Shock add depth at defensive line with the addition of Hoke, Okpokuwuruk, and Friday
Published on October 14, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock announced today that DL Anthony Hoke, DL Ayanga Okpokuwuruk (pronounced i-YANG-guh awk-pock-uh-WAR-uck), and DL Steven Friday to its 2012 roster.
Hoke, 6-0 240, has been a member of the Cleveland Gladiators the last two seasons and earned All-AFL honors in the process. As a rookie in 2010, Hoke broke Cleveland's single season record in sacks (7.5) and collected 28 tackles. The following season, Hoke tied his own single season sack record (7.5) and added 34.5 tackles with six blocked kicks.
After his rookie season in the AFL, Hoke signed with the CFL's BC Lions. Hoke was released from the Lions in April and finished the 2011 season with the Gladiators.
Prior to his professional career, Hoke recorded 123 tackles with 22 career sacks (including six in his last three games) as a Cincinnati BearCat. The next year, Hoke started his professional career when he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent.
Okpokuwuruk, 6-3 250, is the eighth player from the 2011 roster to return for the 2012 season. As an AFL-rookie, Okpokuwuruk played in six games and recorded eight tackles with one sack for Spokane. Immediately after the regular season, Okpokuwuruk left Spokane to re-join the New York Giants after the NFL's player lockout was lifted. During his time with the Giants, Okpokuwuruk played in four preseason games and collected four tackles but was ultimately released. In 2010, Okpokuwuruk was a member of the Giants' practice squad.
Friday will enter his first season in the AFL, but his football resume includes NFL experience and was an All-ACC selection after his senior season at Virginia Tech. As a Hokie, Friday collected 85 tackles with 12 sacks in 38 games. As a senior, Friday made his first start against Boise and made an immediate impact with two tackles and a sack. After a decorated career at Virginia Tech, Friday was in camp with the Houston Texans earlier this season. In his first professional game, Friday recorded 1.5 sacks against the New York Jets.
"This was a big week for us," Head Coach Andy Olson said. "Hoke is a proven veteran and I think Okpokowuruk will only continue to improve. Friday is hungry and he knows to get back to the NFL he needs to prove himself in the AFL. To win games in this league, it's crucial to have a strong defensive front that can put pressure on the QB and disrupt an offense. These three players will do that for us."
Spokane opens up the 2012 season on March 12th as they host the Iowa Barnstormers. For 2012 ticket information call 509 242 7462 ex. 1.
Arena Football League Stories from October 14, 2011
- Shock add depth at defensive line with the addition of Hoke, Okpokuwuruk, and Friday - Spokane Shock
- Philadelphia Soul Add Depth on Defense - Philadelphia Soul
- Soul Bring Back DL Jeffrey Fitzgerald - Philadelphia Soul
- Command Adds Three More to Roster - Kansas City Command
- Soulmate Pre-Tryout Clinic Set for Saturday, October 15 - Philadelphia Soul
- Pittsburgh Power Announce Dance Camps and Sparks Open Tryouts - Pittsburgh Power
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
