Dragons Sign Three to Roster
October 29, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The New York Dragons signed three key additions on the first day of the free agency signing period. The Dragons have added AFL veterans in FB/LB Idris Price and WR Jeremiah Pope. The Dragons have also added rookie OL Joe Vilanni.
Price (6-2, 240) comes to the Dragons with four seasons of experience in the AFL, 2004-2006 with the Orlando Predators and last season with the division rival Philadelphia Soul. In his career, Price has recorded 109 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, four pass breakups, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks, and three interceptions for 69 yards and three touchdowns. On offense, he added five receptions for 44 yards, and 105 rushes for 308 yards and 20 touchdowns.
"I'm happy to be back playing in the area of New York. I graduated from Nassau Community College and I'm just excited to play for the dragons and start a new part of my career," said Price.
Pope (5-11, 205), signs with the Dragons after spending the last two season with the Arizona Rattlers. Pope, who graduated from Long Island University at C.W. Post, has recorded 89 receptions in his career for 1,135 yards and 26 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 17.5 total tackles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions for 33 yards. Prior to entering the AFL, Pope spent a season with the Albany Conquest of the af2 where he was the team's top receiver and earned All-Arena honors.
"We are extremely excited about coming to agreements with both Idris and Pope," said Dragons Head Coach Weylan Harding. "We feel like the team has become stronger and we are also adding a local element as far as playing ball here at Nassau and C.W. Post. I'm very excited that Idris and Pope will be joining what we have in addition to Henry Taylor and more guys we have coming in."
Villani (6-4, 300), is a native of Wantagh New York and enters his rookie season in the AFL as a versatile offensive lineman. He graduated from St. Anthony's High School in Melville and went on to play college ball at the University of Pittsburgh from 2003 to 2006. Villani joined the Panthers as a walk-on after transferring from Bucknell University, and he received a scholarship prior to the 2005 season. He was the Panthers' starting center in each of his last two seasons. Villani also spent time in camp with the New York Jets this past summer.
There will be more signings in the days and weeks to come so keep checking back with newyorkdragons.com for all the latest information.
Season Ticket Deposits are now being accepted for the 2008 season. For more information please call 1-866-AFL-TIXX or email ticektinfo@newyorkdragons.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 29, 2007
- L.A. Avengers sign five on first day of free agent signing period - Los Angeles Avengers
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- Dragons Sign Three to Roster - New York Dragons
- Cleveland Makes Statement In Free Agency - Cleveland Gladiators
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- 2008 AFL free agency begins today - AFL I
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