Haymakers Sign Former Husker P.J. Smith
October 15, 2013 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Lincoln Haymakers News Release
Lincoln, NE- The Lincoln Haymakers have continued to build the roster for the 2014 season signing former Husker Defensive Back P.J. Smith to solidify the defensive secondary. Smith joins former Huskers Cortney Grixby and Andre Jones who are already on roster. The Haymakers also have resigned lock down corner Michael Pace who played Corner for the Haymakers in 2013.
P.J. Smith looks to bring exceptional depth to the Haymakers defensive secondary. As a senior in 2012, Smith racked up 86 tackles, third most on the team. 2012 proved to be a breakout season for Smith as he added three interceptions to give him seven on his career with five pass breakups and 1.5 sacks. During his senior season Smith showed a wealth of versatility at the Safety position making him a key rookie to watch for the Haymakers.
We caught up with Coach Whiting to elaborate on the new acquisitions. "We are excited to re-sign Michael and add PJ. Both guys are extremely talented and versatile. Michael brings a veteran presence to the defense along with a great work ethic. PJ gives us size, speed and athleticism. We look forward to having both in camp." Michael Pace has resigned with the Haymakers after anchoring the Haymakers Secondary as a Cornerback last year. Pace ranked fourth on the team last season with 40 total tackles with 16 registered as solo tackles. Receivers were rarely targeted on Pace's side of the ball making him a shutdown corner in the CPIFL. Fans will have to keep track of his transition into Coach Kerwin's Defensive unit in 2014.
With Pace establishing himself as one of the top corners in the league and with Smith having the potential to have a breakout rookie season, Lincoln's defensive secondary could hang with the best in the CPIFL. Lincoln will need to be sharp early on as the Haymakers face three playoff teams in the first four weeks of the season with the opener against the league's reigning champion the Wichita Wild.
Lincoln will continue to resign players from last season's roster as well as rookies and other free agents before CPIFL rosters open up in November. After November, unsigned players from any roster become free agents. Keep up with all the Haymakers news at lincolnhaymakers.com and on the team's official Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from October 15, 2013
- Haymakers Sign Former Husker P.J. Smith - Lincoln Haymakers
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