Firecats Name Four Fullback/Linebackers to 2009 Roster

February 23, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Florida Firecats News Release


Estero, FL- The arenafootball2 (af2) Florida Firecats announced that four Fullback/Linebackers have been added to their 2009 training camp roster today. Over the past three seasons, the Firecats have scored 80 rushing touchdowns and averaged nearly 28 yards per game on the ground, a high number in a passing dominated league.

"In our system, we've had a lot of success over the years," Firecats Coach Kevin Bouis said. "We've made it a priority to move the ball on the ground and it shows. It keeps the defense on its toes when they have to account for the running game."

Colt Colletti, Brandon Johnson, Adebiyi Ojutiku and Derron Thomas will battle for two open spots on the 2009 regular season roster.

"Colletti is a natural running back like some of the guys we've had in the past," added Bouis. "We expect Johnson, Ojutiku and Thomas to really contribute on defense but guys need to be ready for anything."

Rule changes prior to the 2007 season no longer required players to play both sides of the ball but a roster of only 22 necessitates that some players be versatile and be able to play multiple positions.

Colt Colletti - 5-10, 225, Nichols State; As a both a halfback and fullback at Nichols State, Colletti complied 2,114 yards ranking him fourth all-time in Colonels history. The three time all-Southland Conference selection impressed NFL scouts with 33 repetitions in the 225-pound bench press during a campus workout, more than any back during the 2005 combine. He had workouts with the Packers, Cowboys and Lions before ultimately becoming an undrafted free agent selection of the New Orleans Saints.

Brandon Johnson - 6-2, 245, Stillman College; He was a four-year starter for the Tigers at Defensive End from 2002-2006. He registered 44 tackles 13.5 tackles for a loss of yards and six sacks during his last two years. Johnson played for an indoor football team in Iowa last year where he had 17.5 tackles and three and a half sacks in six games.

Adebiyi "tha Juice" Ojutiku - 6-2, 260, The Citadel; Primarily a special teams player at the Citadel from 2003-2005, Ojutiku made the Dean's List in 2003. Last year he appeared in eight games for the af2's Daytona Beach Thunderbirds collecting 11.5 tackles.

Derron Thomas - 6-1, 250, University of Pittsburgh; Thomas appeared in 26 games for the Panthers from 2003-2006 making 66 tackles. A redshirt freshman, he graduated from Pitt in four years eventually enrolling in the sports leadership graduate program at Duquesne. He played one year for the Dukes leading the team with 106 tackles in ten games while becoming a 2007 All-Metro Atlantic Conference Selection.

Players will report to training camp on Saturday February 28th. The Firecats can bring up to 35 players into camp. The roster must be trimmed to 22 before the start of the season. Florida opens the 2009 season at home against division rival South Georgia on March 21st.

2009 season tickets are on sale now with eight-game season-ticket packages starting as low as $108. Call 239-390-CATS (2287) to reserve your seats or visit the team online at www.FloridaFirecats.com.



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