Raiders Add Offensive Firepower
December 18, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
The Richmond Raiders professional indoor football team has added three offensive weapons as preparations for the 2014 season continue. Today, the team announces the return of All-PIFL offensive lineman Brandon Grier and the arrival of fullback Kenny Jones and wide receiver Rashad Fields. The trio gives the Raiders depth at multiple positions, as each player has the versatility to contribute at different spots on the field.
Offensive lineman Brandon Grier (Virginia State) will begin his fourth season with the Raiders. He appeared in 12 of 14 games in 2013, often doubling as the tight end, where he caught three touchdown passes. "It's great to have Grier back. He has been one of the anchors of our offensive line since I have been in Richmond," head coach James Fuller said. Grier has been a fixture on the offensive line since becoming a full time starter in 2012. That season, he was a second team All-PIFL selection and broke through as a tight end. He caught a pass in eight straight games, scoring three touchdowns. Fuller expects Grier to ease the transition for a new starting quarterback, as well as provide veteran leadership. "He has been able to adapt to several different QB's in his time here, and has been to two championship games. BG is not only a protector for us, he has also been a weapon for our offense. His leadership will help solidify the offensive line in 2014."
Kenny Jones (Tennessee-Martin) was a productive, versatile back for the Skyhawks - two qualities which make him a good fit in the Raiders' offense. "I'm very excited to have Kenny, he is a very strong runner and blocker with soft hands. He caught a lot of passes out of the backfield in college, but was also a back that could block and run the ball," Fuller said. A four- year starter at fullback, Jones averaged 3.8 yards per rush but was even more prolific in the passing game. He caught over 60 passes in his collegiate career, 10 of them for touchdowns. Being able to carry the ball, slip out of the backfield for a pass, or pick up a rushing linebacker gives Jones the potential to be the triple threat the Raiders need at fullback. Fuller noted, "he will have to get used to the game and its speed, but when he does I think he will be a good one."
Rashad Fields (Southeast Missouri) joins a deep, talented wide receiver corps with a frame (6'1", 210) that could make him very effective in the indoor game. Like many players Fuller has signed, Fields has the ability to play more than one position. "I like Rashad not only because he is a versatile two-way athlete, but he also has size, and he is hungry to get back on the field," the coach said.
2014 season and group event tickets are now on sale on the Raiders' website, www.RichmondRaidersProFootball.com, and the Raiders' ticket hotline at 804-780-0430. The 2014 home opener will be April 12 in a Championship Game rematch against the Alabama Hammers. Season tickets start at $35, and groups can call the hotline to get customized event packages and prices. 2014 will mark the Raiders' fifth season of professional indoor football in the Richmond Coliseum, and third in the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL). The team has reached the league's championship game in each of the last two seasons and has the league's best home record (13-1) over that span. ###
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