Yard Dawgz Add Bulk To Roster
November 9, 2009 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Yard Dawgz announced the additions of Stephen Coleman, Mondre Dickerson, Chris Evans and Matt Fields to the roster.
Stephen Coleman (6-4, 315) returns for his second season with the Yard Dawgz and his third in arena football. Last season, the athletic defensive lineman had 11 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Coleman played under Head Coach Bob Stoops at the University of Oklahoma for four years. He finished his career at OU with 21 tackles and 3 sacks.
Mondre Dickerson (6-6, 350) also returns after playing his first full season with the Dawgz in 2009. The cornerstone of the Yard Dawgz defense finished last season with 13 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, a safety and a blocked kick. Dickerson spent the start of the 2008, before joining the Yard Dawgz, in the AFL, playing for both the Philadelphia Soul and Columbus Destroyers. In his three year AFL career, Dickerson tallied 16 solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles. Prior to playing professionally, Dickerson played for coaching legend Phillip Fulmer at the University of Tennessee.
"All championship teams have top notch defenses and the signing of Mondre Dickerson, solidifies one of the top defensive positions in arena football and that is being a force in the middle," Head Coach Sparky McEwen said. "Not only is Mondre Dickerson a great athlete on defense, but he is also an old school throw back in that he can play the most challenging position on the offense, center. I feel that Dickerson will be an outstanding leader on one of the most talented defenses that I have ever coached."
Chris Evans (6-6, 360) joins the Yard Dawgz after missing the 2009 season due to the shut down of the Arena Football League. In 2008, Evans played offensive line for the San Jose Sabercats. He played collegiately at Tarleton State University from 2005-2007.
Matt Fields (6-2, 215), wide receiver, will join the Dawgz for his second season. During his rookie season in 2009, Fields caught 35 passes for 431 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Hardin-Simmons University graduate showed his versatility on special teams, kicking three PAT's and returning two kickoffs for 46 yards.
"Since the opening of the 2010 player signing period, our coaching staff has been working tremendously hard to obtain the best arena football players available on both sides of the ball," General Manager Christie Cook explained. "I am confident that by the time we begin training camp in March, we will have compiled one of the best rosters in Yard Dawgz history."
The Yard Dawgz will play all their 2010 home games at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. The regular season begins in April and runs through July with playoffs in August.
Yard Dawgz season tickets are available now for the 2010 season, starting as low as $63! For additional information, please call (405) 228-3294 or visit www.okcyarddawgz.com.
Arena Football League Stories from November 9, 2009
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- All-Arena League Receiver To Join Barnstormers - Iowa Barnstormers
- Yard Dawgz Add Bulk To Roster - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
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