Deion Holts Returns, BlueCats Sign Trio from Western Kentucky
Published on January 17, 2007 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Evansville BlueCats News Release
EVANSVILLE, IN: The Evansville BlueCats are pleased to announce that defensive end Deion Holts will return to play for the BlueCats in 2007. Holts originally signed with the BlueCats last June and was a crucial part of the BlueCats defense as the team rolled into the playoffs last summer. Joining Holts will be Louisville native Deonte Smith and Castle High School grad Ray Everhart, two players who also have football ties to Western Kentucky University.
Holts made his debut with the Evansville BlueCats in Week 13 last season where he recorded 3.5 sacks in his first 4 games with the team at defensive end. Holts made the move to playing mostly linebacker during the BlueCats playoff games due to an injury to linebacker John Winchester. In just 6 games last season, Holts recorded 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
Holts spent the first 3 years of his college career at the University of Kentucky before he transferred to Western Kentucky for his senior season. As a freshman at UK in 2002, he was named to the all SEC freshman team after playing in 11 of 12 games, recording 52 total tackles and while tying for the team lead with 4.5 sacks. During his senior season at Western Kentucky in 2005, he made second team All-Gateway conference with 37 tackles in only 7 games. In addition to his 37 tackles, he made 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 pass break ups. He was also named Gateway Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Hilltopper's double overtime win over #14 and eventual division I-AA runners-up Northern Iowa, where he had a career high 10 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in that game. Last spring he was in training camp with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL.
Also joining the BlueCats this season is Deonte Smith, another former football star at Western Kentucky. Smith began his college career with the Indiana Hoosiers where he played as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to the Western Kentucky for his junior year. Smith started 12 games at inside linebacker as a senior in 2004 and was named first team All-Gateway conference and was twice named Defensive Player of the Week. Smith led the team with 112 tackles that year. Smith grew up in the Louisville area and attended St. Xavier High School where he helped lead his high school team to a state championship in 1999. Smith signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL last spring.
The third member of the group is Ray Everhart from nearby Newburgh, Indiana. Ray Everhart was a superstar running back at Castle High School where he led the Castle Knights to an undefeated regular season and SIAC championship during the fall of 2002. He finished that season ranked fourth in the state with 197.3 yards per game, and seventh in total rushing with 1,973 yards. He also scored 26 rushing touchdowns for Castle, which finished the season 9-1. He attended Western Kentucky University and played football for the Hilltoppers in 2004 as an athlete, using his speed playing several positions on both offense and defense.
Deion Holts and Deonte Smith were scouted and placed through the Indoor Football Scouting Bureau.
Catch the Excitement of Evansville BlueCats professional indoor football with season tickets for the 2007 season. Get your tickets early to reserve your seat for next season. 2007 season ticket holders get 50% off on all BlueCats merchandise while supplies last. For ticket information or to purchase 2007 tickets, call the season ticket hotline at (812) 437-CATS or stop by the BlueCats office to pick your seat in person. For more information on the Evansville BlueCats and 2007 season tickets, please visit the website at www.evansvillebluecats.com.
United Indoor Football Association Stories from January 17, 2007
- UIF update - UIF
- Deion Holts Returns, BlueCats Sign Trio from Western Kentucky - Evansville BlueCats
- Storm Acquire All-UIF Defensive End from Omaha - Sioux Falls Storm
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