Storm Shuffles Roster

Published on May 15, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm has acquired quarterback Brendan Crawford, defensive back Darian Payne, and defensive lineman Rashad Dukes announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.

"All three of these gentlemen fit an area of need," said Gooch. "They all have professional experience that will benefit the team moving forward."

Crawford (6-foot-5, 205 lbs., Langston University) enters his rookie season in the Arena Football League. He spent time with Grambling State before transferring to and settling in at Langston for his senior season. Crawford completed 59-of-109 passes for 613 yards and a touchdown for the Lions. He would also rush 42 times for 28 yards and three touchdowns. Crawford has experience playing with various other indoor leagues.

Payne (6-foot-2, 230 lbs., Alabama A&M) enters his first season with the Storm and first in the AFL. He played in 12 games during his senior season at Alabama A&M. Payne recorded 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups and an interception. He has played professionally in other indoor leagues.

Dukes (6-foot-1, 307 lbs., Johnson C. Smith) joins Tampa Bay for his second stint with the Storm. He began his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke before settling at Johnson C. Smith University. Dukes was a three-time Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection for the Golden Bulls. He would finish his career with 134 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and a fumble recovery.

The team placed quarterback Randy Hippeard on injured reserve. Hippeard started in eight games this season and completed 169-of-290 passes for 2,223 yards, 48 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Matthew Hardison was placed on injured reserve. Hardison started in eight games this season and tallied 5.5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, an interception and a blocked kick.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Military Appreciation Night," Saturday, May 24 when it takes on South Division rival, Jacksonville Sharks, on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

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