Post by David on Oct 16, 2015 23:02:27 GMT -8
10.16.15 -
Here's a recap of transactions the Shock have made between October 1st and October 16th, 2015 as the team prepares for its inaugural season in the Indoor Football League.
*Note* Despite the AFL's refusal to return the Shock trademark to Spokane, we will continue to refer to the team as the "Spokane Shock" unless the Spokane organization is unable to take back the trademark and is forced to change its name.
October 1:
LB Michael Taylor (image credit: CampusSports.net)
Spokane signed rookie linebacker Michael Taylor.
Taylor (6'0'', 230 lbs) is a linebacker out of the University of Florida. As a member of the Gators, he played in 47 games, starting 19 of them in four collegiate seasons. He tallied 143.5 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble. He spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 2015 rookie minicamp, but did not make the team's roster.
October 7:
DB Lorenzo White Jr. (image credit: Lorenzo White Jr. / Facebook)
The Shock made their first splash in the IFL's free agency mark by signing defensive back Lorenzo White Jr.
White (6'0', 185 lbs) joins Spokane for his second season in the IFL. He spent the 2015 season as a member of the Tri-Cities Fever, joining the team after the Fever's third game of the season. He played in seven contests, tallying 25 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 pass breakups. He suffered an injury that caused him to miss the final 4 games of the season, but returned to play in the Fever's 46-83 playoff loss to the Nebraska Danger.
Shock head coach Adam Shackleford had nothing but praise for his defensive back. In the press release regarding White's singing, Shackleford said, “Lorenzo was one of my standout rookie players with the Fever in 2015. He has tremendous ability and range as a cover corner and is one of the hardest workers I have coached during my career. We’re looking forward to a full season with him. He’ll fit in our defensive scheme very well.”
Prior to joining the Fever, White worked out with the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, and participated in the Montreal Alouettes' training camp in 2013.
White played college football at Central Michigan University, playing in 44 games and recording 95 total tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup. He is also the son of former NFL running back Lorenzo White, who played with the Houston Oilers (1988-1994) and Cleveland Browns (1995).
October 8:
WR Justin Helwege (image credit: Justin Helwege / Facebook)
The Shock made a trade with the Cedar Rapids Titans, sending defensive back Elijah Lee to the Titans in exchange for wide receiver Justin Helwege.
Helwege (6'5'', 220) is a 3-year veteran of the IFL. He split time in 2015 with the Nebraska Danger and Cedar Rapids. Prior to that, he played two seasons with the Colorado Ice (now re-branded as the Colorado Crush). In the first 9 weeks of his rookie season with the Ice in 2013, he led the IFL with 18 touchdown receptions. In those 9 weeks, he led all Colorado wide receivers with 39 receptions.
Helwege, who played college football at Central Washington University, also had a stint with the Portland Thunder, but did not register any stats. He also spent a few days of rookie minicamp with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.
Head Coach Adam Shackleford was enthusiastic with the move. In the team's press release, Shackleford said, "Justin is a tall and physical receiver that has proven to be a red zone weapon in this league. As a Central Washington alumni and former Seahawk, we know that he will not only be a fan favorite here in Spokane but a tremendous addition to our offense as well.”
To complete the exchange with Cedar Rapids, Spokane sent rookie DB Elijah Lee. Lee, who was signed on September 6th, spent time with the Ottawa Redblacks prior to signing with Spokane.
October 12:
DBs Robert Brown (left) and Demetruce McNeal (right) (Image Credit: Spokane Shock / RKN Photography/ Cliff Jette)
Former Cedar Rapids Titans defensive backs Robert Brown and Demetruce McNeal signed with the Shock.
Brown (5'10'', 175 lbs) joins the Shock after spending the past two seasons with the Titans. In 2015, he played in 12 games and recorded 31 total tackles, 1 interception, and 5 pass breakups. He was also key special teams player, leading the IFL with 9 missed field goal attempts for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. In his rookie season with the Titans in 2014, he played in 11 games and notched 27 total tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He also served as the Titans' kick returner, returning 39 kicks for 758 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Prior to joining Cedar Rapids, Brown played college football at Union College (Kentucky). In his career with the Dutchmen, Brown recorded 182 total tackles (10 for loss), 9 interceptions, 8 blocked kicks, and 6 forced fumbles.
And then there's McNeal (6'2'', 200 lbs), who joins the Shock after spending his rookie season with the Titans. In 2015, he played in 11 games, recording 59.5 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 pass breakups and a forced fumble. He took over for Brown as the team's primary kick returner, returning 35 kicks for 643 yards and 4 touchdowns.
McNeal played college football at Auburn for 3 seasons before transferring to West Alabama in 2014. He lead all West Alabama defenders with 63 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups.
Both players are bound to be familiar with the other's playing style and should have defensive chemistry when the season starts next February.
Adam Shackleford couldn't contain his excitement about the pair of former Titans. "During the free agency period one of our goals was to solidify our secondary,” he said. “Robert and Demetruce each add a combination of athleticism and experience that will help us immediately, plus are both talented special teams players. We look forward to having both of them join us in 2016."
October 15:
Brandon Haskin and Austin Dotson (image credit: Spokane Shock / Tennessee St., DAP Photography)
The Shock focused on the offense, signing offensive lineman Brandon Haskin and wide receiver Austin Dotson.
Haskin (6'3'', 315) is a rookie out of Tennessee State. Although he's a rookie in the IFL, he has indoor football experience, playing with the Alabama Hammers of the PIFL.
Dotson (5'10'', 200 lbs) is a second-year IFL veteran out of Sacramento State. Originally a member of the Nebraska Danger in 2015, he played in 9 games before being released. He would eventually sign with the Tri-Cities Fever, playing in 1 regular season game and 1 playoff game.
Shackleford had nothing but praise for both players in the team's press release.
On Haskin:
"Brandon is a big, physical offensive lineman with indoor football experience. He has the athleticism to be effective in both the pass and run game for us and should make a great addition to our roster."
On Dotson:
"Austin is playmaker, plain and simple. We will use him in several different ways offensively as he has deep threat capabilities with his speed and is a terrific screen and ball carrier. I am looking forward to working with him for a full season."
-DKH
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