Silverbacks sign local players for 2007 Roster
Published on October 5, 2006 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Dayton Silverbacks News Release
(Troy, OH) One mission the Miami Valley Silverbacks professional indoor football team has for the 2007 season is to add more local players to their roster.
Mission accomplished. The Silverbacks have signed seven players from the Miami Valley to attend training camp in February. "We are always trying to find the best talent possible," said General Manager and Head Coach Matthew King. "We have a lot of guys from Ohio State, Penn State, and other major college programs but this region is filled with football talent."
Three of the seven are Wayne High School graduates. Jason Craig (6'1" 185, WR, Rend Lake College), Wiley Pugh (6'0" 230, RB, Neosho County CC), and Antoine Walker (6'2" 245, DL) were all members of the 1999 Ohio High School Division I State Runner-up team. Pugh, who was signed to the Silverbacks roster late last season, has the most indoor experience in the group. Craig, a World Junior Champion and record-holder in track, ran a 4.26 forty yard dash during a workout for the Silverbacks staff. "Jason Craig is one of the fastest players that I have ever seen," said King. "I've had a lot of fast players, including Maurice Lee, but this guy has posted a few 4.19's. He's not only fast on a clock, but he plays at that speed all the time. He's a very success track athlete, now we just need to teach him the nuances of being a Wide Receiver."
"Wiley and Antoine are both hard-working guys that will give you 100% all the time," King added. "Those two are guys that you want around."
The other four players on contract are from Springfield, Ohio. Ray Kemp (5'10" 180, WR, Kent State University) played at Springfield North High School before moving on to Kent State University. "We expect Ray to come into camp and not only claim a spot on the roster, but we expect him to be an impact player for us next season. He knows how to run routes correctly and understands how to sit in windows in zone coverage."
Hailing from Springfield South High School is Mitchell Crossley (6'3" 250, DL, Bowling Green State University), Eric Moore (5'10" 180, Ohio State University/Urbana University), and Dion Green (5'10" 185, RB, Urbana University). Moore and Green, like Kemp, are expected to claim spots on the 2007 roster. Crossley lead BGSU in sacks in his three seasons with the Falcons, including nine his sophomore season. He finished his college career as a two-time All-MAC player. "We are excited about Eric and Dion, but Mitchell should be a standout for us," King said. "In my opinion, Mitchell has the talent to be in the NFL. If he comes into camp with that mindset and in top condition, he will cause a lot of problems for opposing offenses. Fortunately for him, and us, Luke Scarborough will also be on that Defensive Line and you can't double-team both of them. Now all we need is to find a solid Nose Guard."
The Silverbacks, a member of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League, are gearing up for their 2007 home opener on March 30th. Silverbacks' season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Hobart Arena, or at (937) 718-7044. Season ticket information is available on the Silverbacks website at www.silverbacksfootball.com.
Continental Indoor Football League Stories from October 5, 2006
- Silverbacks sign local players for 2007 Roster - Dayton Silverbacks
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