Former Morgan State Standouts sign with the Johnstown Riverhawks
January 25, 2006 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Johnstown RiverHawks News Release
The Johnstown Riverhawks of the American Indoor Football League have signed three Morgan State University graduates. Derrell Poland, Brach Roache and Ian Hale have come to terms with the team.
Derrell Poland, 5'11 200lbs WR/DB is a 2003 graduate of Morgan State who attended camp with the Georgia Force (AFL) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. Derrell also attended a private workout with the New York Giants. While at Morgan State, Derrell was a two year starter who guided the Bears to its first winning season (2002) in 23 years. In 27 games for the Bears, he recorded 79 tackles (57 solos) with 3 stops behind the line of scrimmage, an interception, 11 pass deflections and a blocked kick. His impressive senior campaign helped earn him second team All-MEAC honors. Poland's performance helped draw a total of 30-of-the-32 NFL teams to either scout or view his game films. He has unheralded talent with great athletic ability. Derrell attended Deptford (NJ) High where he lettered four times as a cornerback and a halfback earning All-Tri County, All-Group II and All-South Jersey honors. Poland also participated in basketball and track. He obtained personnel bests of 21.5 in the 200 meters, 22 feet, 9 inches in the long jump, and 48.5 in the 400 meters.
Off the field, Derrell appeared in all three consecutive Under Armour commercials and Disney's "Invincible" a football movie based on the life of Vince Papale.
Brach Roache is a 6'3" 225lb wide receiver that runs a 4.38/40 and has a 35 inch vertical jump. He has the physical ability to come off the jam and catch the ball in the middle of the field.
Ian Hale, defensive end, is a 6'4" 260lb Morgan State graduate who has the athleticism to make things happen in the offensive backfield. Ian graduated from Capital Heights High School (MD). While in high school, Ian participated in track and football. Hale and Roache also played on the 2002 season with Derrell Poland.
The Johnstown Riverhawks will open their season on March 4, 2006 in Steubenville, Ohio. The Riverhawks home opener is scheduled for Friday, March 17, 2006 against Huntington. Season tickets can be purchased by calling the Riverhawk office at 814-361-3460.
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