VooDoo Makes First Splash into Free Agency
Published on October 15, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
In what will form the foundation for the inaugural 2004 VooDoo squad, the team made an impact in the first day of the free agency signing period for the Arena Football League, signing eight players. The VooDoo solidified their roster, announcing the signing of QB John Fitzgerald, OL/DL Tim Martin, OL/DL Bruce McClure, OL/DL Adam Metts, FB/LB Dan Curran, WR/DB Luke Leverson, OS Aaron Bailey and OL/DL B.J. Cohen.
"The free agent crop that we have acquired will serve as a great building block for our team as we enter our first season of play," said VooDoo Head Coach Mike Neu. "Many of these guys have extensive AFL experience and are expected to be significant contributors in 2004 as we go forward and look to be competitive from the start."
* Fitzgerald (6-4, 230, Tulsa) has completed 277 of 450 passes for 3,177 yards with 45 touchdown passes in his three year AFL career. John is familiar with Neu's offense serving as the starting quarterback in Carolina in 2002, where he led the Cobras to the second round of the playoffs. Fitzgerald spent last season with the Dallas Desperados.
* Martin (6-4, 273, Tulsa) comes to the VooDoo from the Dallas Desperados where he recorded 9.5 sacks in a three year AFL career, exhibiting great pass rushing skills. In 2003, Martin was one of Dallas' top linemen, recording 22.5 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and one fumble return, while adding five receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown on offense.
* McClure (6-5, 305, Oklahoma) is a five-year AFL veteran who has started 30 games for the Georgia Force over the past two seasons.
* Metts (6-1, 265, North Carolina) enters his second year in the AFL and played in 11 games for the Georgia Force, becoming a starting lineman for the last three games of the season and two playoff games as a rookie.
* Curran (6-0, 238, New Hampshire) is a four year AFL veteran who comes to New Orleans after being the leading rusher with the Georgia Force for the past two seasons. One of the top rushers in the AFL, Curran has rushed 53 times for 198 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons.
* Leverson (5-9, 185, Minnesota) is a three year veteran who played with the Dallas Desperados in 2003. During his career, Leverson has had 69 catches for 918 yards and 15 touchdowns, while posting 53 tackles and three interceptions on the defensive side.
* Bailey (5-10, 190, Louisville) is a three-year AFL veteran who has recorded 167 receptions for 2,262 yards and 39 touchdowns in three seasons, coming to New Orleans from San Jose. Prior to joining the AFL in 2001, Bailey enjoyed a five-year career with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts where he totaled 67 receptions for 1,040 yards and six TDs, as well as being the Colts' career leader with 3,501 kickoff return yards and two return TDs.
* Cohen (6-2, 260, Marshall) comes to New Orleans from the Tampa Bay Storm where he was a second-team All-Arena and AFL All-Ironman team selection.
Cohen is one of the AFL's unofficial all-time receiving leaders at the tight end position with 25 receptions for 332 yards and eight touchdowns. B.J. will provide the VooDoo with a consistent pass rush, marked by career-high seven sacks in 2003.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet the new free agents at a "Meet the VooDoo" event at 7p.m. tonight at the Fox and Hound English Pub & Grille in the Elmwood Village Center on 1200 South Clearview Parkway. The free agent class, Neu and the VooDoo coaching staff will be on hand to meet with fans.
VooDoo players and coaches will answer the fans' questions and sign autographs. The VooDoo will also be holding drawings for numerous VooDoo prizes. Season ticket information will be available. For additional information, please call (504) 729-5599.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 15, 2003
- Free Agent Signing Period Begins Today - San Jose SaberCats
- VooDoo Makes First Splash into Free Agency - New Orleans VooDoo
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- Philadelphia Soul to Host Tryouts in Memphis and Houston - Philadelphia Soul
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