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Raybon Up to the Challenge

June 25, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


At 29 years of age, Rampage lineman Israel Raybon didn't know if he was up for the challenge of learning a new game.

The former NCAA Division II All-American defensive end had always played just defense. Even when he played in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, Raybon never touched the field on offense nor special teams.

But thanks to some convincing by former Steelers' line mate and Grand Rapids' all-time sack leader Corey Mayfield, Raybon decided he would give the "Ironman" style of the Arena Football League a shot.

"Mayfield had been trying to get me here for years, but I knew there were a lot of guys that played in the NFL that couldn't play this game," said Raybon. "After watching a few games on television, I started to like the game, and I didn't want to sit around and wish I would have given it a shot."

>From day one, Raybon has proven that he is not one of those players that couldn't make the transition indoors. As expected, the first-year lineman has come through on the defensive side of the ball, registering 2.5 sacks (2nd on team) and team-high 12 quarterback hurries, but it's not his defense that the Rampage coaching staff is most impressed with.

"Israel has done everything we've asked of him and worked twice as hard to get better on offense," said Robert Smith, Rampage assistant head coach and director of player personnel. "Beyond all of his physical gifts, the most important thing that he brings to the table is a willingness to work and a positive attitude everyday,"

"He's a natural two-way player, but the other part of having Israel here is that he is probably the most popular player on the team," said Rampage head coach Michael Trigg. "He's got a great sense of humor and keeps things loose. He knows when to turn it on and drive the guys, but he also knows when to lighten up so practice isn't such a drudgery."

In addition, 6-foot-6, 327-pound lineman is following in the footsteps of Mayfield, who was selected to the AFL's All-Rookie Team in 1999. Teamed together, the two have helped bolster a Rampage line that has only allowed three sacks and has gotten to the opposing quarterback nine times through 10 games.

"Like Mayfield in 1999, Israel is the prototypical recruit for Arena Football," Trigg said. "He's got NFL experience, a tremendous collegiate resume, real good size and strength, and his ability to rush the passer is complemented by his newfound ability to protect Clint (Dolezel). You can't teach a great body and speed, and he has both."

And as for losing Raybon back to the NFL.

"Certainly the opportunity is there, but he seems to be having fun and as long as he is here in Grand Rapids, we have a top quality lineman * maybe one of the best in the AFL."



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 25, 2002


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