Dorados Add Two as Season Nears
March 14, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Rio Grande Valley Dorados News Release
HIDALGO, TX: March 14, 2005 â The Rio Grande Valley Dorados of arenafootball2 welcomed a pair of rookies to their 2005 roster, as the af2 assigned defensive specialist Zeb Ellison and lineman Julius Gant to the squad.
"Zeb is a hard nosed player that plays his position with a physical presence," said Dorados Head Coach Kevin Guy. "As for Julius, he is a big physical athlete that was moved to the offensive line after playing a bit on defense and has the strength and footwork to be a talented lineman."
Ellison is a young 22 year-old native of Shelby, Alabama that just completed his college career in the fall at the University of West Alabama (Livingston, AL). He was with the Tigers program for three seasons (2002-2004) ranked second in tackles last season with 105 (42 solo) and led the team in tackles for a loss with 12. After redshirting in 2002, Ellison led the Tigers with 79 tackles (46 solo) in 2003. His two-year totals at UWA include 184 tackles (88 solo), 20 tackles for a loss, 3 forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in 22 games. The 6'2" 205-pound Ellison began his college career, after a high school tenure at Shelby County High School, at Bethel College, an NAIA program located in McKenzie, TN. He combined for 64 tackles (34 solo as a sophomore) in two seasons (2000-2001) at Bethel.
Gant turns pro after playing collegiately at Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN). The Atlanta, Georgia native played three seasons with the Blue Raiders and played in 1,797 snaps, registering 121 knockdowns. He started in 25 of the 34 games he played in and was a five-time recipient of the team's "Most Valuable Lineman" honor issued after every game. The 6'4" 305-pound lineman claimed three of the honors as a senior in 2003 with top performances against Missouri, Utah State and Troy State. He had a cumulative grade performance of 82 percent during his senior season and graded out a season best 89 against Missouri and Georgia. The 23 year-old Gant grew up in Atlanta and was a member of the All-City Team while at Southside High School.
The two additions places the Dorados roster with 27 members announced to the 2005 squad, joining Brian Baker (QB), Darvell Bivens (WR/DB), John Bradley (OL/DL), Mario Butler (WR/DB), Dwight Counter (WR/DB), J.R. Davies (QB), Jonathan Feig (K), Sterling Finney (WR/DB), Marquis Floyd (WR/DB), Wil Goff (OL/DL), Will Goodloe (OL/DL), Eric Houle (K), Josh Kellett (QB), Marquis Landrom (WR/DB), Joseph Lemberg (OS), Moses Lewis (TBD), Jesse Mayfield (OL/DL), Travis McAlpine (WR/DB), Kenny McClain (OL/DL), Ben McCombs (DE, FB/LB), David Morrill (FB/LB), Antoine Murphy (OL/DL), Pierre Thomas (WR/DB) and Josh Tubbs (OL/DL). Media members seeking an interview with Ellison, Gant and/or Coach Guy are encouraged to contact Chris Due with the Dorados at 956-843-5656.
The Dorados kick-off their 2005 campaign April 9th at the Dodge Arena, as they host the Louisville Fire. Season ticket packages and advertising opportunities are available by contacting the Dorados offices at 956-843-7825. Additional info can also be found by visiting the Dorados online at www.doradosfootball.com.
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