Raiders Add Six Players to 2014 Roster
November 6, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
The Richmond Raiders announce the signing of three veterans from 2013 and three first year players to the 2014 roster.
Defensive lineman James Carter (NC Wesleyan), kicker T.C. Stevens (Hampden-Sydney), and quarterback Malik White (Virginia State) return from the 2013 squad that reached the PIFL Championship Game for the second straight year. Carter and Stevens were also on the 2012 team that played for the league title.
Carter has been a mainstay on the Raiders' defensive line the past two seasons. In 2013 he played 13 of 14 games and registered 3.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss. He had an additional five quarterback hurries and was the team's second-leading tackler among defensive linemen. "It's great to have James back - he has been the anchor in our defensive line," said Raiders head coach James Fuller. "James has athletic ability as well as power which makes him a difficult player to block. We hope that he will continue to be that force on the line."
Stevens emerged as one of the league's premier kickers in 2012, and further cemented that status in 2013. He made a league high 14 unos and led all kickers in scoring for the second straight season. Fuller said, "T.C. has shown to be one of the best kickers in the league through the past couple seasons. I have a lot of confidence in him whether it's just an extra point or if the game's on the line. He has been clutch for us." A three time special teams player of the week (the most of any special teams player), Stevens made 87% of his extra points and was 8 for 18 on field goals. He was a first team All-PIFL selection in 2012 and made the second team in 2013.
White gained experience as the Raiders' backup quarterback in 2013, and Fuller likes the continuity he will bring to the position. "It's always good to have a QB back who knows the offense, and we are glad to have Malik back," he said. "Malik is a young player that has a huge upside, and a strong arm. We hope that he can come in and give us some stability at the QB position. The sky is the limit with him; he has the tools to be a good player in this league."
Wide receiver Josh Young (Mars Hill), offensive lineman Rory Nixon (St. Augustine), and wide receiver DeAndre Clark (Oregon) are the first three players that Fuller and his staff have signed who will make their Raiders debuts in 2014.
Young had a breakout year in 2011 at Mars Hill, when he finished second on the team with 47 receptions for 653 yards and five touchdowns. He notched three touchdowns his senior season in 2012. Young "is a very talented and speedy wide receiver who has the ability to run by the defense, but also has very good route running ability," according to Coach Fuller. "We hope that he can give us that spark and speed we need to stretch the field. I can see big things from him this season." Young had a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 2010.
Nixon was a major contributor on the offensive line as a four-year starter at St. Augustine. He helped anchor the line that paved the way for tailback Walter Sanders to gain 1377 yards (5.0 per carry) and receive CIAA Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2010. He was a team captain in 2012. Fuller commented, "We are glad to have Rory on our side instead of playing against him. He will bring some youth and stability to our offensive line. We are looking for him to be a standout player for us this season." Nixon earned second team All-CIAA honors his senior season, when the line led the league in fewest sacks allowed. He is originally from Hampton, VA.
Clark began his collegiate career for Mike Bellotti at Oregon. He gained experience in the indoor game last season, which Fuller says will be beneficial to the Raiders. "DeAndre is a very talented player that can play DB or WR. We feel his versatility is going to be a plus."
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. Season tickets start at $35, and groups can call the hotline to get customized event packages and prices. Individual game tickets will go on sale at a later date. 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.
• Discuss this story on the Professional Indoor Football League message board...
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from November 6, 2013
- Raiders Add Six Players to 2014 Roster - Richmond Raiders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
