Soul add NFL Europe standout
Published on November 15, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul have signed NFL Europe reception leader WR/LB Aaron Boone. They have also added free agents DS Brandon Williams and OL/DL Matt Zeilinski to contracts. As per club policy, terms of their deals were not disclosed.
Boone (6'2", 207, Kentucky) led NFL Europe in receptions (43) as a member of the Berlin Thunder in 2005 and went on to play in his second World Bowl Championship game in two seasons. He also ranked second in the League in receiving yards (582), second in touchdowns (5), fifth in points scored (30) and led the League in special teams tackles with 13.5. Following the season, he went to training camp with the Carolina Panthers. In 2004, Boone was a member of the Thunder's World Bowl Championship team after catching 13 passes for 221 yards with four touchdowns during the regular season.
While at Kentucky, Boone started seven games as a senior and led the team with 41 receptions for 706 yards with 10 touchdowns. His 10 touchdowns tied him for the most receiving scores in the SEC in 2002.
"Aaron had a very good season in Europe and a great camp with the Panthers," head coach Bret Munsey said. "He is a guy who can play a couple of different positions for us."
Williams (6'0", 190, Michigan) comes to Philadelphia after stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos during the last three seasons. The former University of Michigan standout played in 35 career games and recorded 74 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and nine pass break ups in college.
"We are in need of some young guys to step up in our secondary and Brandon has the ability to do that," Coach Munsey said. "He has great cover skills and is an experienced guy who will be viding for a position."
Zeilinski (6'2", 302, Duke) comes to the Soul for his first season in 2006 after spending time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004 and 2005. During 2004, he missed the NFL season with a knee injury he suffered during training camp. Prior to joining the Ravens, Zeilinski was a first team All-ACC selection in 2003 while playing for Duke University. He finished his collegiate career with 189 total tackles, 41.5 tackles for losses and 12 sacks.
"Matt is a guy who we expect big things from," Coach Munsey said. "He should be a perfect fit for the AFL."
The Soul kickoff their third season in the AFL on January 29, 2006 when the
host the Tampa Bay Story at the Wachovia Center. Kickoff is set for 3:00
p.m. Season tickets for the Soul's 2006 season are on sale now. Tickets
start as low as $96. For more information call (888) PHIL-AFL or log on to
www.philadelphiasoul.com
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