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Former Colt Joins Fire

January 5, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


The Louisville Fire coaching staff did not take any time off during the holidays, instead they spent time adding to the 2005 roster. The Fire has been assigned four more players by the arenafootball2 league office this week. Among the new players coming to camp for 2005 are offensive specialist Troy Albea, wide receive/linebacker Rob Mager, quarterback Joel Steele and wide receive/defensive back Cesare Manning.

Troy Albea, OS 6'0 215 Appalachian State, spent the 2001 and 2002 seasons on the roster of the Indianapolis Colts. He was however plagued by injuries both seasons. In his two seasons at Appalachian State Albea split time between receiver and running back. As a running back he rushed for 709 yards and three touchdowns. He excelled as a receiver with 87 receptions for 1,228 yards and 14 touchdowns in two seasons. He led the Mountaineers in receptions (65), receiving yards (931) and touchdowns (10) in the 2000 season.

Joel Steele, QB 6'1 205 Anderson University, will come to the Fire as Anderson's all-time leading passer with 11,539 yards. Steele is also third all-time in total offense in Division III with 11,348 yards, third all-time in passing yards 11,539 and fourth all-time with 110 touchdown passes. Steele ranks only behind Drew Brees in Indiana college history in passing yards.

Rob Mager and Cesare Manning are both products of the University of Indianapolis. Mager, WR/LB 6'2 200, finished his career at Indianapolis with 116 receptions for 1,676 yards. He will be in his first year in the af2. Manning, WR/DB 6'1 200, will be returning to the Fire after spending three games with the team late in the 2004 season. Last season Manning caught 16 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. On defense Manning had one interception and three pass deflections in limited action. Manning is also the all-time leading receiver at the University of Indianapolis.

"We think all four of these guys can come in here and not only compete for a spot, but also contribute to the team in 2005," said Fire Head Coach Tommy Johnson.

The Fire will open their 2005 home schedule in Freedom Hall on April 15 against the South Georgia Wildcats. Fire season tickets are on sale now starting at $49 and can be purchased by calling (502)368-0009 or visiting www.louisvillefirefootball.com.

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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.

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