Reynolds, Hammer and Smith Set to Return to Rats

Published on February 6, 2009 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


ERIE, PA - (2/2/09) The Erie RiverRats are proud to announce three returnees to the team from 2009. Defensive back Sam Reynolds, fullback /nose guard Robert Hammer and linebacker/defensive end DaJuan Smith have all re-signed for the 2009 campaign.

Known as the "Detroit Bad Boy", Reynolds (6'2". 220) returns for his fourth year of indoor football in the Erie area. Reynolds spent two years with the Erie Freeze, where he led the league in interceptions in 2005 with 14. That included four in one game against Steubenville, two of which he returned for touchdowns. The "Iceman", as Sam is also known, then spent last year with the RiverRats as an integral part of the defensive secondary. Reynolds spent four years at Western Michigan University before playing a fifth year at Valdosta State where he won the 2004 Division II National Championship. Sam then went to training camp in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is a Childcare Counselor at Harborcreek Youth Services. He has three children Abdul (11), Sam Jr. (2) and Samara (1 month) and resides in Erie.

Reynolds will be joined by fullback/nose guard Bob Hammer. Hammer (6'1, 295) will serve as an all-purpose player for the RiverRats, having spent time at offensive line, defensive end, nose guard and fullback over the last two years. Hammer was 4th on the 2008 team in receiving. Bob wrestled and played football at Mercyhurst College in Erie before finishing his degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He has three children, Alivia (6), Abigail (4), and Logan, (1) with one more on the way. Bob resides in Waterford.

Rounding out the trio is DaJuan Smith who also will be returning for the 2009 season. Smith (6'1', 265) will play defensive end and linebacker for the RiverRats in 2009. Smith enters his fourth campaign in professional indoor football including two years with the Erie Freeze were he was consistently near the top of every defensive statistic, before playing for the RiverRats last year. Originally from Cleveland, Smith played defensive end for four years at Gannon University in Erie. Smith has one daughter, Ziare, who is six months old. He resides in Erie.

Hammer and Smith also represented the RiverRats in the 2009 All-star Game in Harrisburg two weeks ago. "These are the kinds of players that build our foundation here in Erie. They are guys who have seen success in professional indoor football as well as being local guys who are interested in being a positive force in the community," commented head coach Steven G. Folmar.

The Erie RiverRats' season begins on March 15th on the road and return to Erie on March 28th for their home opener. Camp opens February 24th at Family First Sports Park as they prepare to enter second season in Erie. Come join the Erie RiverRats of the American Indoor Football Association in 2009. Fans interested in tickets can call our offices at 1-888-Riv-Rats or click on the link at the RiverRats' website at www.erieriverrats.com. You can also contact the Rats now for sponsorship or public appearance opportunities. The Erie RiverRats, "Your Town, Your Team!"

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American Indoor Football Association Stories from February 6, 2009


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