Gladiators add strength to defense, fullback positions
November 8, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
LAS VEGAS, NV, November 8, 2006 - The Las Vegas Gladiators continue to fortify the defensive side of the football, adding a true pass rusher and two defensive backs it was announced by Head Coach Danton Barto. Signing contracts with Las Vegas were defensive lineman Karon Riley, and defensive backs Vontez Duff and Earthwind Moreland. In addition, the Gladiators announced the signing of fullback Ben Moa, the former all Mountain West Conference tight end. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are really excited about Karon Riley playing for the Gladiators next year," said Barto. "He has the ability to get to the quarterback on every play."
Riley (6-2, 260, Minnesota) played five years in the NFL, spending time with the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. Riley played in 25 games throughout his NFL career, including all 16 games for the Falcons in 2003. He was selected by the Bears in the 4th round in 2001 following two All-American seasons at the University of Minnesota.
Duff (5-11, 200, Notre Dame) was drafted in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Houston Texans and spent the season on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. He Started 33 of 47 games for the Irish, recording 98 tackles (74 solos) with seven interceptions, one for a touchdown, 17 pass deflections and a blocked kick. Duff was also the Irish return specialist, adding 1,230 yards on 47 kickoff returns (26.2 avg.), including a pair of scores, the fourth-best career totals in school history.
Moreland (5-11, 186, Georgia Southern) spent the 2006 AFL season with the Georgia Force, playing in 3 games, totaling 9.5 tackles before being injured. He was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free-agent in 2000, and has played in 12 NFL games in four years, while bouncing back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster. He saw significant time as the 4th defensive back with the New England Patriots during their Super Bowl championship season in 2004.
Moa (6-2, 256, Utah) was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agnet following his career at the University of Utah. After a stint with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe, Moa competed in Jets camp for the fullback job, eventually being released at the end of the 2006 camp. At Utah, Moa was one of Alex Smith's favorite targets as a tight end, helping the Utes to an undefeated season and a BCS Bowl win in 2003. He finished his senior year as First-Team All Mountain West Conference and a finalist for the John Mackey award.
The 2007 season marks the 5th Anniversary of the Gladiators in Las Vegas. Season tickets for the 2007 Las Vegas Gladiators home schedule are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Las Vegas Gladiators office at 702-731-4977.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 8, 2006
- Avengers in the community - Los Angeles Avengers
- SaberCats add af2 coach Jarnigan to staff - San Jose SaberCats
- Gladiators add strength to defense, fullback positions - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Nashville Kats Waive Two - Nashville Kats
- Preds ink former NFL second round draft pick Eddie Freeman - Orlando Predators
- Former Rush lineman Tony Bowick added to coaching staff - Chicago Rush
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.
