Rage add impact players to roster

Published on January 23, 2006 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
RiverCity Rage News Release


"We were a playoff team last year, but that's not going to be enough for this organization and it's fans in 2006. We needed to take the steps necessary to give us a real shot at an NIFL title. That's our goal this season, to bring home a championship. These new players will help make that happen."

RiverCity Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt used those words to introduce ten new additions to the 2006 Rage roster. The team will open the 2006 NIFL season the weekend of March 17th and will debut the home season with a 3pm kickoff at Savvis Center on Sunday, March 26th.

Ready to make an immediate impact on opposing teams is Offensive Lineman Fred Layne, a 6'3", 315 lb. rookie who is no stranger to success. Layne was a 3 time All-Gateway selection at Western Illinois while making 3 All-American teams there as well. A guard in college, Layne also played center when called upon and says pass blocking is his strong suite, a skill needed in the NIFL, where 8 man football is the name of the game. "I'm used to being an interior lineman, so playing on the edge will be an adjustment. But, I've worked too hard to let this chance slip by. I see it as a great opportunity to get paid to play pro football, so whatever adjustments need to be made in my game, it'll happen. I'm excited about playing in St. Louis."

The re-vamped defense of Coach Wyatt will benefit from the services of Defensive Back Jabari Smith, an NIFL veteran who saw service last season with the Lubbock Gunslingers. Smith is a product of Texas Tech, and at 6' and 185lbs, he brings an aggressive approach to his game. Contacted in California, Smith says he is "very aggressive with the bump coverage on the line, and when called on can be a great cover corner in the league. I'm excited and anxious to play for a high profile organization like the Rage. I'm looking forward to St. Louis."

Finally, topping the charts is home town product Mario Patton, a 5'11" 185lb Wide Receiver from Lindenwood University, a long time NIFL veteran who was the number two receiver in the league in 2004, behind the Rage's Scott Pingel. Patton says it good to now have that kind of competition lining up with him. "Scott is one of the premier receivers in our league, and now I get the chance to compliment him, not compete against him. I'm hoping I can add my skills to the quality receiving corps of the Rage to make this team an even bigger offensive threat in 2006."

Wyatt also signed: Aaron Bridges, a 6'1"-275 lb. Offensive Lineman from Franklin College, a semi-pro NAFL All-Star in 2004

Marquis Hayes, a 6'3"-260 lb. Defensive End from Kansas University, a rookie who starred for the Jayhawks and Kemper Military Academy

Todd Tolliver, a 5'9"-220 lb. Defensive Back from Western New Mexico, a rookie who was named NAIA All Independent Football Alliance First Team Defensive Back in 2005

Kasey Young, a 6' -260 lb. Running Back from Western New Mexico, a rookie who completed his eligibility in 2005 by leading his team in rushing with 754 yards

Sterling Finney, a 5'11"-205 lb Wide Receiver from Culver Stockton, a veteran who was a First Team NAIA All American who spent the 2005 season in the UIF

Jason Boyd, a 6'3"-197 lb Wide Receiver from Arkansas State University, a rookie who was a semi- pro All American

Fernando Gant, a 6'5" 265lb Defensive End from East Tennessee State, a veteran who played in The German Football League and also in the AF2

The RiverCity Rage open the 2006 NIFL season on the road the weekend of March 17th. The team's first home game is scheduled for Sunday, March 26th , with a 3 PM Kick-Off at Savvis Center. All other 2006 home games at Savvis will be played on Friday night, with a 7 PM start time. For more information on the RiverCity Rage, visit the team website at www.ragefootball.com , or call 636-916-0132.

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ONE LAST CHANCE TO SHOW FOR PLAYERS AND CHEERLEADERS

The RiverCity Rage will hold their final "Open Tryout" for fastly approaching 2006 season on Sunday, January 29 at 10 AM. The event will be held at Velocity Sports Performance in Chesterfield.

The fee is $50, if pre-registered online at ragefootball.com or $65 on the day of the event.

"This is the last look for players who believe they have the ability to play professional football. We will do the standard fare of tests, then will do agility work and individual drills. We are always looking to improve our team at all positions." stated Mike Wyatt, Rage Head Football Coach and General Manager.



National Indoor Football League Stories from January 23, 2006


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