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Storm sign four, Moore released

October 30, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The five-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm have signed four rookies, defensive backs Clarence LeBlanc and Khalid Naziruddin, and defensive linemen Howard Green and Mark Word, Head Coach and General Manager Tim Marcum announced today. The team has also released offensive lineman Craig Moore.

LeBlanc, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound defensive back may be an Arena Football League rookie but brings experience to the Storm. After leaving Louisiana State University he signed with the New York Giants as an un-drafted free agent and was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in 2001. With the Fire, LeBlanc earned All National Football League Europe League honors while setting a league record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns. He returned to the Giants the following season only to suffer a broken leg ending his chances of making the active roster. He made his return to football in 2005 with the Fire. He had four interceptions for his career, returning three for touchdowns.

Naziruddin, a 5-10, 180-pound cornerback from Texas Tech will enter his rookie season with the Storm. He is an aggressive and physical cornerback that made an impression on the coaching staff following an impressive open workout. A former walk-on at Texas Tech, he was named a captain for the Red Raiders his senior year. He finished his career at Tech with 149 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Green, a 6-2, 300-pound defensive lineman from LSU, will make his transition from the NFL to the AFL with the Storm. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in 6th round, 190th overall, at the 2002 NFL Draft. Green split his rookie season with Texans and Baltimore Ravens. He signed with the New Orleans Saints towards the end of the 2003 season, remaining a Saint until he was waived in 2005. Green participated in 2006 training camp with the Miami Dolphins, reuniting himself with his former college coach Nick Saban. Green's career numbers in the NFL are 27 tackles, one forced fumble and one pass defended in 19 career games.

Word, a 6-5, 295-pound defensive lineman from Jacksonville State is yet another experienced rookie to join the Storm. A powerful pass rusher who knocks defenders backward, he is a veteran of the NFL and Canadian Football League. He played with Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills in the NFL and with the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL. Word has played 37 games in the NFL, accumulating 29 tackles and 12 sacks.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 30, 2006


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