Multi-Dimensional Chris Duvalt Becomes Key Player for the VooDoo

Published on July 28, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release


NEW ORLEANS (July 26, 2012) - Over the past two weeks, the New Orleans VooDoo has received a stellar step-in effort from wide receiver Chris Duvalt, filling in for injured Quorey Payne, and will need another complete performance today at the No. 1 Philadelphia Soul in the first round of the American Conference playoffs.

Duvalt has 14 receptions for 157 yards and 4 touchdowns receiving, a rushing touchdown, and a forced fumble and fumble recovery on special teams over that span. He's developing into a key receiver for QB Kurt Rocco, which he has shown he can play the field on all different angles.

"He came in knowing the offense, which made me satisfied with him and he did a great job filling in for Quorey," said Rocco.

Duvalt is a multi-dimensional player that can play multiple positions on the field. In high school and college, he played defensive back and wide receiver making him a huge part of his teams. Not only can he play wide receiver and return kicks, but he can play defense and he can play it well.

"Playing all different positions started when I was young; playing defense all four years in high school. My high school coaches always told me, 'the more you can do the more people will like you,' and that's the motto I go by," said Duvalt.

Duvalt started the season playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, when he was released on June 20, 2012 he came to the VooDoo. His first game with the VooDoo was against the Jacksonville Sharks, and as he has steadily became more a part of the offense, Duvalt had a breakout game most recently against the Georgia Force with 10 receptions for 116 yards and 3 touchdowns.

He was one of Head Coach Pat O'Hara's players with the Orlando Predators in 2011, "Chris last season was a role playing player and was the first player I signed going into this season with New Orleans. Then he signed right away with the CFL," said O'Hara.

"He's an incredible, very gifted athlete. He would be the guy you'd want on your flag football team since he's a player that can play a bunch of different positions. Chris is a tremendous athlete, that has been a great addition to our team and a great locker room guy - that's the kind of guy you want on your team," added O'Hara.

Duvalt is some ways is the next Josh Bush. He has the speed, drive, and dedication - the only physical difference between the two is their height. Bush takes this as a compliment because Duvalt is a great athlete.

"Chris is a great player with great ability; the sky is the limit for him. If he takes advantage of his opportunities that guy can be one of the best receivers that ever played this game, so to me that's a compliment to be matched up with a guy like Chris who has all the ability in the world," said Bush.

Duvalt and Bush played together in Orlando last year, they're close and he has learned a lot from Bush and he believes that he could step in for Bush.

"I want to be the next Chris Duvalt," said Duvalt, when asked about being the next Josh Bush.

Duvalt, Bush and Co. take on the No. 1 Soul (15-3) tonight in the Well Fargo Center. Kickoff is for 6 p.m., and fans can tune in to all the action on "Rush Radio" 99.5 FM WRNO. Fans are also invited to attend today's watch party at Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar, starting at 5 p.m.

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