Wolves standout J.J. McKelvey moves up to Soul
Published on October 12, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release
MANCHESTER, N.H. (October 12, 2005) - The Manchester Wolves are proud to announce that record-setting WR/LB J.J. McKelvey has signed a contract to play for the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. McKelvey's one-year agreement was officially announced today by Soul head coach Bret Munsey.
McKelvey, a two-year veteran from Clemson, had a stellar 2005 season with the Wolves in which he shattered nine franchise records on his way to earning First Team honors on the American Conference All-af2 team. He also led the league in receptions with 138 (1,454 receiving yards) and ranked second in the league in scoring with 298 points (44 receiving TDs, three rushing TDs, one INT TD, five 2-pt conversions). Defensively, he collected 21.5 total tackles, one sack, one INT, and two pass breakups. McKelvey also earned four Offensive Player of the Game awards, five Ironman of the Game awards, and one af2 Ironman of the Week honor during his impressive 2005 campaign. His efforts were instrumental in helping the Wolves win 12 games (12-5 overall), claim their first East Division Crown, and earn a trip to the second round of the af2 playoffs.
"I'm excited about what's ahead with Philadelphia," McKelvey said. "I'd like to thank the Wolves fans and ownership group for their support. I can't wait to get things started with the Soul. My goal is to continue to improve and make an impact at the next level."
McKelvey (6-4, 225) began his Arena Football career as a rookie with the Wolves in 2004. In six games played, he recorded 24 catches for 266 yards and three touchdowns on offense and totaled 9.0 tackles, one sack, and one interception on defense. He signed with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an unrestricted free agent in April of 2003. As a collegian, McKelvey was a three-year letter winner for the Clemson Tigers. In 37 career games, he caught 84 passes for 1,277 yards ( 15.2 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns. The Moncks Corner, S.C. native finished his career ranked in the top 15 in school history in receptions (14th) and receiving yards (15th). As a senior in 2002, he caught 52 passes for a team-leading 752 yards.
"I'm extremely proud and happy for J.J. because he's worked hard for this opportunity and he's earned it," Bennett said. "And, as good as he is now, he's only going to get better. I think J.J. has the potential to make a big impact right away."
Think you can play Arena Football? Here's your chance! The Wolves are hosting their first open tryout for prospective players for the 2006 season on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Rising Stars Sportcenter (68 Technology Drive) in Bedford, N.H. Space for the camp is limited so it is "highly recommended" that campers pre-register before Friday, Nov. 4. To pre-register for the tryout, please contact Wolves Head Coach Ben Bennett by calling the football office at (603) 627-9653, extension 1002. Interested participants can also email Coach Bennett at arenaqb@aol.com.
Don't miss another exciting year of Manchester Wolves football in 2006! For information on season tickets, fans can contact the Wolves at 603.627.WOLF (9653) or visit them online at www.manchesterwolves.com.
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