Utah Makes Trades with Spokane, San Jose
May 31, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce the acquisition of three new players to the team roster through trades. The team received DL Khreem Smith (6-4, 265, Oklahoma State) and OL/DL Antonio Narcisse (6-2, 315, Portland State) from Spokane in exchange for OL/DL Raymond McNeil (6-2, 315, Fort Valley State) and QB Erik Meyer (6-2, 215, Eastern Washington). The Blaze also received DB Chris Royal (5-10, 195, Marshall) from San Jose in exchange for DB Rod Mosley (5-11, 185, Texas A&M).
"I feel that these trades will strengthen our team, especially our defense," said Head Coach Ron James. "Going into the final stretch of the season, we need to do whatever we can to get better and these trades help us in that goal."
The Blaze will be especially strong in their defensive front as Smith joins forces with DL Caesar Rayford (6-7, 265, Washington). Smith was a member of last year's AFL first-team, ranking third in the league with 9.0 sacks. So far this season, Smith has recorded 7.0 sacks and is once again ranked third in the league. Smith also boasts NFL experience, playing for the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs during the 2006 and 2007 regular seasons.
Narcisse, in his 4th AFL season, began his career with the New Orleans Voodoo in 2007, starting in 13 games as a rookie. In 2008,
Narcisse played with the Cleveland Gladiators. He started in four games and anchored an offensive line that allowed only 13 sacks all season. Last season with the Arena Bowl XXIII Champion Spokane Shock, Narcisse started in 10 games at center.
Royal played for the Kansas City Command in 2010 where he ranked second in the league in interceptions (11) and tallied 69.0 total tackles. Royal played collegiately at Marshall where in his junior season, he was tied for second in the NCAA for the most interceptions (6). During his college career, Royal recorded 95.0 total tackles and had nine interceptions.
The Blaze look to use all three new additions to the team as they prepare to take on the Western Division-leading Arizona Rattlers, Saturday, June 4th, at 7:00 p.m. at EnergySolutions Arena. Fans can get two lower bowl tickets for only $28 by calling the Blaze ticket office at 888-99-BLAZE.
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