Post by David on Jan 26, 2017 1:11:56 GMT -8
WR Lamont Bryant (image credit: Carolina Panthers)
1.26.17 -
The Spokane Empire announced on Wednesday the signing of WR Lamont Bryant to their 2017 IFL roster.
Bryant (6'6'', 230 lbs) is a big bodied receiver that played Tight End at Morgan State University (Maryland). The Newport News, VA native began his career as a QB before moving to TE as a redshirt freshman in 2008. He played in a total of 34 games (12 starts) as a member of the Bears, tallying 44 receptions for 677 yards and 4 touchdowns. In his sophomore season, Bryant earned two All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection honors during his sophomore (2009) and senior (2011) seasons. He also made plays on special teams, tallying two blocked punts.
In 2012, Bryant signed with the Carolina Panthers as a rookie free agent, spending the entire season on the practice squad. Prior to the 2013, he was released by the Panthers. In January 2014, he was signed a future's contract with the Tennessee Titans before being waved in June. Bryant also attended a an audition with the Seattle Seahawks in December 2014.
Bryant provides the Empire with solid route running abilities and could provide a big target for QB Charles Dowdell, which could lead to ample opportunities in the red zone. Head Coach Adam Shackleford acknowledged Bryant's natural abilities in the team's press release, stating that Bryant "possesses a rare combination of size and speed that makes him extremely effective in the passing game, plus very tough to bring down once he catches the ball in space."
Boyefio, Clarke, Yendrey released
The Empire made three additional free agent transactions, releasing OL Michael Boyefio, K Pat Clarke, and DL D.J. Yendrey.
OL Michael Boyefio (image credit: Zach Edwards Photography/Spokane Empire)
Boyefio (6'2'', 330 lbs) was released on January 17th after spending his first IFL season as a member of the Empire. Playing at Center, Boyefio was a key part in an offensive line unit that gave up the fewest sacks in the IFL (8) as well as helping to pave the way for rookie RB Trevor Kennedy, the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year.
K Pat Clarke (image credit: eliteperform.com)
Clarke (6'3'', 210 lbs) was also released on January 17th.
Originally signed as a rookie free agent in September 2015, Clarke didn't suit up for the Empire until Week 15 of the 2016 season. Before the season opener, Clarke suffered an injury and was out for the first six weeks. A complication with his recovery placed him on season ending injured reserve prior to Week 7, but he was eligible for re-activation to the active roster later on in the season. In 5 regular season games, Clarke was 5-of-12 on field goals with a long of 41 yards and was 13-of-21 on extra points. During his time on Injured Reserve, Clarke was healthy enough to suit up in one game for the AFL's Philadelphia Soul, converting 7 out of 10 extra point attempts in a 67-50 win over the Cleveland Gladiators.
DL D.J. Yendrey (image courtesy of Dan Byers Photography)
Yendrey (6'4'', 280 lbs) was released on October 26th, 2016, but the transaction was not official until Wednesday. He joined the Empire in late April after an injury to DL Toby Jackson. In 7 games, Yendrey recorded 13.5 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 2 blocked kicks. He suffered a foot injury in Spokane's loss to the Sioux Falls Storm on June 18th and was placed on season ending injured reserve.
OLs Atoe, Lefotu placed on Transfer Exempt List
The Empire also announced that Offensive Lineman James Atoe and Dave Lefotu were placed on the team's Transfer Exempt List.
OL James Atoe (image credit: Dan Byers Photography)
Atoe (6'7'', 375 lbs) leaves the Empire for an opportunity in the AFL by signing with the Tampa Bay Storm. The University of Washington product was one of the first 2017 free agent signings by the Empire after spending 2016 season with the Colorado Crush. As rookie free agent for Colorado, Atoe earned Second Team All-IFL honors and was one of three Crush players to be named All-IFL.
OL Dave Lefotu (image credit: Gary Peterson Photography/Spokane Empire)
Lefotu (6'2'', 330 lbs) also leaves the Empire for an opportunity in the AFL, signing with the expansion Washington Valor. A rookie offensive lineman for the Empire in 2016, he earned First Team All-IFL honors as for his role in an offensive line unit that gave up the fewest sacks in the IFL (8) as well as helping to pave the way for rookie RB Trevor Kennedy. He was re-signed by the Empire in September 2016.
The Empire will kick off their 2017 regular season at home vs the Green Bay Blizzard on Thursday, February 23rd. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
- DKH
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