Rampage Re-Sign Three As 2007 Signing Period Ends

Published on August 15, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - The Grand Rapids Rampage re-signed three players and released one as the Arena Football League's 2007 Signing Period came to a close today. Linebacker Johnnie Balous (Carthage, Texas), wide receiver/linebacker Jermaine Lewis (Waukegan, Ill.) and center Ben Nowland (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) inked three-year contracts, while the team released offensive/defensive lineman Winfield Garnett (Harvey, Ill.).

Balous posted career numbers last season with the Rampage, amassing 14.5 tackles in nine games. He led all Grand Rapids linebackers with 2.5 sacks, and recorded the team's only safety when he sacked Chicago Rush quarterback Matt D'Orazio in the end zone on April 21. Balous also filled in at the fullback position in Chicago on June 9, when he rushed for 28 yards on the first six carries of his career. The 6-1, 260-pound University of Oklahoma product has played three seasons in the AFL, all spent with the Rampage.

Lewis also put together his most productive AFL season last year, notching career highs in receptions (23) and receiving yards (234) in just eight games with the Rampage. A two-way player, he also recorded 14.5 tackles as a linebacker and earned Ironman of the Game honors on June 23 after logging an interception against his former team, the Nashville Kats. The 6-4, 210-pound Western Michigan University product has spent three seasons in the AFL with the Kats and the Rampage.

Nowland, a two-year veteran, has also spent his entire AFL career in Grand Rapids. Last season, he battled through an early injury to emerge as the starting center for the Rampage's final 11 games. The 6-3, 300-pound Auburn University product also boasts NFL Europa experience, and spent two seasons (2003-04) on the Washington Redskins' practice squad.

Garnett earned AFL All-Ironman Team honors last season after posting 15 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games played for the Rampage. The four-year AFL veteran was one of only two players (Chuck Wesley) to start every game for Grand Rapids last season.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 15, 2007


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