SaberCats Add NFL Experience to 2012 Roster
October 12, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, CA - The SaberCats today announced the additions of WR Taurus Johnson, DL Anthony Gray, DL Thomas Weaver and DB Desia Dunn.
"It's always great to add players of this caliber to your roster," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. "Taurus, Anthony and Thomas got great experience in the NFL over the past two years and Desia was a standout at Fresno State this past season."
Johnson (6-1, 215, South Florida) most recently spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs (2009), Detroit Lions (2009), Miami Dolphins (2009-10), Washington Redskins (2010-11) and the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League (2010). While with the Hartford Colonials, Johnson totaled nine receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Prior to his time in the NFL and UFL, Johnson played four years at South Florida where he hauled in 112 catches for 1,434 yards and 12 touchdowns in 49 games (13 starts) for the Bulls. In the return game, Johnson returned 39 kicks for 784 yards (20.1/return). His career receiving totals were good enough to rank Johnson second in touchdown catches and third in receiving yards and receptions. A native of Cape Coral, FL, Johnson attended Cape Coral High School.
Weaver (6-0, 305, Villanova) was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011 by the Washington Redskins before joining San Jose. A four-year letterman for the Wildcats, Weaver posted 106 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 3.5 sack and three forced fumbles in 50 games. His best season came as a senior, when he totaled 57 tackles, 7.5 for loss to go along with 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. A native of Irvington, NJ, Weaver attended Irvington High School where he was a two-year team captain, earning All-County, All-Conference; Senior Athlete of the Year; Conference Lineman of the Year honors.
Dunn (5-9, 190, Fresno State) played in 42 games for the Bulldogs, posting 155 tackles to go along with 17 passes defensed, three interceptions and two tackles for loss. His best season came as a senior, where he earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors after notching 65 tackles (40 solo), two interceptions, seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and one tackle for loss. A native of Stockton, CA, Dunn attended Edison (CA) High School where he earned team MVP honors and was all-league second-team on offense and defense.
Gray (5-11, 330, Southern Mississippi) most recently spent 2011 preseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing in three games. Prior to his professional experience, he was a standout for Southern Mississippi where he played four seasons, twice earning All-Conference USA honors (2008, 2010). Gray posted career numbers of 120 tackles, 23.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed. A native of Philadelphia, MS, he attended Philadelphia High School where he earned all-state honors in his final two seasons.
The SaberCats roster now stands at 22 players with seven returning from 2011.
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Arena Football League Stories from October 12, 2011
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