Utah Strengthens Defensive Line with NFL Experience
November 13, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze added two rookies with NFL experience to its 2013 roster, as the team announced it has been assigned defensive tackle Cornell Banks and defensive end Luke Black. Banks spent the majority of the 2011 season on the practice squad of the Cincinnati Bengals, while Black attended training camp with the franchise in 2012.
Banks (6-3, 310, Fresno State) participated in training camp with the St. Louis Rams this past offseason, where he posted five solo tackles in four preseason appearances. In 2011, he played in two preseason contests with the Baltimore Ravens before being signed to the practice squad of the Cincinnati Bengals during the regular season.
During his collegiate career at Fresno State, Banks played in 48 games over four seasons and delivered 109 tackles (49 solo), including two sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
"Cornell brings the kind of size we look for in an interior defensive lineman," said Head Coach Ron James. "He is a powerful, athletic player and has the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. I expect him to be a real force for us up front."
Black (6-5, 280, Fairmont State) attended rookie minicamps with the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers before signing a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He participated in 2012 training camp and played in one preseason contest against the Packers.
Prior to his pro career, Black was a four-time All-WVIAC honoree at Fairmont State University. He shattered school records with 20 sacks and 37 tackles for loss while adding four forced fumbles, four pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
"Luke is a versatile defensive end that can pressure the quarterback in a multitude of ways," James said. "He has the speed to come off the edge, but also the size and strength to rush inside. I really like what he brings to our defensive front and I'm excited to utilize his ability."
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