WR Dwayne Eley, Jr. Among Four Players Signed by Predators
Published on September 28, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO - On Tuesday the Orlando Predators began the Arena Football League's free agency period by adding four players to its roster for 2012.
Among the additions is standout wide receiver Dwayne Eley, Jr. (5'10, 180, Stony Brook), who led the Milwaukee Mustangs in receiving this past season. Eley averaged 85.4 yards per game in his rookie campaign for the Mustangs, finishing with 75 receptions for 1,025 yards and 20 touchdowns in 12 games.
The Preds also re-signed defensive back Andy Dorcely (6'0, 200, Western Michigan) and obtained two promising rookies in wide receiver Taurian Washington (6'2, 190, Ohio State) and offensive lineman Mike Ola (6'3, 320, Hampton).
"There are a lot of great players out there," Preds coach Bret Munsey said of the free agent market. "We're looking for a nice mix of young talent that can come in and help some of our veterans advance once again into the playoffs, and eventually help us win a championship."
The Predators have advanced to the postseason a league-record 19 consecutive seasons in a row.
"We want guys that are hungry and who want to be here in Orlando," Munsey said. "Guys that want to be in a professional environment, who are willing to learn the game while getting better through hard work."
Eley, who learned the indoor game under the guidance of AFL-great Damian Harrell, is one of those players looking forward to suiting up for Munsey and the Preds.
"I've always wanted to play in front of the kind of fan base that the Predators have," Eley said. "I've heard great things about playing in The Jungle."
Munsey said he's impressed most with the way Eley runs routes and is able to stretch the field.
Following a stint with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2010, Eley said he never realized how fast the game of arena football was when he first entered the league.
"Once I got comfortable and accustomed to the style of play, I was able to excel," he said.
Eley finished 2011 with four 100-yard games and scored four touchdowns in two different outings, against Cleveland and Kansas City.
Dorcely was on the Preds roster last season, seeing limited time in Orlando's crowded defensive backfield. Washington and Ola are recent college grads who spent training camp in the United Football League.
Arena Football League Stories from September 28, 2011
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- Philadelphia Soul to Hold Open Tryout on October 22 - Philadelphia Soul
- Shock Add LB with NFL and UFL Experience - Spokane Shock
- WR Dwayne Eley, Jr. Among Four Players Signed by Predators - Orlando Predators
- Rattlers Sign Trio of Defensive Backs - Arizona Rattlers
- Sharks Ink Former Gator - Jacksonville Sharks
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