Manchester bulks up with strong group of team veterans

November 18, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release


MANCHESTER , N.H. (November 18, 2005) - The arenafootball2 league office announced this week that Kelvin Fuller (FB/LB), Mark Kimener (FB/LB), Darnerius Watson (OL/DL) and Lamar Bryant (OL/DL) have been assigned to the Manchester Wolves, New Hampshire's professional Arena Football team. Fuller and Kimener were the team's top fullback/linebackers in 2005, while Watson and Bryant were key components on Manchester's offensive and defensive lines. Together, their efforts were instrumental in helping the Wolves win 12 games, claim their first-ever East Division Crown, and earn a trip to the second round of the af2 playoffs.

"In Arena Football, the games are won or lost in the trenches. The big guys usually determine the outcome," Wolves Head Coach Ben Bennett said. "We are pretty excited to get back all of these guys, as they now have a year of experience in my system under their belts. This is a great start for us up front."

Fuller (5-11, 260), a three-year af2 veteran from Ferrum College, is known as a strong performer on both sides of the ball. He started 15 games for the Wolves in 2005 and finished tied for second on the squad in rushing touchdowns (5) and rushing yards (70). Defensively, the Norfolk, VA native ranked fourth on the team in tackles ( 34.5) and recorded three sacks, four forced fumbles (T-5th in af2) and three fumble recoveries. He was also a two-time U.S. Army Ironman of the Game award winner. In 2004, Fuller finished tied for third on the Wolves in rushing touchdowns (3) and totaled 23.5 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups on defense. Fuller began his professional career as an af2 rookie with the Norfolk Nighthawks in 2003.

Kimener (6-0, 250), a former UMass standout, had an impressive rookie year with the Wolves in 2005. Last season the Oakton, VA native led the team in rushing with 198 yards (6th in af2) and scored five rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. On defense, he registered 14.5 total tackles and four QB hurries. Kimener also earned two Ironman of the Game awards. As a collegian, he had his best season for the Minutemen as a senior in 2004, recording 93 total tackles (16 for loss). He was also a two-time academic All-Atlantic 10 selection.

Watson, a 6-2, 300-pound native of Longview, TX, spent his second season with the Wolves in 2005 and was a strong contributor on both the offensive and defensive line. In 16 games played, Watson tallied 15.5 tackles, four quarterback hurries, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups on the season. In his rookie season of 2004, he recorded 10.0 total tackles and a half a sack in 15 games. Watson began his professional career with the Wolves after playing collegiately at the University of Houston.

Bryant (6-2, 305) was another lineman who made a big impact with the team in just his first season as a professional. After being assigned to the team a month into the season, Bryant quickly established a reputation for his strong play on the offensive line. On defense, the Washington, D.C. native tallied 3.0 total tackles, including one for loss, in 11 games. Bryant also has NFL experience on his resume, having spent time with the Atlanta Falcons in 2004 after signing a free agent contract. As a collegian, he was a four-year starter (2000-03) at guard for the Maryland Terrapins and earned second team All-ACC honors as a junior.

Don't miss another exciting season of Manchester Wolves football in 2006! Season ticket packages for the Wolves are available in all levels and start as low as $57. For information on season tickets, fans can contact the Wolves at 603.627.WOLF (9653) or visit them on the web at www.manchesterwolves.com.



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