Minucci, Royle sign with AFL's Nashville Kats
October 20, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - A pair of Tennessee Valley players and a former Viper standout will be playing close to home in 2005.
Tennessee Valley offensive/defensive linemen Joe Minucci and Chris Royle have signed contracts with the expansion Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League. The duo will be joined by ex-Viper lineman Wes Stephens, the 2003 arenafootball2 Lineman of the Year who had a prolific 2004 rookie campaign at Carolina cut short by a knee injury.
Minucci and Royle become the fourth Vipers from last season's squad to sign AFL contracts, joining offensive specialist Jerrian James, who signed with Orlando, and defensive specialist Erin Damond, who'll attend camp with defending league champion San Jose.
"It just feels great and it's a big relief off my shoulders to know that I have somewhere set in stone to be starting off with in camp,'' said Minucci, an All-af2 first-team selection last season.
"I'm excited to move up and I just hope I can have an impact in camp, make the team and be successful at the next level."
"It's what we've worked for,'' Royle said. "It's also pretty neat to be going up to Nashville with a guy like Joe. Hopefully, I'll be playing another season with him."
Minucci, an All-Atlantic 10 performer out of Delaware, made 16.5 tackles for the Vipers last season, including three sacks and a team-high 15 quarterback hurries. Royle, who was an All-American selection at Lafayette College, anchored Tennessee Valley's offensive line and also totaled 8.5 tackles, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 2004.
"Royle is an outstanding center and outstanding blocker,'' Vipers assistant head coach Milt Theodosatos said. "He has great potential and we expect him to do very well.
"Minucci is a bundle of talent that has a motor that never stops. He's going to be great. He was a defensive player in college and he came here to get offensive reps. We wish both these guys the best of luck."
arenafootball2 Stories from October 20, 2004
- Minucci, Royle sign with AFL's Nashville Kats - Tennessee Valley Raptors
- Big Win Ventures to sell Conquest - Albany Firebirds
- Two Fire Players Sign AFL Contracts - Louisville Fire
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
