Erie Explosion Ink Veteran Talent for 2011

Published on February 17, 2011 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Erie, PA)- The Erie Explosion have announced the signing of six veteran players to the 2011 training camp roster. Each will look to compete for a starting position when the Explosion open training camp on March 4th. "I am very pleased with how our roster is coming together at this time. I look forward to getting to camp and seeing how these position battles will shake out. We have a tremendous amount of talent coming to camp, and our fans will be very pleased with the final product that we will put on the field each week. Each of these players have experience and possess the ability to be game-changers for our franchise", commented Erie Head Coach Shawn Liotta.

Chris Johnson - DB- (6', 200) Erie C.C.

Johnson, an experienced defensive back comes from the Rochester Raiders of the Indoor Football League where over the past two seasons he has compiled 116 total tackles, 7 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. Johnson has received numerous IFL Defensive Player of the Week nominations, and has been a dominating force in the secondary during his indoor career.

Raji El-Amin- DB- (5'11, 195) Rhode Island

A one time PSAC Freshman of the Year at Edinboro University, El-Amin will return to Erie for the 2011 season. El-Amin has played professionally for the Erie RiverRats in 2009 and the Rochester Raiders during the 2010 season. He finished with 41 total tackles and 3 interceptions during the 2010 IFL season. El-Amin played collegiately at Rhode Island and Edinboro University earning numerous accolades including 2003 PSAC Freshman Player of the Year, Street & Smith's College Football Pre-Season NCAA Division II All-American, Daktronics All-Northeast Region first team selection, and AP Little All-American Honors.

Tarryl Gano- DB- (5'10, 210) Eastern Arizona

Gano, a product of Eastern Arizona has displayed his versatility and explosiveness over the past two seasons in the IFL for Rochester. Over the past two seasons Gano has compiled 69.5 total tackles, 9 interceptions, and 1 touchdown.

Joseph Charles- OL - (6'5, 360) Glenville State

Joseph Charles who spend time during the 2010 IFL season as a member of the Richmond Revolution, will look to make his mark on the Explosion protection in 2011. Charles helped Glenville State to the 2008 WVIAC Championship, and earned 2009 1st Team All-WVIAC honors. During the 2009 season Charles had 100 knockdowns which ranked among the top 60 offensive linemen eligible for the NFL Draft in 2010.

Chris Carter- WR- (5'9, 190) Elizabeth City State

Carter, an explosive receiver and kick returner comes to Erie after spending the last four seasons with the Rochester Raiders of the Indoor Football League. Prior to coming to Rochester, Carter played at Elizabeth City State where he finished as a 1st Team ALL CIAA and 2nd Team All-American. In 2006 he led the Conference in scoring and was a runner up for the 2006 CIAA Player of the Year. Carter established himself as a top indoor receiver over the past four seasons with the Rochester Raiders as he scored 58 touchdowns. In 2010 despite playing in only 11 games due to injury, Carter finished with 906 all purpose yards and 12 touchdowns.

Makis Whitaker- DB- (5'11, 190) Alfred State

Makis Whitaker has established himself as a top defensive back at the professional indoor level over the past several seasons. As a member of the Rochester Raiders of the IFL from 2009-2010, Whitaker compiled 146 total tackles and 6 interceptions. The Alfred State product ranked among the tops at his position in several categories including tackles and pass breakups over the past two seasons.

The Erie Explosion, proud members of the Southern Indoor Football League will open training camp on March 4th 2011. For more information on the Erie Explosion and the SIFL visit www.ErieExplosion.com

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