Post by David on Feb 2, 2016 20:03:04 GMT -8
2.2.16 -
As the newly christened Spokane Empire set to embark on their inaugural season in the IFL, a familiar face is returning to Spokane.
The Empire announced Tuesday night that WR Samuel Charles has been signed to the 2016 roster.
Charles (6'3'', 210 lbs, Edward Waters College) is no stranger to the Inland Northwest, having played for the Spokane Shock in the 2015 season. He joins the Empire as a veteran presence in the team's wide receiving corps, having spent time in both the IFL and the AFL. He enters in his second season in the IFL, having played in 2014 with the Wyoming Calvary. In 14 games with Wyoming, Charles led the team with 79 receptions for 849 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Shortly after the Calvary's season was completed, he would elevate to the AFL and join the Shock at the end of the 2014 season, but did not see the field. In 2015, he was on the Shock's opening day roster. He finished the season playing in only 4 games, recording 20 receptions for 221 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Charles looks for redemption in the eyes of Spokane fans after his involvement in a theft charge involving himself and teammate Mark Jackson at the Gold Spike lounge in Las Vegas, Nevada last May. Charles would eventually pay a $500 bond and attend petit larceny counseling, resulting in a dismissal of his misdemeanor charge. He would return to play a Week 16 game against the LA KISS, but injured his knee and was placed on Injured Reserve.
Empire Head Coach Adam Shackleford was thrilled to add a veteran presence to his roster. "Samuel is a tough, big, and physical receiver with experience in professional football which includes the IFL,” said Shackleford. “We expect big things from him and understand getting an experienced player this close to the start of camp is a big deal.”
To free up a roster space for Charles's signing, the Empire released rookie WR Williams Dukes.
-DKH
Image Credit: Zach Edwards Photography
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