Wild Build Defensive Backfield with Two Signings
Published on January 21, 2009 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
The Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League (IFL) has added two more players to the defensive side of the ball. The Wild have added defensive backs Johnnie Taylor and Randy Kelly. Taylor brings experience and a successful indoor football career and Kelly played collegiately at the University of Arkansas.
The upcoming season will be Taylor?s fourth as a professional. In 2008, he spent the season with the New England Surge of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL). Following the season, Taylor received a tryout with the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League (AFL). The Wild signed Taylor after the AFL announced they were suspending their 2009 season.
In 2007, Taylor played for the Lehigh Valley Outlawz of the CIFL. Taylor recorded 10 interceptions in eight games and received votes for the CIFL's Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. He was also named to the ALL-CIFL first team defense. Taylor left the team in May of 2007 to join the Columbus Destroyers of the AFL.
In 2006, Taylor was in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before being released after three pre-season games.
Taylor played one season of college football (2002) at New Jersey City University (NJCU) before NJCU dissolved the football program. The Wilmington, DE native played in eight games for the Gothic Knights at wide receiver. He caught 21 passes for 188 yards during the campaign. Johnnie also holds numerous track and field records at NJCU. Taylor was a three-time NCAA Division III All-American in track and finished his collegiate career in 2005.
Kelly has had limited professional experience as he played part of the 2008 season with the Arkansas Twisters of Arena Football2 and spent training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007.
Kelly's final season at the University of Arkansas was in 2006 when his season was cut short due to injury. Kelly played in six games and tallied 36 tackles. He was named to the pre-season All-SEC second team prior to his senior campaign.
Kelly finished the 2005 season ranked 7th on the team in tackles with 58. He played in all 11 games and started the final six contests at strong safety. Kelly?s first season for the Razorbacks was in 2004. The Palmetto, FL native played in all 11 games and started the final three games of the season at free safety. Kelly tallied 28 tackles during the campaign.
Kelly spent his first two years of college at Coffeyville Community College. Kelly redshirted his first season in 2002. In 2003, Randy finished third in the Jayhawk Conference in tackles with 107 in 10 games. He recorded five tackles for loss and was named the Red Ravens Defensive MVP for the season.
Fans are encouraged to call the Wild office at 316-440-5044 to reserve their seats in the brand new Hartman Arena for the 2009 season. Wild season tickets start at $98 for the entire season.
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- Wild Build Defensive Backfield with Two Signings - Wichita Wild
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