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Extreme Signs Talented Trio for 2011 Season

November 9, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bloomington Extreme News Release


BLOOMINGTON (Ill.) - The Bloomington Extreme announced the signing of Running Back, Tim Blackwell, Linebacker, Ray Michel, and Defensive Lineman Pernell Phillips.

Tim Blackwell, 5'11" 200 lbs. Running Back from Mt. Olive, Mississippi, was a high school quarterback recruited by Auburn, Florida State, and Tennessee to play defensive back before choosing Southern Mississippi where he was a running back and kick returner. Blackwell received Conference USA All-Conference accolades during his final collegiate season, compiling 561 rushing yards and 223 receiving yards on 24 receptions to go along with 7 TD's. Blackwell has played professionally in the CFL for the Edmonton Eskimos, and has spent time playing the Indoor Game as a member of the Austin Turfcats, Rockford Raptors, and the River City Rage. Extreme fans may remember Blackwell from the 2008 Indoor Football season where Blackwell was a member of the then rival River City Rage and received player of the week honors by returning 7 kicks for 163 yards, including a 44 yard TD.

Ray Michel, 6'1" 240 lbs. Linebacker from Ft. Myers, FL, where he was named Florida's 4-A State Player of the Year, prior to choosing to play collegiately at North Carolina State University over Nebraska and West Virginia. In Michel's 4 years at NC State (2006-2009), he started all 22 games in which he appeared in and compiled 188 tackles (86 solo), forced 4 fumbles, had 9 tackles for loss, and a quarterback sack. This will be Ray Michel's first season as a professional football player.

Pernell Phillips, 6'0" 310 lbs. Defensive Lineman from Xenia, OH will join the Extreme defense in 2011. In 2009, Phillips signed with the Cincinnati Bengals following a dominant showing at their rookie mini-camp. An injury suffered early in training camp kept Phillips out of preseason games, and he was released in time to join the California Redwoods of the UFL where he started 2 games and played in 4. Phillips totaled 127 tackles (67 solo) with 19.5 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks during his sensational four-year career at Central State University in Ohio.

"We are very excited about the addition of these three great football players to our roster." commented Head Coach Mike Murray. "Pernell and Ray add to a very talented and strong core group we have on defense and both possess the physical presence we want to display this season. Blackwell is an experienced running back and kick returner with tremendous skill and vision. He will add a very exciting element to our ball club both on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams."

The Bloomington Extreme will open the 2011 season on Sunday, February 27, beginning at 3:05 pm when they play host to the Richmond Revolution at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Season Tickets are still available by calling 309.663.8280. For more information, please visit www.bloomingtonextreme.com.

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