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Wolves Add Young Guns to Pack

January 7, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


NEW LONDON, Conn. (January 7, 2003) - The arenafootball2 league office has announced that first-year players Ryan Tracey, Rob Harding and Akeiff Staples have been assigned to the Mohegan Wolves.

Tracey, a 6-3, 217-pound quarterback, last played collegiately at the University of Connecticut during his junior season of 2000. His playing career was cut short with three games remaining after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee against South Florida on October 28. After undergoing surgery and rehabilitation, Tracey tried to return to action prior to his senior campaign, but didn't feel physically ready. As a result, the Upland, Calif. native decided to leave the school and return home to complete the remaining coursework toward his degree. Prior to the injury, Tracey was on a record-setting pace in 2000 with 1,984 yards passing, including 15 touchdowns.

Tracey said his knee felt great during a recent six-month stay in Germany, where he starred for the Dresden Monarchs. He also said he's looking forward to returning to Connecticut and the opportunity to continue his playing career.

"I'm very excited about coming back to Connecticut and getting a chance to play football for the Wolves," Tracey said. "I know the area has some great fans who are very supportive. I also have a lot of good friends still in the area and I can't wait to see them.

Harding is another young quarterback with good size that may become a factor for the Wolves. The 6-3, 240-pound signal caller led Mississippi Valley State's offense during his senior campaign of 2001, passing for 1,360 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"We're very pleased about the signing of both of these young quarterbacks," Wolves Coach Mark Stoute said. "Both were top-50 rated quarterback prospects in the 2002 draft eligible class, so it'll be interesting to see how they develop.

Staples comes to the Wolves after a very successful collegiate career at Temple University. In 40 career games played (26 starts) with the Owls, the 6-3, 245-pound defensive lineman/linebacker recorded 190 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. In his senior season of 2001, Staples had his best campaign, registering 48 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and one and a half sacks. The Media, Pa. native will play fullback/linebacker for the Wolves.

"Akeiff Staples is probably the best outside linebacker not playing in the NFL right now." Stoute said. "He's a tremendous addition to this team. He's a real exciting player, and he's looking forward to coming here to try and make our team.

In other team roster news, the af2 league office also announced that WR/DB Gary Bolden, DS Troy Davidson, FB/LB James Mayer and K Shawn MacLean have been placed on re-assignment.

Catch the Wolves second season of hard-hitting action at the Mohegan Sun Arena, beginning in April. For information on season ticket specials, please contact the Mohegan Wolves office at 860.443.1900 or visit them on the web at www.moheganwolves.com.

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