Rampage Sign GVSU Star Fowler, Release Riley

Published on November 20, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - After helping to bring West Michigan three NCAA Division II titles over the last four years, receiver Eric Fowler (New Haven, Mich.) will turn his attention to capturing an ArenaBowl title as well. The Grand Rapids Rampage signed Grand Valley State University's second all-time leading receiver to their training camp roster.

"Eric is a big, athletic receiver with a lot of potential to be a top player in this league," said Steve Thonn, Rampage head coach and director of football operations. "During a recent workout, he showed that he has great hands, but he also ran terrific routes."

Named to the Associated Press Little All-America First Team and the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference First Team in 2006, Fowler led Division II in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns (22) last season. His 1,694 receiving yards were the most in GVSU single-season history, while his 83 receptions ranked second most.

Fowler's GVSU Lakers captured the 2006 NCAA Division II title, as well as championships in his freshman (2003) and junior (2005) campaigns. Over his four-year collegiate career, the 6-3, 210-pound receiver ranked second in school history with 2,701 receiving yards and fourth with 148 catches. Following his senior season, Fowler signed as a free agent with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, but was released during training camp.

The Rampage also bolstered the defensive side of the ball with the signing of defensive lineman Gabriel "Kiki" Gonzalez (Elizabeth, N.J.) and defensive back Chris Martin (Brooklyn, N.Y.).

The 6-1, 310-pound Gonzalez totaled 104 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks over his four-year (2003-06) collegiate career at the University of Akron. This past summer he took part in training camp with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, but was released just prior to the beginning of the regular season.

Martin, a longtime professional who has played in the Canadian Football League (2004-06) and in arenafootball2 (2003-04), will be looking to crack his first AFL roster after serving on the Los Angeles Avengers' practice squad in 2004. The 5-11, 190-pound Washington State University product most recently was a member of the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2007, but was placed on the inactive list.

Additionally, Grand Rapids waived center Ben Nowland (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) and released receiver/linebacker Jerome Riley (Los Angeles, Calif.). Nowland was one of the mainstays of the Rampage offensive line last season, starting the final 11 games at center. Meanwhile, Riley earned Arena Football League All-Ironman Team honors in 2007 after logging career highs in receptions (78), receiving yards (845), tackles (31.5) and interceptions (4). The team's offseason acquisitions and recent league rule changes led to the players' departure, however.

"Jerome did great things with the Rampage last season," said Thonn. "But with the recent rule change expanding the linebacker box, we're looking to use two true linebackers. Meanwhile, we're excited about the quality receivers and centers that we've brought into camp this year."

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 20, 2007


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