OKD Signs a Pair of Ace Defensive Backs
April 16, 2014 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Oklahoma Defenders News Release
Tulsa, OK - The Oklahoma Defenders add to their already stacked deck of cards with the signing of two ace defensive backs in Bobby Blackshire and Norris Wrenn.
Blackshire returns to the Defenders after a hiatus in the 2013 season.
"It feels good to come back and play football with the fellas, kind of like a reunion," states Blackshire. "It means a lot to play for Lamar Baker and the Oklahoma Defenders. There are some old faces, and quite a few new ones, but it'll be good to play with them. It might take me a while to get back in the grind and be physical, but I know with Coach Joice's play calling, I'll make an impact."
Defenders Defensive Coordinator Gary Joice expressed, "Bobby is one of the hardest working players I know. He is big, fast, strong, and physical.
Bobby is a high character guy who is an awesome teammate. He has played at a high level and brings an extra dynamic that will help this already talented defense. I can promise you this: this guy will make some big plays for us."
In 2012, Blackshire was awarded APFL All-League 1st Team honors, as well as Team Defensive Player of the Year. He led a forceful defense and racked up 98 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns.
"Bobby is a great talent, but an even better leader," quoted Derek Rasmussen, Oklahoma Defenders Head Coach. "Signing him gives us more flexibility to move some guys around and create different looks for the opposing team. Having him here is definitely a game changer and I'm excited to have him back in Tulsa!"
Blackshire, listed at 6'2" 205lbs, played for the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes where he was a three-year letter winner and two-year starter playing in 38 games. He garnered 203 career tackles, 10 stops for -43 yards, 13 pass breakups, four interceptions, and was named the nation's eighth-ranked free safety heading into the 2006 season by The Sporting News.
Blackshire was also signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens.
Norris Wrenn, 6'0" 185lbs, joins the Oklahoma Defenders after a successful career at East Central University and a free agent signing with the St. Louis Rams.
Wrenn expressed, "I'm excited for the opportunity to play for this team.
I love the vibe I got when I attended the game this past weekend. The energy from the fans, coaches, and players was crazy."
At ECU, Wrenn was awarded Great American Conference First Team honor in 2012. He also received the USA Football News Third Team All-American recognition.
"Norris is a guy that I have wanted here in Tulsa for a while," praised Rasmussen. "He's fast, instinctive, and extremely physical. He will be a great addition to our secondary as we prepare for a playoff run."
Joice echod, "Norris is much like Chika Madu. The Kid has crazy talent and almost reached the top of the game having spent time with the St. Louis Rams. His skill set is unbelievable. Norris is super humble and super hungry.
It's my hope that only after a few games he has signed with someone on the next level. He can be that good. He is a difference maker and will make an impact as a new addition to the OKD defense. I am excited to have him on board."
Wrenn finished his career as ECU as the all-time leading tackler, breaking the record set by NFL player Clifford Thirft in 1978, with 278.
The Oklahoma Defenders play on the road this Saturday in Topeka, KS as they face the Kansas Koyotes.
Kickoff is set for 7:05pm.
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