Preds ink Arkee Thompson
April 13, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORANDO, FL (April 13, 2005) â The Orlando Predators announced the signing of defensive specialist Arkee Thompson, to a two-year contract. Thompson was signed to alleviate injury concerns the Predators had at defensive back.
A free agent at the time of his signing, Thompson began the season with Philadelphia â starting six games. He recorded 35.5 tackles, including 31 solo stops to go with nine assists, two pass defenses and a pair of interceptions. He was released prior to Week 8 of the AFL season.
Thompson began his AFL career with the Georgia Force in 2004, but was waived in pre-season camp. The Orlando Predators picked him up at mid-season. He made 16.5 tackles with one pass defense with Orlando while playing in six games and making two starts. Thompson left the Predators as a free agent after the 2004 season.
He also played for The Louisville Fire of the af2 in 2003. He was a defensive specialist that recorded a total of 10 interceptions and became af2's all-time interception leader. The Predators look forward to seeing what Thompson can bring to the table come game day.
The Predators signed Thompson after both Reggie Doster and Johnnie Harris suffered groin injuries against Tampa Bay last week. Harris is probable for the New York game, while Doster is questionable.
In other moves, the Predators activated wide receiver / linebacker, Justin Skaggs (ankle) from injured reserve this week. Orlando also placed OL/DL Buck Gurley (sprained ACL) on the injured reserve list. He will not be eligible to return until the Philadelphia game on May 1.
"We're a banged up football team right now," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Getting Justin back is a plus, but right now we have concerns at fullback/linebacker, the defensive backfield and on the line."
The Predators (7-4) return to action on Friday against the 6-4 New York Dragons, one of six teams in the National Conference the Predators are battling with for a playoff spot. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Hummer Field at the TD Waterhouse Centre and tickets remain available at 407-44-PREDS.
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