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Rampage Finalize 2003 Roster

January 24, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - In preparation for next weekend's season opener at Buffalo, the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League finalized its 2003 player roster today.

The Rampage return 13 players from last year's squad, including quarterback Clint Dolezel, kicker Brian Gowins and offensive specialist Steve Smith. Other returnees include: fullback/linebackers Chris Avery, Travis McDonald and Chris Ryan, linemen Demetrius Crowder, Corey Mayfield and Joe Wylie, wide receiver/linebackers Derin Graham and Ricky Ross, and wide receiver/defensive backs Willis Marshall and Terrill Shaw. Linemen Rod Manuel, Rickie Simpkins and Israel Raybon all return as well, but will start the season on the injured list.

The active roster will also feature nine newcomers. One of those nine, backup quarterback Nick Browder, has spent the past three training camps with Grand Rapids, but finished only the 2001 season with the team. Highlighting the influx of new talent are defensive specialists Cecil Doggette, Lamar Grant and Shea Showers, and linemen Jason Gamble, Eric Gohlstin and Albert Reese. New two-way threats include wide receiver/defensive back Sean Riley and wide receiver/linebacker Damon Hodge.

In order to comply with the league's 24-man roster limit, the Rampage waived linemen Jason Berger, Madison Johnson, Shatony Sargeant, Teto Simpson and Tyshaun Whitson, wide receiver/defensive backs Tim Bailey, Corey Bridges and Titcus Pettigrew, defensive specialists John Barnes, Chris Bayne and Derek Stingley, fullback/linebackers Michael Blair and LaVante Epson, kicker Matt McNew, and quarterback Jeff Welsh. If not claimed by another team, four of these players could be asked back on Monday to make up the Rampage's practice squad.

The Rampage kick off the 2003 season with back-to-back road contests at the Buffalo Destroyers (Feb. 1) and Colorado Crush (Feb. 7) before returning to Van Andel Arena for their home opener against the New York Dragons on Sunday, Feb. 16. The 3 p.m. affair will be the first of the Rampage's five home games televised live on NBC Sports.

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