Edge Open Training Camp, Bolster Lines
February 20, 2014 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Bloomington Edge News Release
As pre-season camp opens, the Bloomington Edge have solidified their roster with the men who will battle in the trenches.
Offensive linemen Prenny Stokes and Jamarkus Gorman, two-way linemen Jason Townson and Josh Coyle, and defensive end Osmund Brown have signed with the Edge for the upcoming Champions Professional Indoor Football League season, which begins in two weeks.
Stokes, a 6-3, 305-pounder out of Indiana State, returns to the Edge after indoor stints at Quad City, Chicago, Colorado and Allen. Stokes was a captain for the Edge and a two-year starter. "Prenny is an outstanding veteran lineman who has love for the game," said Edge head coach John Johnson. "He has been a captain here and a proven leader. Having someone with Prenny's experience and abilities makes us a better football team."
Gorman stands 6-5 and weighs 315 pounds and returns to the Edge for his ninth season of professional football after his career at Indiana University. Gorman was part of Bloomington's conference championship team in 2008. "Jamarkus Gorman is a guy that has been around indoor football for years and knows the game," said Johnson. "He is a guy that is great to have on the field for his ability to get it done, as much as he does on the field he does just as much if not more off of it. He is a great teammate and person, he does work out in the community and is a guy that knows what it means to give back."
The 6-4, 315-pound Townson was with the Edge last season and played collegiately at Missouri and Tennessee State. "Jason is a player that can have an impact on both sides of the ball," said Johnson. "Offensively he is big, physical and athletic, he can shut down defensive lineman as an O lineman, and on defense he can get to the quarterback. Having a guy that can impact both sides of the football like Jason is a great asset to have and he will be making an impact on both sides."
Coyle, 6-4, 300 pounds, was also with the Edge last season as well as earning a earning a league all-star nod at center while playing with the semi-pro Southern Lakes Blue Devils last year. "Josh Coyle is another guy that can play on both sides of the ball," said Johnson. "Last year Josh stepped in and did a great job at center for us. He is big and physical, and can play any spot on the OL and go over and do the same on DL. Having a guy that can play any spot on either side of the line is something that every team looks for."
Brown is 6-3 and 250 pounds and has played professionally with the Carolina Force and the Charlotte Colts. He also played wide receiver in addition to defensive end at his college stops of St. Paul's College, Chabot College and Glenville State College. "Osmund is somebody we are looking at to come in and get after the QB," said Johnson. "He plays with a high motor and will get after it up front. He is long and athletic and can use those things to his advantage. We are looking for Osmund to come in and be a guy that can bring some pressure up front and make life uncomfortable for opposing QBs."
Edge players have reported to training camp and have begun workouts in advance of the 2014 season opener in Kansas on March 7 against the Salina Bombers. After a March 14 visit to Lincoln, Neb. and a bye week, the Edge open their home season on Saturday, March 29 at 7:05 p.m. against long-time opponent Omaha Beef at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Individual and season tickets are on sale now by calling 309-434-2980. Edge information can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and www.bloomingtonedge.com.
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