Soul Signs Matt Hewitt from Open Tryout
Published on November 3, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (November 3, 2010) - The Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League announce the signing of defensive back, Matt Hewitt (6'3, 224, Arkansas) from the team's Open Tryout this past weekend. Soul head coach Mike Hohensee announced early last week that the team would guarantee an invitation to at least one participant from the Open Tryout.
During his senior season at Arkansas, the Englewood, N.J. native led the Razorbacks with 118 total tackles, while adding five pass breakups, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one sack in 2007.
"Matt was a pleasant surprise," said Hohensee. "Not only did he bring a physical presence, but he added a '4.5' forty and a willingness to punish his opponent with physical play as he displayed during his collegiate career. He will challenge for a final roster spot at many different positions during training camp in February."
Hohensee added that he believes that due to the high level of talent, that more signings could come from the Open Tryout in the upcoming weeks.
Hewitt, who will be entering his first AFL season, arrived on the Arkansas campus as a safety, but was pressed into duty at linebacker in his junior season. He was up to the task stepping into the starting role and giving the Hogs a more than adequate substitute by recording 30 total tackles and one pass defense. A year later, however, Hewitt returned to the secondary for his senior season. He has a knack for making a play on the ball and gave the Razorbacks much needed size in the defensive backfield.
Prior to playing in Arkansas, Hewitt was an honorable mention NJCAA All-America selection and a first-team All-Northeastern Conference selection as a sophomore at Alfred State. He made 87 tackles and one sack as a sophomore to lead the Northeast Football Conference with an average of 10.9 stops per game. He also averaged 6.9 yards per punt return.
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