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Outlaws Continue to Capture Talent

January 31, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Billings Outlaws News Release


Head coach, Heron O'Neal, has been on the recruiting trail the past several weeks. Having secured the local talent in early November, Coach O'Neal focused on filling the gaps needed to move the Outlaws closer to winning the 2006 NIFL championship.

Following two successful try-outs on January 8th in Billings and the 15th in San Pablo, CA, the Outlaws have signed a full roster. Over 70 talented athletes participated in the two one-day open try-out camps in anticipation of making the final training camp roster. From all of the talented individuals that tried out, the Outlaws coaching staff carefully selected those athletes that displayed the most talent and were best matched to fill the needs of the team.

A few notable players signed include Jeff Wright from Newport, Rhode Island. Jeff is a dual sport athlete who was an outfielder in the Cincinnati Reds organization during the 2003-04 season. After being released by the Reds, he returned to Newport to coach the quarterbacks at Salve Regina University.

Jeff began training in an attempt to pursue his dream of playing quarterback at the professional level and fulfilled his goal by being signed at the Outlaws clinic.

"I am excited about the opportunity that the Outlaws have given me and I plan to take full advantage as we work toward winning a league title," stated Jeff.

Former Tennessee Titans free agent, Artavious Williams, who played with the Wyoming Cavalry last season, has also signed to play with the Outlaws in 2006. Williams, a 6'5" 360 pound offensive lineman allowed just one sack in his 14 regular season games started in 2005.

"Getting Williams solidifies our offensive line and allows us the option to run, or pass the ball effectively," stated offensive coordinator Bob Bees, "We are very excited that he requested to come here to follow Coach O'Neal and he is certainly going to be welcomed into our family."

Also joining the Outlaws training camp roster in 2006, SieGan Keys and Jonathan Walker who were selected during the California try-outs. Keys, a 5'11", 240-pound running back, formerly played for the Wyoming Cavalry.

"Keys showed nice explosive ability as a running back," stated coach O'Neal. "We were on a wet field in damp conditions and he ran a 4.5 40 yard dash at 240 pounds. That impressed me! Add to that, he has great hands and runs good routes."

Walker spent the off-season working with the San Jose Sabrecats from the Arena One Football League. He is a 6'1", 180-pound DB with equally impressive speed in the wet try-out conditions.

Reporting day for Outlaws training camp is February 24th. The players will begin a vigorous 2 a day workout regime as they battle for a spot on the final 25-man regular-season roster. The Outlaws open the 2006 season at home in Metra Park Arena on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th at 7PM against division rival Wyoming Cavalry.

For more information on the Outlaws, visit our website at www.billingsoutlaws.com. For an opportunity to come out and see these tremendous athletes in action, contact Scott at 1-406-254-6287 or by fax at 1-406-254-1170 to purchase season tickets.

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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.

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