Dorados Go International with Canadian Addition
January 27, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Rio Grande Valley Dorados News Release
HIDALGO, TX: January 27, 2005 â It is not uncommon to see Canadians suiting up for the Central Hockey League's Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, but it is for their sister club, the Rio Grande Valley Dorados of arenafootball2, who are excited to announce they have been assigned Canadian born quarterback J.R. Davies by the af2 for the 2005 season. Davies is the first Canadian born player to join the Dorados roster and he will also be classified as an "International Player."
"J.R. has a tremendous college background and had an outstanding career at Simon Fraser," said Dorados Head Coach Kevin Guy. "The af2 and AFL have made huge efforts to promote the game internationally and to push for international players in their leagues, and we are proud that we can have an international player join our team to compete for a job."
Davies just wrapped up his senior season this past fall at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, and threw for 1,959 yards and 9 touchdowns in 8 games last season. He also rushed for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns on 56 carries. The Port Moody, BC native played in the NFL and CFL organized East-West Bowl in Waterloo, Ontario, which is a showcase all-star game of the best Canadian university players heading into their senior seasons, and threw for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns for the West squad. He also broke single-game SFU records with 495 passing yards and 543 all-purpose yards against the University of Manitoba this past season.
The 6'2" 220-pound 25 year-old began his college career at UNLV and spent two seasons (1999, 2000) with the Rebels before following his family ties to Simon Fraser. His grandfather, Lorne, was the first athletic director and head football coach at SFU. J.R.'s name will be just as significant at SFU after leaving the program as the university's all-time passing leader with 7,762 all-time passing yards and 47 passing touchdowns. His single best season came in 1993 after throwing for 2,791 yards (SFU single season record) and 20 touchdowns to lead the Clan to the CIS final four playoffs.
Davies addition to the Dorados gives them 12 members announced to the 2005 roster, joining Brian Baker (QB), John Bradley (OL/DL), Sterling Finney (WR/DB),Will Goodloe (OL/DL), Josh Kellett (QB), Joseph Lemberg (OS), Moses Lewis (TBD), Travis McAlpine (WR/DB), Ben McCombs (DE, FB/LB), David Morrill (FB/LB) and Josh Tubbs (OL/DL). Since Davies will be classified as an "International Player," he does not count against the 21-man roster rules and the he does not count against the maximum 19 players that can dress for a game.
In other Dorados news, former Dorados Preston Hartfield (New Orleans) and Chris McIver (New York) were released from their Arena Football League training camps. Eddie Moten made it through training camp and is on the roster for the Philadelphia Soul, who open the regular season on Sunday at Austin. The game will be televised at 11 AM on KVEO Ch. 23 (Ch. 8 - Time Warner Cable). Also, the Lacks Dorados Dance Team will be conducting tryouts, which are open to the media, tonight at 8PM at Kelly's Center Stage in McAllen. Media members seeking an interview with Davies or Coach Guy are encouraged to contact Chris Due with the Dorados at 956-227-4940.
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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