Venom Assembling NFL Caliber Team
Published on January 14, 2014 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
NASHVILLE, TN (January 14, 2014) - It may be only their first season, but the expansion Nashville Venom of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) are building a roster that won't be short on talent.
With the recent addition of WR Dontel Watkins (6'2 194, Murray State), the Venom and Head Coach Billy Back have spent their first off-season acquiring NFL talent. Along with Watkins, Nashville will open their inaugural camp featuring a roster that has seven players with NFL experience.
"We are trying to build a team here in Nashville that NFL scouts will want to see," says Nashville Venom Head Coach Billy Back. "Some players on our roster have been to that level with a shot to make it back, other have a great chance to make it with the right exposure and training."
Signed by the NFL's Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2013, Watkins spent two years at Butler Community College and two years at Utah State before transferring to Murray State for his final collegiate season. Appearing in eleven games with the Racers, Watkins finished the season with 39 catches for 561 yards and five touchdowns.
"We are overly pleased to add Dontel to the weapons we already have, his knowledge of what it takes to get to the NFL will help mentor our young guys as well as prepare them for what's to come," continues Back. "With his speed, quickness, and ability to get open while locating the deep ball it will make an immediate threat to any DB in this league."
Watkins joins a list of former NFL players to sign with the Venom of which includes Chris Thompson (Cowboys), Cobrani Mixon (Lions and Packers), LaMark Armour (Cowboys), Wayne Daniels (Jets), Walter Thomas (Saints), and Daylan Walker (Falcons).
"By surrounding yourself with teammates that have the same goals and aspirations as you will make you keep on your path and that is what we are doing here in Nashville," continues Coach Back. "I don't want guys who want the AFL as a goal, I want guys who want the NFL as their goal, and so far we have gotten that."
The Venom will kick-off their inaugural season on Saturday March 22nd against American Conference foe the Albany Panthers before ultimately hosting the Harrisburg Stampede on their home opener on April 5th.
To secure your season tickets, contact the Venom front office at 615-223-1272 and visit them at www.nashvillevenom.com.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from January 14, 2014
- Venom Assembling NFL Caliber Team - Nashville Venom
- A Mountain Hawk Turns to Steel - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
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