Harrisburg Stampede Secures All-Conference Lineman
January 3, 2011 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA (January 3, 2010) - After having one of the league's top defenses the last two seasons, the Harrisburg Stampede continue to solidify their 2011 squad. Today they announced the signing of Kean University All-Conference performer, Darnell Butler, a 5'10", 310 defensive lineman from Rahway, New Jersey.
"Darnell is going to be a nice addition to our defensive line. He's a mobile player with quick feet and exceptional hand skills. Being from Jersey he will be able to have his friends and family make the short trip down 78 and 81 to see him play. As well he will have a homecoming of sorts when we travel to Trenton to face the Steel. We look forward to DB contributing right away," said Stampede General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski.
In 2009 the Stampede ranked fourth in the league allowing only 37.00 points per game and a stifling 26.6 rushing yards per game. In 2010 the defense continued to improve allowing only 36.4 points per game and a mere 18.3 rushing yards per game.
As a four-year letterman, in his freshman season (2006) Butler saw the Kean Cougars win the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Southeast Championship. In 2007 he saw an increase in playing time appearing in eight games and totaling 11 tackles and two sacks. In his final two seasons in 2008 and 2009 he started every game at defensive end in Kean's 3-4 defensive scheme.
In 2008 he tallied 39 tackles (15 solo/24 assisted), 5.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries. The 7-4 Cougars earned an ECAC South Atlantic Bowl Championship appearance.
In 2009 Kean (9-2) again earned an ECAC Southeast Championship and Butler had his finest season. He compiled 41 tackles (20 solo/21 assisted), 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and one fumble recovery and he was part of a defense that broke a school record for fewest rushing yards allowed (916). For his efforts Butler was named to the New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Star Team (second team).
In four seasons at Kean, Butler totaled 92 tackles (38 solo/54 assisted), 16 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He was also a member of a senior class, which for the first time in Kean history had four-straight non-losing seasons.
For information on 2011 Harrisburg Stampede please visit www.harrisburgstampede.com.
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- Harrisburg Stampede Secures All-Conference Lineman - Harrisburg Stampede
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