Copperheads Begin Filling Out Roster

January 29, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Texas Copperheads News Release


HOUSTON, TX - Texas Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake and Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit have just begun shaping the roster for the first-year franchise, but it already has the look of a seasoned squad. On Friday, the team announced that they have been assigned 9 players by the af2 league office.

K Nick Gatto (5-11, 190 Arkansas State) joins the Copperheads with an already impressive Arena Football resume. Gatto was named to the 2002 AFL All-Rookie team as a member of the Orlando Predators, and he has also played for the Dallas Desperadoes, Chicago Rush, San Jose SaberCats, Detroit Fury and the Grand Rapids Rampage. Gatto also has af2 experience, having played most recently for the Quad City Steamwheelers.

The Copperheads also added a major shot of NCAA Division I talent in a QB Tony Eckert (6-2, 210 Southern Methodist), OL/DL Michael Henry (6-4 325, Arkansas), OL/DL Robby Walker (6-4, 315 Ohio State), and WR/DB John Whitehead (6-0, 210 Southern Mississippi).

Coach Blake's philosophy of finding talent close to home is evident in the addition of several players from the Lone Star state: OL/DL Matthew Beeler (6-3, 310 Texas State), DB Josh McMillan (6-0, 180 Rice), WR/DB Obrey Minor (5-10, 180 Sam Houston State), WR/LB Lloyd Tate (6-4, 243 Texas State) and WR/DB Miguel Toulon (6-4, 210 Stephen F. Austin).

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.



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