Raiders Bolster Defensive Backfield
December 3, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
The Richmond Raiders professional indoor football team has re-signed defensive back Kevin Allen and added newcomers at DB and quarterback to the 2014 roster. The trio adds athleticism and versatility to the squad, not to mention depth at two key positions, as the Raiders continue preparations for training camp and the 2014 opener on March 30.
Veteran cornerback Kevin Allen (Virginia State) will return to the Raiders for his second season. In 2013, Allen finished fourth on the team in tackles despite playing in only eight games. Typical of many players signed by Head Coach James Fuller, Allen has the versatility to play multiple positions. "We are glad to have Allen back. He is a big DB that can help us out in the red zone with his length, and was a force at the linebacker position last season as well," Fuller said. Allen had a season high seven solo tackles in the opener against Alabama, and was in on 10 total stops against Lehigh Valley April 13. He returned an interception for a touchdown against Albany on June 1 to give the Raiders a third quarter lead. "After having a year under his belt, I look for him to continue to get better and to contribute a great deal on defense," Fuller continued.
Malik Cromartie (North Carolina Central) will make his indoor football debut at defensive back. He appeared in 42 games as an Eagle, including 15 starts. He had eight interceptions, including five his senior season. Cromartie went over the century mark in total career tackles, and defended 16 passes in 2012 to lead the conference and rank third nationally in the FCS. In a league full of talented receivers, Fuller expects him to more than hold his own. "Malik is a true cover corner; he has the ability to play man to man from press coverage as well as off. He is only 5'9" but plays a lot bigger than his size," Fuller said. Cromartie also made major contributions on special teams with six blocked kicks to his credit, including one in overtime to clinch the win. Fuller believes his athleticism will be a major asset for the Raiders. "[Cromartie] has quick feet, good change of direction, and has very good ball skills. He's going to have to learn the speed of the game, but has a chance to be a very good player in this league."
Shawn Lloyd (Shenandoah) claimed the starting quarterback position his senior year. He showed steady improvement as the season progressed, completing 51% of his passes over the last three games. He will battle incumbent Malik White for the starting job during training camp - a battle that Fuller thinks Lloyd is capable of winning. "Shawn is a young QB with a huge upside, a pocket QB that can use his feet if he has to." Fuller went on to say, "He reads coverages well and has all the throws you want a QB to have in the indoor game. He can throw the deep ball, but better than that he can fit the ball into tight spots."
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.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from December 3, 2013
- Raiders Bolster Defensive Backfield - Richmond Raiders
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