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Francies return to Lightning

January 4, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Stockton Lightning News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning of the arenafootball2 league have been re-assigned FB/LB Jason Hunt and WR/DB Diamond Francies by the af2 League Office, Lightning head coach Doug Murray announced today.

"Jason has proven himself as one of the premiere linebackers in this league and he's one of the most important pieces to our returning group for next year," said Murray. "We were pleased with Diamond's progress last year; we're looking for him to get settled in and become a formidable defensive asset in the af2."

Both players return for their second season with the Lightning and have strong Northern California-area ties, with Hunt playing his high school football at Modesto High School and Francies spending a portion of his college career at Sacramento State University (NCAA).

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Hunt was one of six (af2 league-high tying) Lightning players named to the All-af2 team last year after leading the Lightning with 11.5 sacks, breaking the single-season team record previously set by Aubrey Dorisme (8.0 sacks, set in 2006). The Modesto, Calif. native led the Lightning with 13.5 tackles for loss, ranking eighth in the af2 and registered 52.5 tackles, placing fourth on the team.

Hunt's af2 rookie season was highlighted by a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown on June 23 against the Bakersfield Blitz in a 82-24 win which shattered the single-game Lightning record for points. Hunt attended school and played college football at University of Cincinnati (OH) and began college playing career at Sacramento City College where he garnered Second Team All-American honors amid a productive senior season in 2002, in which he had 75 tackles in 14 games.

Following his collegiate career, Hunt spent the 2003 National Football League training camp period with the Miami Dolphins.

Francies was second on the Lightning with 60 total tackles, 49 solo, one tackle for loss and was second on the team with 11 pass breakups.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Francies spent his college football career at local Sacramento State University (NCAA) before transferring for his 2006 senior campaign at NCAA Division-II Humboldt State, helping guide the program to a 9-1 record. As a 2006 senior, Francies ranked seventh on the Jacks with 37 tackles and was second on the team with six pass breakups. Francies' college career started locally with a one-year stint at American River College and was an all-league selection.

The Lightning returns to play for the third season in the Central Valley beginning March 28, taking the road against the Tri-Cities Fever. The 2008 Lightning home opener is Saturday, April 12 against the Boise Burn, beginning at 7:00 p.m. from Stockton Arena.

For more information on season tickets, merchandise, or other information, please call the Lightning at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonlightning.com.



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