Post by David on Apr 9, 2016 10:33:50 GMT -8
4.9.16 -
In preparation for their Intense Conference game against the Colorado Crush, the Spokane Empire tweaked their roster by bringing in a new kicker and bringing back a couple of familiar faces.
On Saturday, the Empire announced they signed indoor/arena veteran kicker Kyle Brotzman to their roster. Brotzman (5'10'', 190 lbs) is familiar with the Spokane area from his days as a member of the AFL's Utah Blaze. He joined the Blaze midway through the 2011 season and remained with the franchise until it folded after the 2013 season. In two and a half seasons with the Blaze, he went 3-of-7 on field goal attempts and 232 of 276 extra point attempts, including a career high 124 extra points converted in 2012. Recently, Brotzman was on the roster for the Jacksonville Sharks, but was cut weeks before the 2016 AFL Season began.
Prior to playing in the AFL, Brotzman played college football at Boise State University as the Broncos' kicker & punter. Brotzman was also a key figure in Boise State's 17-10 Fiesta Bowl victory over the TCU Horned Frogs in 2010. On a 4th Down from their own 33, Brotzman pulled off a fake punt that resulted in a 30-yard pass to Kyle Efaw. It was a critical play that would eventually result in a touchdown run by RB Doug Martin, which turned out to be the game winner. In his 4-year career with Boise State, Brotzman arned All-WAC honors in 2007 and was named the Broncos' co-Special Teams Player of the year in 2008. He's currently Boise State's all-time scoring placekicker with 439 points, including an incredible streak of 118 consecutive extra points..
The signing of Brotzman resulted in the release of veteran kicker Brady Beeson (6'0'', 200 lbs, St. Thomas), whom the Empire signed last week prior to their game against the Iowa Barnstormers. He becomes the 4th different kicker to suit up for the Empire this season.
In addition to the signing of Brotzman, Spokane brought back two familiar faces to the active roster in WR Samuel Charles and DL Bryon Bennett.
Charles (6'4'', 220 lbs, Edward Waters) returns to the active roster after spending the past month on Short Term Injured Reserve with a finger injury he suffered in the 66-65 win over Wichita Falls. In 2 games this season, he's recorded 4 passes for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns. His return provides another threat in the Empire's passing game and plenty of depth at the wide receiver position.
Bennett (6'2'', 295 lbs, Ole Miss) returns to Spokane after having been placed on the team's Other League Exempt list. Bennett lead the Empire with 3.5 sacks this season before transferring to play in the new Major League Football spring league. Last week, MLFB suspended its inaugural season before it could begin, resulting in Bennett's return to the Inland Northwest. He'll provide a major boost to Spokane's D-Line, which failed to record a sack last week against Iowa.
To make room for Charles and Bennett, Spokane released WR Darryl Thompson (6'5', 295 lbs, Texas A&M Commerce) and DL Dylan Quinn (6'7'', 295 lbs, Boston College).
- DKH
(Image Courtesy of Utah Blaze / Facebook)
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