis, DB Idly Etienne, DB Nick Oppenneer, DL Dominic Applehans, and WR Cory Sleeth.
Anders is a 6'2", 235 lb linebacker from the University of Alabama. CBS Sports rated Anders as the 45th best outside linebacker prospect in the nation for the 2009-2010 season. Anders comes to the ICE bringing a championship tradition with him as he was a starter for the 2009-2010 Alabama national championship team. During his four year career, Anders had 98 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Anders finished tied for 10th in the SEC in both tackles for loss and sacks. After his prolific college career, Anders was invited to attend a rookie mini-camp with the Cleveland Browns.
Pitts is a 5'10", 215 lb running back from the University of Memphis. During his four year career at Memphis, Pitts played in 29 games. In those 29 games Pitts accumulated 922 yards rushing (4.4 per rush average) and 2 rushing touchdowns. Pitts was also used on special teams averaging 22.1 yards per kick return. Pitts' career highs include 19 rushes for 110 yards (5.8 avg) and 1 touchdown, which all came in a game against SMU. For his senior season, Pitts finished second on the team in rushing yards (343); also ranking him fourteenth in Conference USA.
Ellis is a 6'2", 185 lb quarterback from Lane College. Ellis may be better listed as an athlete as he played four different positions for the ICE last season. Ellis started the season at QB, moved to WR, moved to DB, and even played a little RB. In 11 games for the ICE, Ellis accumulated 412 passing yards, 8 passing touchdowns, 190 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 3 catches, 25 receiving yards, and 10 total tackles. This versatility will be looked upon again as the ICE seek to improve on the 2010 season.
Etienne is a 5'11", 205 lb safety from Alcorn State University. Etienne was one of the most productive players for the ICE the entire 2010 season and again will be looked upon to lead the defense. Etienne finished the season ranked second on the team and eighth in the league with his 96 total tackles. Etienne tied for first on the team in interceptions (2) and was first in pass break-ups (8). Etienne started in all but one game which he missed due to his graduation.
Oppenneer is a 5'10", 180 lb defensive back from Colorado State University. CBS Sports rated Oppenneer as the 46th best free safety prospect in the nation for the 2009-2010 season. Oppenneer only played in 2 games for the ICE but made an immediate impact. Oppenneer finished the season with 11 total tackles and was a large factor in holding one of the IFL's top receivers, Lonnie Sanders, to zero catches in the second half of the final game in Fairbanks.
Applehans is a 6'2", 250 lb defensive end from Mesa State College. Applehans came to the ICE late in the season but made his presence felt early and often as he started every game he was a part of. Applehans played in 3 games for the ICE accumulating 11 total tackles and 3 sacks. Applehans finished ranked first on the team with his 3 sacks and tied for fifth in the league in sacks per game (1.0). His consistent pressure was vital in the ICE gaining their first victory of the year against the Tri-Cities Fever.
Sleeth is a 6'1", 202 lb wide receiver from the University of Nebraska Kearny. Sleeth is one of the few veterans with the ICE and will be looked upon to lead the offense and team in the right direction. Sleeth played in all but one game for the ICE, finishing third in receptions (36), first in receiving yards (479), second in receiving touchdowns (10), and second in receiving yards per game (36.8). Sleeth also served as a goal line running back, scoring 3 touchdowns on the year.
The Colorado ICE 2011 Season Schedule will be available in Fall 2010. 2011 Season tickets can be purchased by contacting the ICE offices at 970-472-0128 or for more information go to TheColoradoIce.com.
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Indoor Football League Stories from September 24, 2010
- Venom Head Coach Resigns - Amarillo Venom
- Roughnecks to Launch Open Tryouts for 2011 Season - West Texas Roughnecks
- Colorado Ice Sign 2009 BCS Champion Linebacker Eryk Anders - Colorado Crush
- Outlaws re-sign Eby for 2011 - Billings Outlaws
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