Defenders Sign "Fierce Four"
Published on October 7, 2012 under Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Oklahoma Defenders News Release
TULSA, OK The Defenders have announced several exciting changes in store for the 2013 season, including a new league (CPIFL), and new venue (TulsaConvention Center). One thing that the Defenders ensure will remain the same is the "same fire." The Defenders welcome back three key players to their successful 2012 inaugural season; Quarterback Rico Watkins, Wide Receiver Cameron Clemons, and Defensive Back Bobby Blackshire have confirmed they will return for the 2013 season. The Defenders also announce signing of a highly-decorated former IFL Defensive Back James Temple.
QB Rico Watkins did not disappoint in the 2012 season As a team captain, he completed 131 of 217 passing attempts for 1,684 yards and 40 touchdowns and added 406 yards on 85 runs (average 4.8 yds/carry) with an additional 18 rushing touchdowns. He was awarded All-League Honorable Mention as well as Team MVP Watkins was forced out of the 2012 playoff game in the first half with a severe injury and later was found to have a torn achilles tendon for which he has undergone surgery and will be back in motion for this year's season. Watkins also had off-the-field successes with the birth of boy/girl twins over the summer. Watkins stated, "I'm excited and overjoyed to be back with the team after the season we had last year. We had such a magical run that we all had a bad taste in our mouths on how it ended. I'm so anxious to get back out there and play with my boys. I'm also excited to play against better athletes in this new league. I'm liking what I see with the structure of the new league and some of the things they are doing and would love to have my name associated with this new league."
WR Cameron Clemons learned what it takes to make big plays in indoor football during the 2013 season. With over-the-wall, soaring, one-handed catches, he and Watkins could ignite the crowd. Clemons had 60 yards on 14 carries with 4 running touchdowns as well as 26 receptions for 405 yards and 9 additional touchdowns. Clemons was also a team captain and was voted OKD Offensive MVP for the 2012 season.
Clemons commented, "I feel blessed to even be offered the chance to re-sign for this season. Not many people get a second chance in sports. I think the new league will be good for us It will have more competition, as well as allow fans to really see what OKD is about now---that we are not a bunch of rookies anymore!"
DB Bobby Blackshire, also a team captain, was awarded All-League 1st Team honors, as well as Team Defensive Player of the Year. He led a forceful defense and racked up 98 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns last season. Bobby also recently "put a ring on it" and married Jamie Blackshire (but kept OKD in mind with a mini-OKD helmet on the groom's cake)! Blackshire commented, "Making the switch to a different league will only help us as players as we go against great opponents each and every week. The move to the CPIFL was a good one. I think the CPIFL has the right people in the right places. They update the fans and players as to what is going on around the league which is important to players and teams. I can see only good things to come in the CPIFL. As far as the 2013 OKD season, I'm looking forward to playing with some of the same guys from last year; and, with the addition of DB James Temple, I believe the defensive back end will be even better than last year as we strive to be the best secondary in the league and CPIFL Champions!"
Newcomer DB James Temple joins OKD for the 2013 season, a former standout player in the IFL. Temple had 12 interceptions in 2012 with the Bloomington Edge and was named to the All-IFL First Team in 2012.
He also led the IFL in interceptions for the 2012 season. He is a competitor, missing only 6 games of 75 total IFL games. Temple is no stranger to hard-hitting, aggressive defenses; Temple and Coach Baker, OKD's Defensive Coordinator, are actually former teammates with the Bloomington Extreme (IFL). Temple's thoughts: "I feel like I have something to look forward to. In anticipation to the upcoming season and the move to a new league, I am ready to take on the challenges.
All teams will have the same goal, but only one team will reach it: OKD, all the way!"
The Defenders will re-sign more returning players over the next few weeks. Contracts will also be offered at the open player tryouts.
OKD's first open player tryout for the 2013 season will be held Saturday, October 13th 12:30-3:30pm at SoccerCity, 5817 S 118th E.
Avenue in Tulsa. Cost is $30 for pre-registered and $40 the day of the tryout. To pre-register call 918-403-9926 or email jana@oklahomadefenders.com by Friday October 12th.
Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from October 7, 2012
- Defenders Sign "Fierce Four" - Oklahoma Defenders
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