Rampage Bring Back WR Hines, Sign Five Others

Published on October 31, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - A familiar face will return to Grand Rapids in 2008, as the Rampage announced the signing of wide receiver Anthony Hines (West Palm Beach, Fla.) today. Hines served as the Rampage's leading receiver from 2005-06, and ranks sixth in team history with 194 career receptions for Grand Rapids.

A four-year Arena Football League veteran, Hines posted two of his best seasons with the Rampage, amassing 2,222 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. His 124 receptions in 2006 stand as the second most in team single-season history, and his 174 points that year rank as Grand Rapids' fifth highest output.

"Anthony is a quality wide receiver who, when given the chance, has produced everywhere he's been," said Steve Thonn, Rampage head coach and director of player personnel. "He's a proven receiver and terrific route runner, and we expect him to be very productive again this year."

Hines will be reunited with Rampage quarterback Adrian McPherson (Bradenton, Fla.), who played with the now defunct Indiana Firebirds during the two players' rookie seasons in 2004. That year, Hines led the Firebirds in all major receiving categories and helped McPherson capture the AFL Rookie of the Year award.

Last season, the 5-11, 185-pound Hines split time between the Austin Wranglers and Kansas City Brigade, totaling 56 receptions for 772 yards and 11 touchdowns. Over his AFL career, the former Winston-Salem State University star has caught 327 passes for 4,054 yards and 70 scores in 55 games played.

Also joining the Rampage roster are defensive lineman Deon DeBoise (Shuqualak, Miss), defensive backs Ronald Dillon (Memphis, Tenn.) and Tanner Varner (Ottumwa, Iowa), and wide receivers DeMarcus Mathes (Dallas, Texas) and Alvance Robinson (Dayton, Ohio).

In 2007, DeBoise and Dillon played for the af2's Alabama Steeldogs, where current Rampage defensive coordinator and director of player personnel Ron Selesky served as head coach. DeBoise, a 6-1, 310-pound Jackson State University product, logged three tackles for loss, one sack, one blocked kick and five rushing touchdowns in 14 games played. Dillon, a 5-11, 205-pound defensive back out of Alabama State University, totaled 46.5 tackles, two interceptions and four receiving touchdowns in 10 games.

Varner played in all 16 games for the af2's Arkansas Twisters last season, tying for fifth in the league with nine interceptions. The 6-0, 210-pound University of Northern Iowa product also notched 83.5 tackles, 20 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Mathes led the af2's Mahoning Valley Thunder with 1,027 receiving yards on 71 receptions over 13 games. The 6-0, 185-pound receiver out of Missouri Southern State University is the first-ever member of the Thunder to sign an AFL contract. Robinson also played the role of a go-to receiver with the af2's Lubbock Renegades, collecting a team-high 64 receptions for 1,085 yards. The 5-9, 175-pound Alabama State University product tallied 22 touchdown receptions in only 12 games played.

"With af2 players you get guys who have a year of experience and know what Arena Football is all about," said Thonn. "We're hoping to find the next [2005 AFL Rookie of the Year] Troy Bergeron or [former Chicago Rush top receiver] Bobby Sippio; players who are ready to take that next step."

The Rampage expect to announce another wave of signings later this week as the AFL's free agency period continues.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 31, 2007


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