Rattlers Sign Trio of Defensive Backs
Published on September 28, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
MESA, Ariz. - The Arizona Rattlers announce the signing of DB WILL HILL, DB ARKEITH BROWN and DB DA'MON MERKERSON.
Hill saw action in 38 games at the University of Florida, including 15 starts, before declaring for NFL Draft following his junior year in 2011. The safety collected 144 total tackles, four interceptions and 1.5 sacks. Hill led the Gators two of the last three years in special teams tackles.
"I'm excited to get out on the field," said Hill. "I'm ready to get out there and put people over the [dasher board] wall."
Brown participated in a rookie free agent tryout with the New Orleans Saints during their rookie minicamp in the spring of 2009.
"I'm really looking forward to playing for GM/HEAD COACH KEVIN GUY and be a part of this organization," said Brown. "I'm ready to get in there and get it started."
The defensive back spent 2010 with the Green Bay Blizzard of the Indoor Football League, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after snaring 12 interceptions, while also adding 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble and 67 total tackles.
Merkerson signed with the United Football League's Hartford Colonials (now defunct) in 2011 and participated in the Arizona Cardinals training camp in 2011.
"I'm excited to play for the Rattlers," said Merkerson. "It's been a dream of mine to play on a professional level and I'm just looking forward to it."
A Syracuse cornerback, Merkerson was a three-year starter for the Orange, including seeing action as a wide receiver as a sophomore and freshman. In 2010, he started all 12 games, collecting 23 tackles, two interceptions and 2.5 tackles for loss. For his career, Merkerson appeared in 46 games (31 starts), collecting 59 tackles (38 solos), two interceptions, and four tackles for loss in addition to 14 receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns on offense.
Arena Football League Stories from September 28, 2011
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