Yard Dawgz Sign OSU Player, Veteran Talent
Published on December 7, 2009 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - Head Coach Sparky McEwen announced the signing of three arena league veterans today. The Yard Dawgz added Oklahoma State University Defensive Tackle Tonga Tea, Michigan State University Wide Receiver Agim Shabaj and Winston Salem State University Wide Receiver Anthony Hines to the roster.
Tonga Tea (6'0, 300) joins the Yard Dawgz after playing for the Tulsa Talons last season. In 2009, Tea had 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in four games. Tea played for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys from 2007-2008 under Head Coach Mike Gundy. In two seasons with the Cowboys, Tea played in 24 games, finishing with 35 tackles, 7 for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
"In order to be successful in AF1, it is extremely important to have a force in the middle. Tonga Tea is a young defensive lineman that is ready to take the necessary steps to be successful in this league," Head Coach McEwen said.
Anthony Hines (5'11, 187) joins the Yard Dawgz after a successful career in both the Arena Football League and arenafootball2. In 7 seasons with four teams, Hines has amassed 542 receptions for 6,919 yards and 112 touchdowns. Hines had his best statistical season for the Grand Rapids Rampage under Head Coach Sparky McEwen, finishing with 124 receptions for 1,329 yards and 25 touchdowns. Hines finished as one the top receivers in Winston Salem State University history.
"The signing of Anthony Hines gives us the proven high caliber receiver that Oklahoma City has never had. It was important for me to sign a guy that was familiar with my offense and Hines has proven that he can produce productive number in our offense," McEwen added.
Agim Shabaj (5'10, 185) returns to the Yard Dawgz for his third season with the team. Last year, Shabaj caught 58 passes for 749 yards and 11 touchdowns. During the 2008 season, Shabaj had 27 receptions for 294 yards and four touchdowns in seven games. The former Spartan from Michigan State University is a dangerous threat in the return and passing game.
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 December 7, 2009
- Yard Dawgz Sign OSU Player, Veteran Talent - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
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