L.A. Avengers re-sign three of their own free agents
Published on November 13, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Three players who had a significant impact with the Los Angeles Avengers last season and were eligible for free agency have re-signed with the Arena Football League team, head coach Ed Hodgkiss announced today.
Fullback/linebacker Kevin Clemens signed a three-year deal, while offensive/defensive linemen Chris Butterfield agreed to a two-year contract and defensive specialist Cornelius Coe inked a one-year deal.
"I truly believe that our organization is headed in the right direction, working toward winning the ArenaBowl, and the first step in doing that is keeping a good core of players on our team," said Hodgkiss, who led the Avengers to an 11-5 record and No. 4 playoff seed last season in his second year with the club. "All three of these players are definitely guys who fit that mold. We look forward to having all of them back with us and can't wait for the season to begin."
Clemens (6-foot, 275 pounds) played in seven games for the Avengers last season before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on April 2, 2003. He went through training camp and preseason with the Eagles before being released on Aug. 23. Clemens, who has four years of AFL experience, rushed for three touchdowns in his first season with the Avengers in 2003. He also made 7.5 tackles, including one for a loss of three yards. The highlight of Clemens' season came on March 9, when he scored on a one-yard run with no time remaining to defeat the New York Dragons, 65-61, at the Nassau Coliseum.
"Kevin Clemens came in last year and did a great job," Hodgkiss said. "We expect him to come back this season and be even better. Kevin can be one of the premiere fullback/linebackers in our league."
Butterfield (6-0, 295) will be entering his fourth year with the Avengers in 2004. He was a mainstay at center/nose guard last season, playing in all 16 regular-season games and the playoff contest versus the Arizona Rattlers. He finished with 10.5 tackles, one quarterback sack, a forced fumble and the first interception of his seven-year AFL career. Butterfield, who is regarded as one of the top players in the league at his position, has recorded 89 tackles, nine sacks (for losses of 51 yards) and three touchdowns (all on fumble recoveries) in his 76-game career.
"Chris Butterfield has been an Avenger since before I even got here and hopefully he'll be an Avenger for a long time," Hodgkiss said.
Coe (5-10, 185), the AFL's all-time record holder for tackles in a single season (121.5), led the Avengers in stops last season despite playing in just 10 games after being signed on March 14. He finished the 2003 campaign with 83 tackles and also led the team with three forced fumbles. Coe also came up with four interceptions last season, returning one for a 56-yard touchdown (the longest play in Avenger history). In his three-year, 29-game AFL career, he has registered 231 tackles, 21 pass breakups and 11 interceptions.
"Cornelius Coe joined us last year in the middle of the season and was one of the big reasons our defense started to excel as the year went on," Hodgkiss said.
Avenger season tickets for the 2004 campaign, which begins on Feb. 8, are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-888-AVENGERS or online at www.laavengers.com.
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