Lubbock Renegades Assigned UMHB Pair

January 30, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Lubbock Renegades News Release


LUBBOCK, TX: January 30, 2007 - The arenafootball2 assigned a pair of players to the inaugural Lubbock Renegades, as wide receiver / defensive backs Rolandus "RoJo" Johnson and Patrick "P.J." Williams have been added to the Renegades roster for the 2007 season.

Johnson is a 5'11" 195-pound native of Jasper, Texas, joining the Renegades after spending last season in the Intense Football League (IFL) playing under Renegades Head Coach Rodney Blackshear with the Belton based Centex Barracudas. Known as "RoJo" Johnson, he appeared in 10 games with the Barracudas last season and was a contributing factor on defense, co-leading the team in interceptions with 3 and ranking sixth in tackles with 32 (23 solo). His 32 tackles ranked 17th in the IFL. He also ranked second on the team in pass breakups with 8 and ranked tied for 7th in the IFL in passes defended (combination of interceptions and breakups) with 11. Johnson, 22, ranked tenth in the IFL in interception return yards with 47 yards. On the offensive side of the ball, Johnson had one reception for 11 yards. Prior to turning pro, Johnson was a three-year starter while spending four seasons (2002-2005) at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor (UMHB). The All-District performer out of Jasper High School was a three-time Second Team All-American Southwest Conference (ASC) selection. He combined for 158 tackles (86 solo), 16.5 tackles for a loss and 7 interceptions while with the Crusaders.

Williams, like Johnson, is also a product of UMHB and spent last season under Blackshear in Belton with the Barracudas. The 6'3" 190-pound native of Rockdale, Texas appeared in 6 games with the Centex Barracudas last season and ranked fourth on the squad in receptions with 32 for 506 yards. His 506 reception yards (84.3 per game) ranked fifth in all-purpose yards on the team and he had 10 receiving touchdowns. Williams, who also goes by "P.J.," ranked fourth in scoring with 62 points and co-led the team with a season high 43-yard touchdown reception last season. On the defensive side, Williams had 2.5 tackles on the season (2 solo). The 29 year-old had a late jump on his pro football career after a successful pro baseball career playing in the Seattle Mariners system. After graduating Rockdale High School, Williams attended Blinn Junior College (TX) for two seasons, where he played one season of football on their National Championship winning team and two seasons of baseball. He spent 1999 - 2001 playing professional baseball and the career .284 hitter had his best season during the 1999 season with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, where he hit .299 with a pair of homeruns and 46 RBI to go along with 22 stolen bases. He then returned to school playing three seasons (2003-2005) at UMHB, where he became one of the most prolific kick returners in program and ASC history. In 2004, Williams set the UMHB single-season records with 44 catches for 879 yards and 11 touchdown receptions. He also holds UMHB's kick return records, setting the NCAA All-Divisions record with 278 yards in a 2005 match-up against Mississippi College, which saw Williams return punts 80 and 86 yards for touchdowns. The two returns were the longest in UMHB and ASC history. The 2005 Football Gazette and D3football.com All-American Kick Returner combined for 109 receptions for 2,290 yards and 29 touchdowns while at UMHB. If you need any additional information on Johnson or Williams, please contact Chris Due with the Lubbock Renegades at 806-744-5858. Any interviews with Blackshear, Johnson and Williams can also be made by contacting the Renegades offices. Please contact Due for any photos on file for publication purposes regarding the assigned players.

The Renegades kick off their inaugural campaign April 6th on the road in Amarillo. Their home opener is scheduled for a 3 PM kickoff on Sunday, April 15th at City Bank Coliseum against the Arkansas Twisters. Individual ticket and corporate sponsorship information is available by contacting the Renegades office at (806) 744-5858. Additional Renegades info can be found online via their official site at www.lubbockrenegades.com.



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