OL Robbie Powell Returns; SaberCats Sign Two Defensive Backs
September 27, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, CA - The SaberCats today announced OL Robbie Powell has returned to San Jose for the 2012 season. The team also announced former Milwaukee Mustangs defensive backs Brandon Brinkley and Marcus Everett have joined the SaberCats.
"Robbie Powell was a very effective center in 2011 while Brandon and Marcus come from an outstanding secondary in Milwaukee," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. "We wanted to get stronger with our defensive backs this coming year and feel we've improved with the additions of those two."
Powell (6-5, 315, Purdue) started in the SaberCats first seven games of 2011 at center before being sidelined due to injury. Following a stint on the Injured Reserve List, Powell was traded on June 9 to the Philadelphia Soul to complete a trade made to reacquire WR Rodney Wright. In 2010, he played for the American Conference champion Tampa Bay Storm as a part of an offensive unit that finished third in the AFL in scoring (62.7) and fifth in total offense (291.8). Powell was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns in 2008 before joining the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He played in 41 games, starting in 38 at center and left guard while in college at Purdue. Powell was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list (nation's top center) and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition as a senior for the Boilermakers after starting in 13 games. A native of Roanoake, VA, he earned all-state honorable mention honors as a senior at Cave Spring (VA) High School.
Brinkley (6-0, 190, Houston) and Everett (6-2, 205, UCLA) were a part of a defensive unit this past season that ranked first in total defense (266.8 yards/game), fourth in scoring defense (48.2 points/game), second in pass defense (247.6 yards/game), second in takeaways (55) while finishing with 17 touchdowns scored.
Brinkley played in eight games in 2011, totaling 29.5 tackles, five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed. A four-year letterman at Houston, Brinkley played in 53 games for the Cougars posting 197 tackles, 53 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. His best season came as a senior in 2009, where he totaled 75 tackles, 16 passes defensed, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, earning second-team All-Conference USA honors in the process. A native of Bay City, TX, he attended Bay City (TX) High School.
Everett was with the SaberCats during the offseason before being traded prior to the start of the season on March 5 to Milwaukee in exchange for OL Karl Glimp. He finished the year second on the Mustangs with 62.5 tackles after playing in all 18 games (14 starts) to go along with four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), two passes defensed, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries and one sack. Everett played four seasons at wide receiver for UCLA, proving to be a consistent contributor for the Bruins. During his five seasons, he totaled 97 receptions for 1,235 yards and seven touchdowns. Everett's best season came as a redshirt sophomore, where he played in 13 contests (eight starts) and led the team in receiving yards (450) while finishing second in receptions (31). A native of West Hills, CA he attended Chaminade (CA) Prep.
The SaberCats roster now stands at 14 players with seven returning from 2011.
Arena Football League Stories from September 27, 2011
- Pro Football Has Finally Arrived In San Antonio - San Antonio Talons
- GM/Head Coach Kevin Guy Signs Contract for 2012 - Arizona Rattlers
- OL Robbie Powell Returns; SaberCats Sign Two Defensive Backs - San Jose SaberCats
- Philadelphia Lands Top AFL QB Dan Raudabaugh - Philadelphia Soul
- Bell Returns; Spokane Adds Four More - Spokane Shock
- Command Adds Three More to Roster - Kansas City Command
- Power Re-Sign QB Bill Stull and DB Tyrell Herbert - Pittsburgh Power
- Power Readying for Open Tryouts - Pittsburgh Power
- VooDoo Open Tryout Set for this Saturday - New Orleans VooDoo
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