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Former NFL Offensive Lineman Jerome Davis, Two Others Sign

December 12, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - The Grand Rapids Rampage added another seasoned NFL veteran to its offense, signing former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jerome Davis (Detroit, Mich.). The 6-7, 300-pound University of Minnesota product excelled last season with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, earning him a spot on the league's East Division all-star team.

"We've had a lot of key signings this offseason, but this is as big as any of them," said Sparky McEwen, head coach and director of football operations for the Rampage. "Offensive line is the toughest position to play in football and Jerome has used his great athleticism and size to be successful at that position at the NFL level."

Davis spent eight seasons (1997-2004) with the NFL's Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. The former defensive end earned playing time with the 49ers in 2002 after making the difficult transition to the offensive tackle position. Davis went on to play six games over three seasons (2002-04) with San Francisco before joining the Argonauts for the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Davis' professional playing experience includes time spent with NFL Europe as well. In 1998, he helped the Frankfurt Galaxy to a World Bowl championship before being placed on the Detroit Lions' injured reserve list for the NFL season. Four years later, Davis once again donned the Galaxy uniform, earning all-NFL Europe recognition and finishing second in the league with 5.5 sacks. He also played two games with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders in 2000.

The AFL rookie's football successes began in Michigan, where he earned all-state and all-city honors during his senior season at Chadsey High School in Detroit. He went on to play four seasons (1993-96) at Minnesota, where he served as a team captain and received the Paul Geil Award as a senior for his unselfishness and team commitment.

Joining Davis on the 2007 Rampage training camp roster are wide receiver Jerome Riley (Birmingham, Calif.) and defensive back Jermaine Mays (Miami, Fla.). Riley played with Grand Rapids last season, catching 11 passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 26 tackles, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. The 6-2, 185-pound three-year AFL veteran spent time with the Los Angeles Avengers and Las Vegas Gladiators, and participated in training camp with the NFL's Tennessee Titans in 2003. The two-year letterman (2001-02) at Washington State University earned honorable mention all-Pacific-10 Conference honors after leading the Cougars with 57 receptions for 939 yards during his senior season.

Mays is entering his second season in the AFL after spending last year with the Orlando Predators and Nashville Kats. In 2006, he recorded 38 tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions, one of which he returned 24 yards for a touchdown. He spent three seasons (2003-05) in the Minnesota Vikings organization, earned a World Bowl title in two seasons (2004-05) with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe and was Davis' teammate on the CFL's Argonauts this past fall. The 6-0, 185-pound defensive back spent four years (1999-2002) at the University of Minnesota, where he earned the team's most valuable player award after blocking a school record five punts as a senior.

The Rampage will begin mini-camp at the end of January, with the season kicking off in Denver on March 4 against the Colorado Crush. Grand Rapids will play its home opener Thursday, March 8 against the Las Vegas Gladiators.

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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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