Raymond Assigned to Utah for 2012

Published on February 23, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - T.J. Raymond has returned to the Blaze for his second stint in the orange and black. Utah announced Tuesday that the massive nose guard has been assigned to the team for the 2012 season, giving the Blaze another powerful presence along its defensive front.

"We are pleased to have T.J. Raymond back in a Blaze uniform," said President & Head Coach Ron James. "T.J. is a big, physical nose guard who plays full-tilt on every snap. He'll continue to improve the play of our defensive line."

Raymond (6-3, 330, Northeastern State) spent the entire offseason on injured reserve after starting nine games for the Blaze in 2011. He totaled 12.0 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and added two pass breakups and a fumble recovery. Although statistics didn't always indicate his impact, Raymond provided the team with a strong interior defender capable of collapsing the pocket.

"I thank god for this opportunity, I'm definitely going to make the most of it this year," said Raymond. "I thank Coach James and the entire coaching and front office staff for bringing me back. Our goal for 2012 is clear - make the playoffs and win an ArenaBowl Championship."

Raymond earned All-Lone Star Conference accolades in three consecutive seasons during his college career. After transferring from North Texas in 2007, he played in 32 games for Northeastern State and compiled 166 tackles, 10 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, five pass breakups and one fumble recovery. Raymond signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2010, but was released prior to the start of the season.



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