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Lightning Return Bell, Huddleston and Add Deemer

February 21, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Stockton Lightning News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning of the arenafootball2 league have been assigned veteran OL/DL Stephen Bell, FB/LB Jajuan Huddleston and OL/DL Bryan Deemer by the af2 league office, Lightning head coach Doug Murray announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

LOCAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PRODUCT BELL RETURNS

Bell, 24, played in all of the Lightning's 16 games during the 2007 season and was a key component on the offensive line that finished the 2007 season tied for 7th for sacks allowed in the af2.

"We're happy to have a talent of Stephen's caliber back for this season," said Murray. "He's an AFL talent and we're looking forward to having him anchor our offensive line."

Entering his third season in the af2, Bell completed his college career at Temple University (NCAA) where he started every one of the Owls' 22 games from 2004-05. At Temple, Bell was used as a frontline piece that protected All-American quarterback and Big East Conference Player of the Year Walter Washington in 2004 (Temple's season leader in passing, rushing and total offense).

Prior to transferring to Temple, the 23-year old competed as a two-year starter on the offensive frontline at Sacramento City College and was a two-year starter at Fremont High (Calif.) under head coach Matthew Walker, where he participated in the 2000 Oakland/San Francisco All-Star Game.

HUDDLESTON BACK FOR SECOND SEASON IN STOCKTON

The 29-year old veteran Huddleston will also be returning for his second season with the Lightning. In the 15 games he appeared in during the 2007 season, Huddleston notched 41.5 tackles, including a season-high 5.0 tackles on 4/21/07 at Bakersfield. He also added 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble to his resume.

"JaJuan is a leader who we're excited to bring back and I'm counting on him for leadership and great play on the field," said Murray. "After coaching him for two seasons I can't see a reason to dispute that he can't make all-af2 this year. We're counting on him to produce on the field."

Huddleston made his af2 debut with the Central Valley Coyotes in 2004 and recorded 76 tackles and 4.5 sacks in two seasons with Central Valley. During his rookie season, Huddleston made an impact on the offensive side with 40 receptions for 364 yards and six touchdowns.

A returnee with Arena Football League playing experience, Huddleston spent the 2006 stint with the San Jose SaberCats and had eight tackles to go with a sack, as well as one rushing touchdown, helping guide the Sabercats to the Western Division title and move on to the American Conference Championship Game.

Huddleston competed as a safety in college. Playing two years at Eureka College of the Redwoods in California, Huddleston was named second-team all-league as a freshman and first-team during his sophomore season. Huddleston spent his remaining college years playing for the Fresno State Bulldogs of the Western Athletic Conference. As a senior, he helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2000 Silicon Valley Football Classic bowl game.

CENTRAL VALLEY NATIVE DEEMER MAKES ARENA PLUNGE

A newcomer to the Lightning and the arena football game for the 2008 season, Deemer played at Tokay High School in Lodi, before spending two seasons with Delta College and finally transferring to the University of California Berkeley (NCAA).

"Bryan is a Pac-10 talent that played locally and we're really fortunate that he was available," said Murray. "He's a versatile addition who can play on the d-line, offensive line and can also play fullback. We're happy to add a player of his size and athletic ability."

As a captain on the Delta squad, Deemer was named to the All-Valley Conference first team from 2002-03. In two seasons at Cal, the Central Valley native appeared in 10 games, including a starting role against Tennessee in 2006.

The Lightning returns to play for the third season in Stockton beginning March 28, taking the road against the Tri-Cities Fever. The 2008 Lightning home opener is Saturday, April 12 against the Boise Burn, beginning at 7:00 p.m. from Stockton Arena.

Season tickets for the 2008 Lightning regular season are on sale now. 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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