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Rampage Sign Former VooDoo Top DB Haith, Four Others

November 13, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - After adding one of the Arena Football League's top defensive backs in Ahmad Hawkins (Hampton, Va.) earlier this offseason, the Rampage improved their secondary once again with the signing of William "Roc" Haith (Washington, D.C.). Last year, Haith led the New Orleans VooDoo with 66.5 tackles and four interceptions in his first full season in the AFL.

A 5-10, 192-pound defensive back out of Liberty University, Haith has established himself as one of the league's heavy hitters despite his size. After a brief two-game stint with the Dallas Desperados in 2006, Haith stepped into the spotlight early last season with the VooDoo, logging a team season-high 12 tackles against the eventual ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats on April 13.

"This is a very physical and versatile athlete," said Steve Thonn, Rampage head coach and director of football operations. "He can play all three defensive back positions, and is excellent on special teams."

Hardly and Arena Football youngster, Haith made a name for himself in arenafootball2 as well, setting a league record with 121.5 tackles for the Manchester Wolves in 2005. Over the course of his three-year (2003, 2005-06) af2 career he totaled 206 tackles, nine interceptions and 69 pass breakups. Additionally, Haith spent time in training camp with the NFL's Washington Redskins and the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts in 2004.

Also signing with the Rampage were AFL veterans Chris Johnson (Memphis, Tenn.) and Bryan Ray (Wheaton, Md.), and rookies Greg Green (Wedowee, Ala.) and DeVonte Peterson (Clinton, N.C.).

Johnson spent last season with the af2's Mahoning Valley Thunder after playing four years (2003-06) in the AFL with the now defunct Carolina Cobras, the Desperados and the Georgia Force. A 6-2, 190-pound receiver out of Georgia Southern University, he logged 50 receptions for 853 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Thunder in 2007 despite playing only six games due to injury.

After a very successful career at Wake Forest University, Ray played two seasons (2004-05) in the AFL with the Cobras and the Columbus Destroyers before suffering an injury in 2006. The 6-3, 280-pound defensive lineman also participated in training camp with the NFL's New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, and played the 2002 season for the NFL Europa's Frankfurt Galaxy. Ray served as an assistant coach with the af2's Alabama Steeldogs last year.

Green played under Ray last season, joining the Steeldogs for the team's final three regular-season games after participating in the New Orleans Saints' 2007 rookie mini-camp. The defensive lineman chipped in immediately, totaling two sacks and a forced fumble for Alabama in that short span. The 6-3, 280-pound Jacksonville State University product was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Second Team as a senior in 2006.

Peterson boasts several professional stops in his career, having played on the defensive line in both NFL Europa and the CFL from 2002-06. The 6-2, 275-pound Arena Football rookie out of Catawba College also spent time in training camp with the NFL's Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.

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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.

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