Three more Xplorers make jump to AFL
October 26, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
SOUTHAVEN --- The Memphis Xplorers of ArenaFootball2 announced today that three more players from the 2005 ArenaCup Championship team have been signed by the Las Vegas Gladiators of the AFL. WR/DB Terrance Quattlebaum, OL/DL Nate Grace and OL/DL Lavell Mann have all signed with the Gladiators for the 2006 AFL season. Las Vegas have already signed Offensive Specialist Kevin Prentiss and Quarterback Brian Jones for the upcoming season.
"We are excited about these guys getting an opportunity to go Las Vegas," Xplorers Head Coach Danton Barto said. "I believe that all five of those guys will bring a winning work ethnic and winning attitude to Vegas."
Quattlebaum capped off a productive 2005 season, his third in af2, with the Defensive MVP and Iron Man of the Game awards in the ArenaCup Championship game in August. During the regular season, the West Virginia State product caught 18 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, he had two interceptions, both returned for scores, 22 unassisted and 11 assisted tackles.
"Terrance is probably going to be one of the fastest guys in the AFL," Barto said. "I don't know too many guys running a 4.3 forty yard dash. Also, he showed his big play capability during the season and that's what they like to see at the next level."
The 6-foot-6, 340 pound Grace moved to the center position in 2005, his second with the X-Men, and played well. The former Southern Miss lineman was also used to clog the middle on the D-line.
"I am happy for Nate," Barto said. "He did what he needed to do to get an opportunity at a higher level."
Mann, a rookie 6-foot-1, 300 pound OL/DL from Colorado State, had a strong season on the offensive and defensive lines. He had two-and-a-half sacks, with one counting for a momentum-changing safety against Manchester in week 14.
"Lavell played extremely well for us this past year," Barto said. "I believe the best thing that he proved to AFL teams is that he can play a bunch of positions and perform."
These signings make it a total of six 2005 Memphis Xplorers who have signed to play in the AFL for 2006.
ArenaFootball2 (af2) is the developmental league of the AFL. The AFL's season starts in February and concludes with the Arena Bowl in June. By comparison, the Af2 begins play in April and wraps up their season with the ArenaCup in August.
The Memphis Xplorers...2005 ArenaCup Champions
The Xplorers will defend their Arena Cup Championship in 2006 and you can be in on the action. Season Tickets are available now and begin as low as $56. Don't miss all the action of the "50-Yard Indoor War". For season ticket information call the Xplorers office at 662-342-1755.
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