Valor Add Defensive Depth with Five Signings
Published on April 3, 2019 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Valor announced today the signings of defensive back Fredrick Obi and linebacker James Gordon, both returning starters who played key roles in last season's ArenaBowl XXXI title run. Also joining the Valor's training camp roster are veteran defensive lineman Curtis Young and defensive backs Trey Wolfe and Jadar Johnson.
Obi enters his fifth season in the AFL after starting the final eight games of the 2018 season for the Valor. A San Diego University alumnus, Obi registered a career-high two interceptions in his Valor debut last season and set a career playoff high with 10 solo tackles against Albany in Game 2 of Washington's 2018 semifinal series. In just four seasons in the league, Obi has amassed 201 solo tackles and 14 interceptions.
Gordon, a four-year AFL veteran, spent the last two seasons with Washington, totaling 33 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Gordon played 10 games for the Valor in 2018, including all three postseason games. Prior to joining the Valor, the University of Buffalo alumnus spent time with Jacksonville and Tampa Bay.
Young has amassed 84.5 total tackles and 10 sacks in his five-year AFL career, including stints with Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and, most recently, Cleveland in 2016. After four seasons at the University of Cincinnati, where Young played both defensive line and linebacker, Young was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad during the 2010 season.
Wolfe's one year of AFL experience came in 2017 with Baltimore, where he tallied 30 solo tackles and three pass break-ups in nine games. Prior to his AFL career, Wolfe spent time with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins in 2014. Wolfe earned Second-Team Division II All-American, First-Team All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection and HBCU All-American honors during his time at Fort Valley State University.
Johnson enters his rookie season in the AFL after playing four years at Clemson (2013-16). Johnson was a team captain during his senior year, leading the Tigers to a national championship over Alabama. Johnson also spent time with the New York Giants prior to his AFL career.
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