Utah Blaze OL/DL Brian Soi Out To Prove Himself
Published on March 5, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Blaze OL/DL Brian Soi is still trying to make it in football after the cards he dealt himself in 2005.
Soi (6-foot-3, 330 pounds) left Timpview High School (Provo, Utah) in 2002 as one of the top defensive tackles in the nation. He signed to play collegiately at neighboring BYU, but academic issues prevented him from enrolling.
After a year at Hargrave Military Academy (Va.), he signed at Utah State University (Logan, Utah), but had to sit out one year. He played his first collegiate season in 2005 and he did not disappoint.
He recorded 31 tackles (7.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks, forced a fumble and blocked a kick for the Aggies and was named an honorable mention to The Sporting News Freshman All-America team.
While he excelled on the field, he didn't in the classroom and didn't return to Utah State, and he blames himself.
"Who knows where I could have gone from there if I would have done well in school," he said. "I'm a knucklehead. At the time I was living life in the moment."
The following year, he played four preseason games with the Miami Dolphins of the NFL, as a member of the practice squad. He stayed on the squad for the entire season before being released at the end of the year.
He went on to sign two more NFL contracts, but never stuck with either the New York Giants or Green Bay Packers.
Earlier this year, he got back into the game by signing with the Blaze and reuniting himself with former Timpview High teammate Mike Affleck.
"I really want to get on the field and play," said Soi, who is now married and has two children. "I am tired of getting bounced around. I want to prove to everybody what kind of player I am."
He hasn't taken a snap in a game since 2005.
"Right now I don't want to have any regrets. I want to keep playing," he said. "I want to contribute to this team as much as I can whether it be on the o-line or d-line. I can play both."
The Blaze open the 2010 season April 9 when they host the Spokane Shock. Season- and single-game tickets are now available by calling 888-99BLAZE or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
Arena Football League Stories from March 5, 2010
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- Utah Blaze OL/DL Brian Soi Out To Prove Himself - Utah Blaze
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