Philadelphia Soul Add Six Players to Roster
November 13, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA â The Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League has announced the signing of six free agents including wide receiver/defensive back Van Johnson, a graduate of Temple University.
The Soul also announced the signing of quarterback Nick Browder, wide receiver/linebacker Derin Graham, fullback/linebacker Travis McDonald, wide receiver/defensive back Ricky Ross and fullback/linebacker LeVante Epson (Le-VON-Tay). All five players were a member of Soul head coach Michael Trigg's Grand Rapids Rampage during the 2003 season.
Johnson began his AFL career with the Albany/Indiana Firebirds in 1999 before signing a free agent contract with the Carolina Cobras in 2003. An AFL All-Rookie Team selection, Johnson has 248 career receptions for 2,797 yards and 50 touchdowns. A three year starter at Temple University, Johnson led the Big East with eight touchdown catches during his senior season, and finished second in the conference with 50 receptions and 902 receiving yards en-route to being named to the All Big-East First Team.
In 11 games last season, Browder completed eight of 13 passes and throughout his career has completed 51 of 91 passes for 651 yards and nine touchdowns. An All-American in 1996, Browder also received All-Conference honors while at Valparaiso in 1995 and 1996. Browder is still ranked as the all-time leader in total offense with 6,604 yards.
Graham was originally signed to the Rampage practice squad in 2002 and activated for one game during his rookie campaign. In the first game against the Indiana Firebirds, Graham tied a team high nine receptions for 81 yards and one TD. While at Indiana University Graham saw extensive time as a kick returner as well as wide receiver. Graham ended his three-year collegiate career with 93 kickoff returns for 2,088 yards and two touchdowns as well as 45 receptions for 724 yards and one TD.
McDonald was named the Grand Rapids Rampage Ironman of the Year in 2002 when he set a franchise record 5.5 sacks and had a 4.7 yard rushing average. Last season he recorded 11 rushes including four touchdowns while compiling 10.5 tackles on defense with 2.5 sacks. A four-year linebacker at Missouri, McDonald ended his career as the Tiger's all-time leading tackler and finished his senior campaign with 164 tackles (113 solo).
Last season Ross finished the season with 33 receptions for 360 yards and three touchdown receptions. Ross also had two rushing touchdowns on six attempts, three missed field goal returns for 89 yards and one touchdown, and 27 kickoff returns for 681 yards and two touchdowns. Ross split his college career between Missouri and Dixie State College (Utah) and led Missouri in kickoff returns in 1997 with six returns for 159 yards. Ross was selected as a 1995 Junior College All-American.
Epson found a spot on the Rampage squad last year after participating in an open tryout, however, was lost for the season after suffering a high ankle sprain which required surgery during training camp.
The Philadelphia Soul will be hosting an open tryout this Saturday, November 15 at Temple University's Geasey Field. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. for offensive and defensive linemen, fullbacks, linebackers and kickers. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. for quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs. There will be a $50, cash only, registration fee.
The Philadelphia Soul will kick off their inaugural season February 8th against the New Orleans Voodoo on NBC Sports. Season ticket plans are on sale now and can be purchased for as low as $80. For more information on season tickets call 1-888-PHIL-AFL.
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