Soul Sign Cleveland, Release Ward
June 19, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul signed center Justin Cleveland and released defensive back Nick Ward. Wide receiver Brandon Copeland has been signed to the practice squad.
Cleveland was originally signed by the Soul on March 13th and started in two games this season. During Week 3, he started at center in place of an injured Mike Mabry against New York and during Week 12 he started at nose tackle where he totaled two tackles and one sack. He was released on June 14th. Prior to playing for the Soul, Cleveland spent five seasons with the Orlando Predators and one season with the Carolina Bobcats.
Ward has been released by the Soul after playing in five games this season. Ward was first signed by the Soul on May 9th and released on June 10th. He was then signed by the Soul on June 12th. In his five games this season, he tallied three tackles. Before coming to the Soul, Ward played for Kansas City, Columbus, Georgia, the Carolina Cobras, and Florida Bobcats.
Copeland was invited to the Cleveland Browns rookie camp in April 2008 as a free agent. He was a standout at Division III Bridgewater, totaling 53 receptions for 675 yards and nine touchdowns. Copeland ranks second all-time in receiving yards at Bridgewater with 1,924 yards.
The Philadelphia Soul (12-3), YOUR Team...YOUnited, will travel to New York to do battle with the Dragons on Sunday June 22, 2008. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. and can be heard live on the home of the Soul, 950 ESPN Radio, and streamed live on-line at 950ESPN.com.
The Soul are celebrating their fifth anniversary this season. Following last season, the Soul were recognized with the Commissioner's Award as the Organization of the Year and were an honorable mention for the PRISM Award in the category of fan appreciation. The Soul have drawn a total of 131,817 fans this season, their largest number since their inaugural season of 2004. The Soul sold out four games in the 2008 season and averaged a crowd of 16,477 fans per game. Since their inception, the Soul have drawn a total of 646,043 fans, the most in the AFL over that time frame. Soul 2008 playoff tickets are now on sale. For more playoff ticket information call (888) PHIL-AFL or log on to www.philadelphiasoul.com.
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