Snel, Latourette Sign with Detroit Fury
November 7, 2002 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
Huntsville, AL- Kelly Snell and Todd Latourette become the first two members of the 2002 Tennessee Valley Vipers to sign in the Arena Football League when they were picked up by the Detroit Fury today.
"We are really excited for Kelly and Todd," Viper head coach Kevin Guy said. "That is what this league is about. They both came in here and got some game experience and took the opportunity presented to them and made the most of it."
Snell was named first team All-af2 and was the ADT Defensive Player of the Year for the entire league. He finished the season with 71.0 tackles, 15 interceptions, 24 pass break ups and one fumble recovery. His 15 interceptions broke the af2 record. He also set an af2 record with an interception in six consecutive games. He was the af2 Defensive Player of the Week on May 18 against Birmingham when he recorded eight tackles, an interception and four pass break ups. He also returned 18 kickoffs for 330 yards and three missed field goals for 76 yards. He added three tackles and an interception that he returned for a touchdown against Birmingham in the playoffs.
"Kelly was the best defensive back in the league," Guy said. "He has instincts that you can't coach and he has a knack for attacking the football. I feel he is going to go up and have an immediate impact on that league."
Latourette was named first team All-af2 as a kicker. He converted 20-41 field goals and 77-86 extra points. His 20 field goals set a Viper team record and he also set a team record hitting 11-11 extra points on July 20 against Memphis. He made a 47-yard field goal as time expired in the first half at Macon and a 24-yarder to seal the win at Memphis. He converted two field goals of 50 yards or more both against Birmingham. On May 18 he nailed at 58-yarder at home and on July 13 he nailed a 55-yarder at Birmingham. The 58-yard field goal is a Viper and af2 record.
"Todd was no doubt the best kicker in af2 and probably in the top three in all of Arena Football," Guy said. "He has the leg strength to get a shot in the NFL. Hopefully his career will keep progressing and he will get that shot."
Former Viper head coach Tom Luginbill is the offensive coordinator for the Fury and his father, Al, is the head coach.
"We feel that in signing both these guys that we have picked up the best two players in af2 at their positions," Tom Luginbill said. "Everyone is looking for a defensive back that can play the high motion receiver and Kelly Snell was able to do that at the af2 level. He will have a chance to come is here and try it at this level. Todd Latourette was the best kicker in af2 and some people have the opinion that he will be one of the best kickers in the Arena Football League, only time will tell."
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United Indoor Football Association Stories from November 7, 2002
- Snel, Latourette Sign with Detroit Fury - Tennessee Valley Raptors
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