Firebirds Assigned Three UAlbany Alums
January 7, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
ALBANY, NY - The Albany Firebirds announced today that former UAlbany stars Kenny Williams (WR/DB), Irani DeAraujo (WR/LB) and Trevor Dupont (FB/LB) have been assigned to the Firebirds by the af2 for the 2009 season.
Williams, 25, is very familiar with football in the Capital District; he played his college football for the University at Albany Great Danes and then made his professional arena football debut with the 2006 Albany Conquest. The Bronx, NY native played 13 games for the Conquest during the 2006 season, ranking fifth on the team in tackles (38.5), had 576 kickoff return yards (including a 56-yard return TD) and caught 13 passes for 126 receiving yards (9.7 yards per catch). During the 2008 season he played for the af2's Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings; in 8 games played he had 46.5 tackles, 3 interceptions and 597 kick return yards, including a 57-yard kick return touchdown. Williams (5'9", 195 lbs) is reunited with Firebirds Head Coach and Director of Football Tony Bowick, who was the Offensive/Defensive Line Coach for the Conquest during the 2006 season.
DeAraujo, 24, played four years as a split end for UAlbany (2004-2007) and he led the Great Danes in receptions for three straight seasons. During his senior campaign, the Queens, NY native had a team-high 28 catches for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. DeAraujo (6'2", 195 lbs) averaged 8.3 yards per catch as he helped UAlbany win the 2007 Conference title; it's first NEC Championship since 2003.
Dupont, 24, played four years as an outside linebacker for UAlbany (2004-2007). During his senior season, the Victor, NY native played in all 12 games for the Great Danes and had 39 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and ranked third on the team with 5.0 sacks. Dupont (6'1", 220 lbs.) also had two interceptions in 2007, for 33 INT return yards and one touchdown.
"What I really like about these three players is that each has the ability to play multiple positions," said Bowick. "It's a useful asset because none of these guys will be stuck in one spot. I know this local talent can excel at both the college and professional levels."
Bowick also said that his recruiting was going well and that the Firebirds currently have 18 players signed, but not announced, for the upcoming season. He is now in the process of scheduling the Firebirds annual Open Tryout Camp, which should take place within the next month.
The Albany Firebirds will begin their 2009 regular season schedule on March 27th at Mahoning Valley, while their first home game is set for April 10th against the Florida Firecats at the Times Union Center. Full and partial season ticket packages are now on sale; for more information please contact the Firebirds at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyfirebirds.com.
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