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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Open Free Agency With A Bang

October 29, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers brought back a familiar face today in re-signing OL/DL WENDELL GAINES to Coach Kevin Guy's 2008 squad.

Gaines, who will enter his ninth season in the AFL, all with the Rattlers, has had 5.5 sacks each of the last two seasons. He holds the team record in sacks with 24, and was named to the league's All-Ironman team in 2004.

"Wendall Gaines was one of our absolute top priorities in free agency, and we're thrilled to have him back in a Rattler uniform. We feel like he can do a lot of things for us, and he's one of the premier pass-rushers in this league," said Guy.

The Rattlers also added one of the AFL's premier centers in OL/DL ERIC THOMAS (6-4, 300, Florida State), who has spent the last four seasons with the Austin Wranglers.

"Eric is one of the best in the league at his position," said Guy. "He is very dependable, and doesn't give up any push. He's a great leader, and he's as good a person as he is a player."

Also inking their contracts on Arena Football League's signing day were FB/LB CHRIS ROBINSON (6-3, 272, New Hampshire) from the Utah Blaze and KICKER JASON WITCZAK (6-1, 195, SE Missouri State) who spent the last two seasons with the now-defunct Nashville Kats after kicking for the Rattlers in 2004.

"We went into free agency with the idea that we wanted to bring in some players with experience," Guy said about his first day signings. "We feel like we've done that. These players have all been battle-tested, and will provide a great nucleus for this team in 2008 and beyond."

The 2008 Rattlers will take the field in March, their 17th season in the Arena Football League.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 29, 2007


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