Purify Named Aaron's Rookie Of The Year
August 9, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
TULSA - Georgia Force WR MAURICE PURIFY (6-3, 225, Nebraska) has been named the 2011 Aaron's Rookie of the Year and The Big Game Breakout Player of the Year, the League Office announced today. In only his first season in the League, Purify shredded opposing defenses and constantly posted impressive statistics.
Purify had a breakout season for the Force, ranking third in the AFL in receiving touchdowns (46), seventh in receptions (130) and ninth in receiving yards (1,653) in only 15 regular season games.
Since Week 1, Purify quickly grew accustom to the Arena League style. His first catch in the AFL went for a 42-yard touchdown. The following week, Purify hauled in 15 receptions for 169-yards and four touchdowns against the Jacksonville Sharks.
Purify also finished ranked seventh in the League in receptions per game (8.1) and eighth in receiving yards per game (103.3). Purify was a major reason for the Force's offensive success this season. His constant production made him one of the most feared and respected receivers in the League.
This marks the sixth consecutive season in which a wide receiver has brought home Rookie of the Year honors. Purify becomes the second player in Georgia franchise history to earn the award. Receiver Troy Bergeron won it as a member of the Force in 2005.
Other rookies in contention for the Aaron's Rookie of the Year included: Chicago Rush WR REGGIE GRAY, who broke franchise single-season records for points (322) and receptions (130) and recorded 12, 100-yard performances on the year; Chicago Rush DB VIC HALL, who set franchise records for interceptions (15) and tackles (109) in just 13 games; Tulsa Talons WR TROY McBROOM, who had ten 100-yard performances and set single-season franchise records for receiving yards (1,605) and receptions (137); Cleveland Gladiators QB KURT ROCCO, who took over for the injured John Dutton to lead the Gladiators to a division championship by passing for 3,834 yards and 72 touchdowns and Dallas Vigilantes FB DERRICK ROSS, who set AFL single-season rushing records with 622-yards and 167 attempts.
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