Force Strengthens Defense
Published on November 30, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Georgia Force News Release
Norcross, Ga - The Georgia Force of the Arena Football League continue to build their defense and are pleased with the mixture of veteran leadership and youthful enthusiasm they've added in their defensive backfield.
The three AFL veterans who will be asked to play a vital role -- on-and-off the field -- next season are Tracy Belton, Robert Durham and Ryan Bowers.
A three-year starter at the University of Massachusetts, Belton played for the Milwaukee Iron this past season and led the team with 118 tackles (3rd highest in the AFL), seven interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.
Durham, who played high school football in Jonesboro, GA and currently resides there, spent the 2010 season with the Alabama Vipers and was with the Columbus Destroyers in 2008. In 2007, he played for the Hamburg Sea Devils of the NFL Europe.
Bowers, who recently played in the AFL with the Orlando Predators in `07, was originally signed by the AFL's Indiana Firebirds in 2004. A native of Evans, GA who attended Presbyterian College, Bowers has also played in the af2 and spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Amsterdam Admirals during the '05 season.
"These three players give us instant credibility in the secondary going into camp," Head Coach Dean Cokinos said. "They are all smart, tough, physical players who understand the demands of a defensive back in the Arena Football League."
Completing the defensive back group are two AFL rookies, A.J. Wallace and Isaiah Gardner, as well as NFL and CFL veteran John Eubanks.
A highly touted high school recruit and multi-dimensional threat at Penn State, Wallace (6-1, 195), who recorded 36 tackles and three interceptions as a senior in '09, was an undrafted free agent this past spring, but was signed by the Miami Dolphins following the draft and attended training camp. Wallace's versatility provides the Force with many options, and in addition to contributing on defense he will be expected to return kicks next season.
At 5-11, 197 pounds, Gardner, who originally was a recruit of Notre Dame, transferred to Maryland after he was redshirted as a freshman. A two-year starter for the Terrapins, Gardner was an undrafted free agent in `08, but found a home with the Jacksonville Jaguars during that season. Gardner also played in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos during the '10 season.
Eubanks, who played collegiately at Southern Mississippi and was an undrafted free agent following the 2006 NFL Draft, played two seasons with the Washington Redskins where he registered five starts. Following his stint with the Redskins, Eubanks spent the `09 and `10 seasons with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.
The talent that the Force has assembled in the secondary intrigues Cokinos, but with a few months remaining in the offseason he will look to bolster the unit even further.
"I think we have an excellent blend of players at this time; each with a different set of skills and level of experience," Cokinos said. "I anticipate one or two more additions in the secondary before we get launched, and it will be a very competitive environment back there."
Don't be left feeling Black and Blue this spring, as the Force open the 2011 season at home against the Tulsa Talons on Sunday, March 13th at 4:05 pm. All home games will be played at the Gwinnett Center. Season ticket plans are now available, call the Force sales department at 770-609-1300 or visit us online at www.georgiaforce.com for more information.
Arena Football League Stories from November 30, 2010
- Sharks Bolster Defensive Line - Jacksonville Sharks
- Force Strengthens Defense - Georgia Force
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
