Rattlers Put Groce on IR, Sign Smith
March 16, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers have placed offensive specialist Damien Groce on injured reserve and signed defensive specialist Art Smith from the practice squad, head coach Gene Nudo announced today.
Groce joins nine other Rattlers on the injured reserve list, while Smith becomes the second defensive specialist to be signed from the practice squad in two weeks.
Smith (6-1, 190 pounds), an experienced defender in the outdoor game, joins the Rattlers for his second season in the Arena Football League after spending time with San Jose in 2004.
Prior to joining the SaberCats, Smith spent time with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens (2003), Oakland Raiders (2004) and Green Bay Packers (2005).
A first-team All-Atlantic 10 selection at Northeastern University as a senior in 2002, Smith led the conference with seven interceptions. He also returned nine kickoffs, including a 100-yard touchdown, and caught one pass for 54 yards.
"We really liked what we saw from this guy from day one," said Nudo. "From what he's shown us thus far, I have full faith in him."
The Rattlers also signed rookie wide receiver/defensive back Johnny Marshall to the practice squad. Earlier this week, they signed Dennis Gile from the practice squad. Gile, a multi-talented quarterback, could be used on defense and special teams.
Arizona will aim for their third consecutive victory when they take on the Las Vegas Gladiators at Thomas & Mack Center on Friday, March 17. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MST and tickets can be purchased by calling 602-514-TDTD.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 16, 2006
- Rampage extinguishes Blaze, 59-49 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Grand Rapids picks off Utah in Michigan, 59-49 - Utah Blaze
- SaberCats make roster moves - San Jose SaberCats
- Third Eye Blind to perform after April 2 SaberCats game - San Jose SaberCats
- Kansas City Brigade Weekly - Kansas City Brigade
- Joey Galloway conducts youth football camp Saturday at Nationwide Arena - Columbus Destroyers
- Storm Activate Solomon, Hunt and Johnson - Tampa Bay Storm
- Kansas City Brigade Signs New Kicker - Kansas City Brigade
- AFL week eight Thursday injury report - AFL I
- Las Vegas Gladiators game notes - Las Vegas Gladiators
- AFL week eight must-see matchup - AFL I
- AFL week eight quick hitters - AFL I
- Rattlers Put Groce on IR, Sign Smith - Arizona Rattlers
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.
Other Recent Arizona Rattlers Stories
- On the Road Again: Rattlers Set to Face Sharks in Florida
- Rattlers Head to Vegas for Rematch with Knight Hawks
- Rattlers Roll into Prescott Ready for Round Two with the Wranglers
- Back in the Snake Pit, Rattlers Host Bay Area After First Loss
- Desert Showdown: Rattlers Look to Keep Perfect Season Alive in Tucson
