Quarterback Joe Phears assigned to the Stealth
January 24, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wichita Stealth News Release
Wichita, Kan. - The Wichita Stealth announced today that they have been assigned former Tulsa Talons quarterback Joe Phears (6-2, 215, Oklahoma State). Phears becomes the fourth quarterback assigned to the Stealth for the 2003 season.
"Joe knows everything about arena football that I know and I know everything that Joe knows," said Stealth head coach Bob Cortese. "Joe is a great competitor with a strong arm, quick release and he is very intelligent. We are very excited to have him as a member of the Wichita Stealth."
Despite only playing in 12 games with the Talons, Phears led arenafootball2 in pass rating last season (119.7) and was fourth in pass yards per attempt (8.2). Phears finished the season 75-of-124 (60.5 percent) for 1,023 yards and 24 touchdowns.
This is not Phears first tour in Wichita, nor is it his first contact with Coach Cortese. Phears played four games with the Wichita Warlords of the now-defunct Indoor Football League. During those four games, Phears was 11-of-37 for 157 yards and three touchdowns. He has also spent time in the Arena Football League under Coach Cortese with the Oklahoma Wranglers in 2000. Phears spent most of his time on the practice squad, but learned a great amount about arena football from Coach Cortese.
The Stealth have also been assigned offensive/defensive lineman Chris Enneking (6-4, 290, University of Kansas) and fullback/linebacker James Lamar (6-1, 240, Western Illinois). Enneking was with the Stealth last season for 11 games compiling 19 tackles and two and a half sacks. "It gives me great pleasure to once again bring back an athlete with Chris' talents," said Cortese. "Chris has been in the Arena Football League and I know he is a great arena football player.
Lamar comes to the Stealth after spending last season with the Jacksonville Tomcats of arenafootball2. In 16 games with the Tomcats, Lamar had 33 tackles and three sacks on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, Lamar rushed 26 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
arenafootball2 Stories from January 24, 2003
- Quarterback Joe Phears assigned to the Stealth - Wichita Stealth
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