Predators ink five, including Fryzel
June 29, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 29) - Orlando Predators head coach JAY GRUDEN took his first steps towards building his 2006 team on Wednesday by announcing that he had re-signed five veteran players to new contracts - including offensive specialist JIMMY FRYZEL.
Also agreeing to terms were veteran linemen REGGIE LEE, JUSTIN CLEVELAND, and DOUG MILLER; as well as fullback/linebacker IDRIS PRICE.
Fryzel, a former University of Central Florida standout, signed a two-year contract that will keep him with the Predators through the 2007 season. As a 2005 rookie, Fryzel started the season on the bench behind veteran Travis McGriff. He earned his first career start in Week 5 against Chicago (2/25), responding with nine receptions for 133 yards and three touchdowns.
For the season, Fryzel caught 78 passes for a team-leading 1,159 yards and 18 touchdowns. He led the Arena Football League in receiving yards per game with a 115.9 average and also tied a club record with five consecutive 100-yard receiving games. With CORY FLEMING (96 receptions, 1,089 yards, 33 touchdowns) already under contract for 2006, the Fryzel signing ensures the Predators will return their two top receivers from last year's 10-6 team.
Price emerged as the team's top fullback/linebacker last season, leading the team in rushing (36-157) and rushing touchdowns (7) to go with 27.5 total tackles and 2.5 quarterback sacks.
Orlando also re-signed their starting center, agreeing with Cleveland on a new two-year contract. Miller is a versatile player who played at seven different positions during the 2005 season, including all three defensive line spots, guard, tight end, "mac" linebacker and fullback. He recorded 5 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 quarterback sacks and two pass defenses last season.
Lee rejoins the Predators for a ninth season. A well-respected team leader, he has been a full-time starter for the Predators since 2000 and is one of only two players left from Orlando's 1998 and 2000 Arena Football League championship teams.
The signings of Lee, Cleveland and Miller are significant in that they provide stability to Orlando. In a year where the Predators were racked by significant injuries, they are the only three Orlando players to appear in all 16 regular season games last season.
With the signings, the Predators now have 12 veterans who played for Orlando in 2005 under contract for next season. Arena Football League teams have until June 30 to resign their own free agents. Beginning in September, any unsigned veteran free agents are free to negotiate with any team.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 29, 2005
- Predators ink five, including Fryzel - Orlando Predators
- Storm Re-Sign FB/LB Jarrod Penright - Tampa Bay Storm
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