Firebirds Name Four to Practice Squad
January 30, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League have signed four players to their practice squad, all whom attended training camp this year.
The four-man practice squad includes quarterbacks David Priestley and Jose Davis, wide receiver/defensive back Brian Alford, and offensive/defensive lineman Derrick Pickens. Every member is an Arena Football League rookie.
Priestley is fourth on the University of Pittsburgh's all-time passing list having thrown for 4,553 yards. While at Pittsburgh, Priestley (6-4, 215) completed 314-of-543 (57.8%) pass attempts and threw 29 touchdown passes. Davis (6-1, 200) is the all-time leader in several passing categories at Kent State. He holds every career passing and total offense record in school history, including total offensive yards (7,331), passing yards (6,772) and TD passes (57).
Alford (6-1, 190) was a third-round selection by the New York Giants in the 1998 NFL Draft. In two seasons with the Giants, he recorded two catches for 18 yards and one touchdown. Following his stint with the Giants, Alford spent time with the Miami Dolphins during the 2000 season. Alford is currently Purdue's all-time leader in receiving yards (3,029), touchdown catches (31), and is seventh in receptions (164). Pickens (6-1, 280), a standout performer at the University of Iowa, finished his college career with 111 tackles (68 solos), 13 sacks, and 21 tackles for a loss (73 yards).
The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. The network will broadcast 70 games next season, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. The Firebirds kick off the 2003 regular season this Sunday, February 2nd on the road against the Detroit Fury which will be aired on UPN Indiana. The Birds' home opener is slated for Sunday, February, 16th versus the Chicago Rush live on NBC Sports. Firebirds' season tickets for the 2003 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is available at the Home Court Gift Shop, Home Court II in Circle Center Mall and Home Court at Indianapolis International Airport. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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- Firebirds Name Four to Practice Squad - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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