Lightning Acquire Blankenship From Memphis

Published on March 21, 2006 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Stockton Lightning News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning have acquired quarterback Josh Blankenship from the Memphis Xplorers in exchange for fullback/ linebacker Chris Peavy, Lightning head coach Richard Davis announced today.

"Josh's credentials speak for themselves; he is a tremendous player and we are very excited to acquire him," said Davis. "His productivity in arena ball is obviously something every coach would love to have on their ball club and it establishes some healthy competition at the quarterback position in training camp."

Blankenship comes to Stockton after spending his 2005 arenafootball2 rookie campaign with the Tulsa Talons, guiding the Talons to an 11-5 record, a West Division title and a National Conference semifinal berth in the 2005 ArenaCup Playoffs. In 16 games played, his rookie statistics ranked among the league leaders in 2005, ranking tied for second in the league with 89 touchdown passes, 12th in the league in total offense (3,591 yards), fifth in total offensive touchdowns (94), and sixth in pass rating (113.3).

Blankenship, 25, had three games with over 300 yards passing, while collecting his season-high quarterback rating of 146.09 against Amarillo in his af2 debut (23-32, 342 yards, 7 TD, 0 INT). He was signed as a free agent by the Miami Dolphins (NFL) in April of 2003, but was waived before the start of training camp later that summer.

A 6-2, 220-pound native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Blankenship spent his first three years of his college football career at University of Tulsa (NCAA), appearing in 31 games for the Golden Hurricane while passing for 5,273 yards and 21 touchdowns, while collecting 1999 WAC Freshman of the Year honors.

Upon transferring to Eastern Washington University (NCAA) for his 2002 senior season, Blankenship set 10 school records for the Eagles, posting 3,243 yards along with 30 touchdown passes and 294.82 passing yards per game in 11 games which resulted in a Football Gazette All-American third team selection and Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors.

The Lightning, in the middle of their inaugural 2006 af2 training camp, open the season on the road against the Spokane Shock at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, March 30.

Season tickets for the upcoming Lightning season are on sale now. Tickets for the Lightning April 29 home opener against the Bakersfield Blitz can currently be purchased as part of a full season package. 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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