Wranglers bring back Briggs and Pesavento, sign Hurst
Published on October 1, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
The Austin Wranglers have come to terms with All-AFL OL/DL Tom Briggs, QB Bobby Pesavento and David Hurst from McNeil High School. Arena Football League rules have allowed teams to negotiate with eligible free agents throughout the month of September and may begin signing verbally committed players today.
"These players are all going to have the opportunity to make an impact for the Wranglers in 2005," said Head Coach Skip Foster. "We're working on closing deals with several other impact free agents and will continue to build the roster with prospects from arenafootball2 and open tryouts on October 23, leading into training camp."
Foster and Assistant General Manager Glyn Milburn have been working with the Wranglers football staff to lock-in approximately 10 eligible free agents who have verbally committed to be on the Wranglers 2005 roster. AFL All-Rookies OL/DL Aaron Humphrey and OS Tacoma Fontaine are among players already under contract with the Wranglers for the 2005 season and were not eligible for free agency.
In the team's debut season, the Wranglers racked-up six wins in the team's first nine games and finished with a commendable 8-8 record. The Wranglers are the first professional team to call the Frank Erwin Center home. During their 2004 campaign, the team averaged 11,120 fans per game at the Erwin Center.
Austin Wranglers sponsorships and season tickets are now available to purchase or renew. To inquire about corporate partnerships or reserve seats for the 2005 season, call 512. 233.7800.
TOM BRIGGS OL/DL AFL: 9 West Virginia
Briggs is entering his ninth AFL season, second with the Wranglers. Regarded as one of the best linemen win the AFL, he posted 8.5 sacks for the Wranglers in 2004, leading the team and registering the third-most in the League. His contributions also extended to Austin's offensive efforts with six receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Upon the conclusion of the 2004 season, Briggs was selected to the All-Arena Team for the third time in his career. In his 2003 campaign with the Dallas Desperados, Briggs was chosen as the AFL's Lineman of the Year after a 41-tackle, 10.5-sack performance under the direction of new Wranglers Defensive Coordinator and Line Coach Jon Norris.
BOBBY PESAVENTO QB AFL: 3 Colorado
As a backup quarterback for the Wranglers in 2004, Pesavento took the field at QB for two games. He finished the season completing all five of his pass attempts for 98 yards, no interceptions and two touchdowns. With the Colorado Crush in 2003, Pesavento saw action in four games completing 13 of 37 pass attempts for a total of 118 yards and two touchdowns. While at the University of Colorado, he played in 15 games with eight starts leading the Buffalos to the 2001 Big 12 Championship in his senior campaign.
DAVID HURST OL/DL AFL: Rookie Kansas
After his first season in Arena Football with the af2 Wichita Stealth, Hurst made an impression with AFL teams, primarily marked by his eight-sack performance accounting for a total loss of 49 yards. In 13 starts on the line, Hurst posted 16.5 total tackles, 6.5 for a loss 39 yards. Hurst was recruited out of Round Rock's McNeil High School by Kansas University as a pass catching tight end, but moved inside to offensive line during his college campaign.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 1, 2004
- Crush sign two-time Kicker of the Year Clay Rush - Colorado Crush
- Georgia Force sign top free agents on first day - Georgia Force
- Columbus Destroyers sign three former Buckeyes as free agency begins - Columbus Destroyers
- Colorado Crush to hold Crush Girls audition - Colorado Crush
- Wranglers set open tryout date - Austin Wranglers
- Big recruiting weekend for Preds - Orlando Predators
- Free agent signing period opens today - AFL I
- Wranglers bring back Briggs and Pesavento, sign Hurst - Austin Wranglers
- Rampage Sign Avery, Anes and Coleman - Grand Rapids Rampage
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