Erie Explosion Defensive Back Advances to AFL

Published on November 13, 2012 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Erie, PA)- The Erie Explosion have announced that defensive back A.J. Saunders has signed a contract with the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League for the 2013 season. Saunders joins the Gladiators after a standout season with Erie in which he was named to the First-Team All League team.

During the 2012 season, Saunders amassed 27 total tackles, 11 interceptions, 14 passes defended, and 9 pass breakups. Saunders was a key force in an Erie secondary which led the league in pass defense efficiency (87.8). Saunders was named the league defensive player of the week following his 3 interception performance vs. the Johnstown Generals.

Saunders reflected on his time spent with the Erie Explosion and his new opportunity in the Arena Football League, "Playing for the Erie Explosion was a great experience for me, and it taught me a lot about the fundamentals of the arena game. It helped me fine-tune my craft and get film necessary to get to the next level. My new opportunity to play in the AFL is a new challenge that I am looking forward to and am eager to play for the Cleveland Gladiators this season with the ultimate goal of elevating my game to play in the NFL."

Saunders joined the Explosion following a standout career at Slippery Rock University where he was a four year letterman and a three year starter. Saunders finished his career with 100 tackles and six interceptions, including a game winning 60 yard return for a TD against IUP in 2009. Saunders is a graduate of Valley High School in New Kensington, PA.

Erie Explosion head coach Shawn Liotta was pleased that another one of his former players has received an opportunity to advance their career, "We are extremely pleased that our franchise has served as a vehicle for another player to advance their career. A.J. Saunders is a skilled technician in the defensive backfield and he will be a major asset to the Cleveland Gladiators. A.J. was an outstanding player for us on the field this season and is a tremendous citizen off of the field. With his skill level, hardwork, and determination I am sure his career will continue to go far."

The Cleveland Gladiators now currently have 4 players on their roster who were former members of the Erie Explosion. Twelve former Erie Explosion players have signed AFL or CFL contracts over the past two seasons. For information on the Erie Explosion visit www.erieexplosion.com for upcoming events and the latest news as the franchise prepares for the 2013 season.

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Continental Indoor Football League Stories from November 13, 2012


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