Roughnecks Reacquire DL Jermaine Blakely, Re-Sign SS Johnny Anderson & Present New Helmet Logo
February 11, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks announced while during a press conference held on Thursday, February 11 from Murray's Restaurant & Deli in Midland, that defensive linemen Jermaine Blakely and strong safety Johnny Anderson have both been reacquired for the upcoming 2010 season. Blakely (6'4", 320 lbs.) and Anderson (6'1", 215 lbs.) return as teammates for the first time since the 2005 Roughnecks season when the Roughnecks finished the regular season undefeated (14-0) as part of the NIFL.
Blakely, who spent the '04, '05, '06 & '07 seasons with the Roughnecks returns to the Permian Basin after spending the 2009 season with the El Paso Generals, formerly of the IFL. Anderson returns to the Roughnecks after spending the last four seasons with the Corpus Christi Hammerheads (IFL).
Jermaine Blakely DL (6'4", 320 lbs.) Stillman College -
Blakely was a late arrival to the El Paso Generals during the 2009 IFL regular season, but he became an immediate factor on the defensive line. In just six games played, Blakely recorded 10.0 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, forced two fumbles and posted one interception. Blakely was as much of a factor on the offensive side of the ball as he was defensively as he recorded seven total touchdowns (six rushing, one defensive). Blakely was named the VidSwap.com Defensive Player of the Week for Week 17 in '09 after posting 3.5 total tackles with three sacks, two forced fumbles and a 48-yard game-winning fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. During the Generals 2009 post-season run, Blakely posted 2.5 tackles with 1.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack and three rushing touchdowns.
Along with former wide out Joel Babb, Blakely was one of the first ever players signed to the Roughnecks organization under Head Coach Chris Williams. Before spending the 2008 season with the Lakeland Thunderbolts (AIFA), Blakely spent the final five games of the 2007 season, including the post-season, with the Roughnecks. In 2006, Blakely was a major asset to the Roughnecks championship run by finishing second on the team with ten sacks. In 2005, he finished third with 12 sacks and led the team with nine sacks in 2004. Blakely finished in the top ten in total tackles in every season he was with the Roughnecks.
"We are very happy to have Jermaine back with the Roughnecks and we are excited to have a veteran leader on this team. Jermaine will be respected not only on the field but in the locker room." stated West Texas Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Williams.
Johnny Anderson SS (6'1", 215 lbs.) Jefferson State -
Johnny Anderson has spent the last four seasons with the Corpus Christi Hammerheads where he finished each season in the top five in total tackles, tackles-for-loss and interceptions. In 2009, Anderson finished fourth on the team with 48.0 total tackles including six tackles-for-loss, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Anderson was also a factor on special teams by blocking two kicks in 2009 and posting 41 kick return yards. In 2005 while with the Roughnecks, Anderson finished third on the team with seven interceptions and finished fourth with 55.0 total tackles.
"Like Jermaine, we are excited to have another veteran leader returning in Johnny. He is a gifted athlete that will play at a very high level for us this season. Having both players back with the Roughnecks is great because of their experience at this level and because of the strong impact they will have on our team." further explained Williams.
In relation to the changes the Roughnecks organization has gone through this off-season, the West Texas Roughnecks additionally announced and presented on Thursday, February 11, the new helmet logo for the 2010 season. The new helmet logo features the state of Texas with a football wrapping around the state. Additionally, the workman's helmet featured on the former logo is now placed hanging on top of the state. The colors blue, black, white and gold are all featured in the new logo. The change in the Roughnecks helmet logo is the first in team history.
"We are very excited about the new helmet logo and it coincides with the changes and the direction we are heading into for this season. We have always been happy with the former logo since the team's inaugural season. However, we think this new logo exemplifies our new attitude for this season. We think the Permian Basin community will be very excited with this change." stated West Texas Roughnecks Team Owner Dale Morris.
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Indoor Football League Stories from February 11, 2010
- Roughnecks Reacquire DL Jermaine Blakely, Re-Sign SS Johnny Anderson & Present New Helmet Logo - West Texas Roughnecks
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