Destroyers release Chad Salisbury, name Matt D\'Orazio starting QB
February 15, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release
COLUMBUS, OH â The Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League released quarterback Chad Salisbury Tuesday, paving the way for Matt D'Orazio to make his first-career start at quarterback when the Destroyers host the Chicago Rush Saturday night at Nationwide Arena.
Salisbury joined the Destroyers as a free agent this past offseason, eventually winning the starting job at the conclusion of training camp. In two starts this season, Salisbury completed 33-of-63 passes for 380 yards and five touchdowns with four interceptions.
D'Orazio, a former Otterbein QB and product of DeSales High School, will make his first-career start Saturday after serving as a reserve quarterback for the Destroyers the past two seasons. Prior to joining the Destroyers, D'Orazio quarterbacked the af2's Rochester Brigade where he threw for 3,372 yards and 51 touchdowns, finishing sixth in the league in total offense with 3,704 yards.
In addition, the Destroyers have agreed to terms with quarterback Ryan Vena who will be in uniform for Saturday's game with Chicago. Vena was Columbus' starting QB last season before being waived during the final week of training camp. In 14 games a season ago, Vena threw for 3,076 yards and 57 touchdowns.
In other personnel moves, the Destroyers waived wide receiver/linebacker D.J. Humphries and traded lineman Carey Clayton to the Nashville Kats in exchange for defensive specialist Art Smith. Smith (6-0, 200, Northeastern) opened the season on Nashville's other league exempt list (NFL-Green Bay Packers).
The Destroyers return to the field this Saturday, February 19, at 7 p.m. ET when they host the Chicago Rush at Nationwide Arena. Individual game tickets for Destroyers home games are on sale at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster ticket centers, by phone at (614) 431-3600, as well as on-line at www.ColumbusDestroyers.com and ticketmaster.com. For information on season tickets, call (614) 246-HITS (4487).
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