Shock Add DL Save, QB Crane, And DB Phillips
Published on December 8, 2009 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock announced today that DL Bryan Save, QB Chris Crane and DB Al Phillips have been added to the 2010 roster.
Save, 6-1 295, is a veteran of the NFL, NFL Europe, AFL and most recently the UFL.
As a member of the UFL's New York Sentinels, Save tallied 12 tackles - including a team leading 1.5 sacks.
Prior to joining the Sentinels, he spent the previous two years (2007-2008) with the Philadelphia Soul and racked up 38.5 tackles with 9.5 sacks. In 2008, Save was named to the All-AFL team and captured the ArenaBowl Championship with former teammate and current Head Coach Rob Keefe.
"I think signing Bryan Save is going to turn some heads," Keefe explained. "The game is really won in the trenches. Now, teams are going to have to take a look at their centers and ask 'can we block Bryan Save?' He might not get all the sacks in the world but if the center is back in the quarterback's face all game long, I see us winning a lot of games because of Bryan Save. "
In NFL Europe, Save suited up for the Cologne Centurions for two seasons and registered 65 tackles - including nine sacks. Additionally, he spent time in NFL training camps with the Denver Broncos (2006), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005), Indianapolis Colts (2004), San Francisco 49ers (2004) and Baltimore Ravens (2004).
Prior to his professional career, Save tallied 103 tackles - including seven sacks - three forced fumbles and four pass break-ups in 40 games at Colorado State University.
Crane, 6-5 238, signed with the Indianapolis Colts after a decorated career at Boston College. He was in training camp with the Colts prior to the 2009 season and was released shortly before the start of the regular season.
As an Eagle, he completed over 56 percent of his passes (196/347) for 1984 yards and 11 touchdowns. After backing up Matt Ryan, Crane started 11 games as a senior. He appeared in 22 games overall during his career at Boston College.
"When you look at Boston College and you look at the Indianapolis Colts, they have both produced excellent Quarterbacks and Chris Crane is a part of that," Head Coach Rob Keefe explained. "He is extremely intelligent and is truly a student of the game. When you combine his intelligence with his physical gifts, you have a recipe for success at the quarterback position."
Phillips, 5-11 195, spent the 2008 season with the Cleveland Gladiators on the practice squad. In 2009, Phillips played for the Manchester Wolves racking up 66.5 tackles, two interceptions and 15 pass break-ups in only 10 games.
Phillips was a two-sport athlete at Wagner College, participating in football and track. A three-time all NEC selection, Phillips collected 17 interceptions in his career as a Seahawk. He was also used on special teams and proved to be equally dangerous. His kickoff return average (27.6 ypr) was tops amongst NEC players and his punt return average (11.2 ypr) ranked second.
"Al Phillips gives 110% on every play," Head Coach Rob Keefe said. "We are looking for Al not only to come in and compete for a starting spot but also to be one of the most dominate DB's in the game."
Arena Football League Stories from December 8, 2009
- Court Approves Sale of AFL Assets to AF1 - AFL
- Alabama Vipers Ready For 2010 Arena Football One Season - Alabama Vipers
- Cleveland Gladiators Set To Play In Arena Football One League - Cleveland Gladiators
- Shock Add DL Save, QB Crane, And DB Phillips - Spokane Shock
- Yard Dawgz Add Arena League Star - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
- Barnstormers Add Linebacker Stanley Smith to Roster - Iowa Barnstormers
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