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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers add two to roster

April 5, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - Fullback/linebacker Joey Dozier and offensive/defensive lineman Jeff Ruffin, a pair of experienced players who will play on both sides of the ball, have been signed by the Arizona Rattlers, general manager/head coach Gene Nudo announced today.

Dozier was signed to the active roster while Ruffin was signed to the practice squad.

Dozier (6-foot-2, 240 pounds), who is entering his sixth AFL season, rushed for three touchdowns last season while with San Jose, a team he spent his first two seasons with. During his first two years, he led the SaberCats in rushing, including 188 yards on 45 carries and 10 rushing touchdowns in 2001.

After his two seasons in San Jose, Dozier joined the Colorado Crush, where he averaged over four yards a carry for the second straight season. He also spent a year with the New York Dragons in 2004. In his career, the two-way star has run for 406 yards on 116 attempts for 24 touchdowns. Defensively, he has recorded 45 tackles and an interception.

A standout running back at New Mexico State, Dozier rushed for 397 yards and four touchdowns during his senior season. He signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers in 2002 and played with the NFL Europe's Frankfurt Galaxy later that year.

"Joey is an experienced veteran, who we have competed against," said Nudo. "He is talented back that has some good quickness."

Ruffin (6-4, 320), who is in his second season in the AFL, is a free agent that was released by San Jose earlier this season after appearing in two games. During his rookie campaign in 2005, Ruffin played in four games with the SaberCats, tallying three and a half tackles and a sack.

A four-year letterman at the University of Illinois, Ruffin posted 69 tackles, 12 for losses and eight sacks in 37 career games as a defensive back. He went on to sign with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2004.

"He is a good, young lineman," said Nudo. "We hope he can come in and make a positive impact."

The club also put fullback /linebacker Frank Trentadue on injured reserve. Earlier in the week, offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Gaspar was waived from the practice squad.

The Arizona Rattlers head to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Blaze on Friday, April 7. The game, which is set to kick off at 6:00 p.m. PST, can be heard live only on www.azrattlers.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 5, 2006


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