Training Camp Part 1: The Power Of Keeping Your Word
February 28, 2012 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (February 27, 2012) - With an off-season filled with some familiar names jumping ship, fans of the Columbus Lions should take pride where a player made a commitment to return back in hopes of winning a championship.
Before joining Columbus, wide receiver Maurice Dupree (5'10 187, Jacksonville State) already had made a name for himself after two stints with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. But in just two games, Maurice would make a lasting impression. Proving he would be a scoring threat, in his indoor debut against the Alabama Hammers hauling in three touchdown receptions.
But unexpectedly, personal family matters caused the Cherokee County native to return home ultimately leading him to sign with the Alabama Hammers. Dupree would continue his offensive prowess as back on April 21st Columbus defeated the Hammers 80-55, but not before Maurice grabbed 11 receptions for 181 yards and four touchdowns against his former mates.
Despite his continued success in Alabama, after being granted his release from Columbus Dupree made a vow to the Lions coaching staff that he would return for 2012 in hopes of winning a championship.
"From the outset of last season's training camp, we knew we had something special in Dupree," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "It's something special when you have player with the talents of Dupree who could play anywhere he wanted, but decided it was more important to keep his word on a promise." "Beyond talking about the player, that's a special kind of human being."
Maurice is expected to be a major contributor to an already high-octane Columbus Lions offense that returns a combined 171 receptions from the receiving trio of Gerald Gales, Anthony Merritt, and Brandon Horace. Add to mix, former Arkansas Razorback London Crawford (6'2 205) and the Lions offense should be one to watch for the 2012 season.
Columbus Lions get ready for the regular season with pre-season action against the Team James All-Stars on Sunday March 4th at 6 p.m. For both ticket information and season ticket information, contact the front office at 706-322-3336 or log on to www.columbuslions.net.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from February 28, 2012
- Training Camp Part 1: The Power Of Keeping Your Word - Columbus Lions
- 2012 Richmond Raiders Team Combines Youth and Talent - Richmond Raiders
- Albany Panthers Open Training Camp for 2012 Season - Albany Panthers
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