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Veterans Naehu, Wilkins, Rookie Taylor Assigned

March 12, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Stockton Lightning News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning of the arenafootball2 league announced kicker Kimo Naehu, WR Tim Wilkins and WR Andre Taylor have been assigned to the team by the af2 League Office.

All-AF2 KICKER BRINGS ACCURATE LEG TO LIGHTNING

Naehu, 29, is the most senior player on the Lightning roster with six years of af2 playing experience and his 38 field goals are tied for fourth on the af2's all-time list. The 6-foot, 215-pound kicker is reunited with Lightning head coach Chad Carlson, who were former members of the Hawaiian Islanders (2002) and has also previously suited up for the Austin Wranglers, Quad City Steamwheelers and San Diego Riptide.

Last season, Naehu spent four games with Austin and was an all-af2 kicker (second team, National Conference) in 2004 with Hawaii, when he ranked third in the af2 with a 77.6 PAT kick percentage and tied for eighth in the league in kicker scoring with 98 points.

"With Kimo, you know what you're going to get," said Carlson. "He brings attitude to our roster and that's important because a kicker in the af2 is different than one in the outdoor game. Sometimes you have to make tackles, play at different spots and he's shown a willingness to do that as well."

VETERAN RECEIVER WILKINS ADDS TO LIGHTNING DEPTH

Wilkins, 28, makes the Lightning his third team in the af2 after spending 2007 with the Amarillo Dusters and 2006 with the Central Valley Coyotes. Prior to sitting out of the 2008 season due to injury, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound receiver was second among all Duster receivers in catches (52), touchdown receptions (8) and receiving yards (623) in just 13 games played. On the defensive side of the ball, Wilkins amassed 8 tackles (7 solo).

Wilkins caught 10 passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns in his 2006 af2 rookie season with Central Valley and was part of a Coyotes team that advanced to the Arena Cup Playoffs.

"Tim brings a wealth of experience to our depth at the receiver position," said Carlson. "After being out of the game last year, we're trying to see if he can fight his way back and if he does, he'll be a valuable asset with his athleticism and reach."

TAYLOR STAYS LOCAL AFTER CAREER AT SACRAMENTO STATE

Taylor, 24, is slated to enter his rookie campaign with the Lightning after finishing his college football career with Sacramento State University (NCAA), catching 28 passes in 2006 which tied for the program lead that season with former Central Valley receiver Jason Barnes.

"Andre has the potential to be a big surprise in training camp," said Carlson. "He's a great route runner, he's been around the arena game and he knows how to get space. He's got a great chance to make our season opening roster."

His three touchdown catches led the program that season and the 6-foot, 185-pound receiver finished second on the Hornets with 458 catches and 41.6 yards per game.

The Lightning open the 2009 af2 regular season on Saturday, March 28 against the Central Valley Coyotes with a Week One road matchup at Selland Arena, starting at 7:30 p.m. Both teams face a Week Four rematch in the Lightning home opener on Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

Season tickets for the 2009 Lightning regular season are on sale now. For more information on season tickets, merchandise, or other information, please call the Lightning at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonlightning.com.

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