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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze announce the signing of seven players this week. The group of players includes University of Utah alum, CLARENCE LAWSON (5-8, 180, Utah). Other players signed this week include: defensive lineman BRUCE BLUE (6-2, 290, Western New Mexico), linebacker VALENTINE CHUDE (6-2, 255, Western New Mexico), offensive/defensive lineman JOHN CULP (6-5, 295, Kansas), defensive back MICHAEL DAVIS JR. (6-3, 190, Arizona State), offensive lineman BRANDON EATON (6-2, 314, Hawaii), and defensive lineman CHRIS JANEK (6-3, 300, Wisconsin). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed due to team policy.
"These signings help add depth to key areas for us," said Blaze head coach and general manager DANNY WHITE. "It's a good mix of veterans like Lawson and Janek and up-and-coming young talent. We are excited to bring in players that we feel will help us make a run at the championship in 2007."
LAWSON: Prior to signing with the Blaze, Lawson played his last four seasons with the Arizona Rattlers. In his 2006 season, he totaled 55.5 tackles, three interceptions and led the team with 38 kick returns for a total 270 yards. In 2005, the former Ute played in all 16 games and led the team with 95.0 tackles. Lawson played his 2002 season with the Carolina Cobras where he recorded 73.0 tackles and three interceptions.
The eight-year AFL veteran began his professional career with the Florida Bobcats (1999-2001). In those three years, Lawson totaled 219.5 tackles and six interceptions. During his college career at Utah, the three-year letterman was named First-Team All-WAC in his senior season.
The Utah Blaze announce the acquisition of fullback/linebacker FRANK CARTER (6-2, 260, MacMurray) from the Nashville Kats. In exchange, the Blaze give up defensive back THAL WOODS (5-9, 175, Colorado State) and defensive lineman TIM MC GILL (6-2, 324, Illinois).
"Frank is an impact player," said Blaze head coach and general manager DANNY WHITE. "He is an All-Arena caliber player on both sides of the ball and we are excited to have him on our roster. Believe me, quarterbacks will know where he is at all times."
As a member of the Las Vegas Gladiators from 2002-2005, Carter evolved into one of the best rushers in Gladiator history. Carter ended his 2004 season with 36 rushing attempts for 132 yards and 10 touchdowns. During the 2005 season with the Gladiators, Carter posted a team-high 9.0 sacks, added 23.5 tackles and was a First-Team All-Arena selection.
In 2006, Carter joined the Nashville Kats and contributed 4.5 sacks, 29.0 tackles and scored nine touchdowns. Carter also achieved 4.0 sacks in one game against the New York Dragons on January 28, 2006.
The Blaze also signed STEVE KONOPKA (6-4, 286, Central Connecticut) agreeing to a two-year contract. Konopka, who will be entering his eighth AFL season, spent the last four seasons with the Las Vegas Gladiators where he played under current Blaze Line coach RON JAMES. Terms of the contract were not disclosed due to team policy.
"Steve is one of the top linemen in the game and definitely the best out on the free agent market," said Blaze head coach and general manager DANNY WHITE. "He has a motor that doesn't stop and will give us a tremendous boost up front. We are excited to have him playing on our side instead of lining up against us."
Fans might remember Konopka blocked STEVE VIDETICH's 34-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining in the 49-47 loss to the Gladiators at the Delta Center on May 24. Konopka, who is climbing the AFL's all-time sack leader chart, led the Gladiators with 3.5 sacks, while forcing two fumbles and recording 14.0 total tackles in 2007. BLUE: During his 2006 season with the New York Dragons, Blue totaled 19.0 tackles, 1.0 sack and two safeties. In only two years with Western New Mexico, he contributed 110.0 tackles, 38.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. The former Dragon comes to the Blaze via an open tryout.
CHUDE: In his 2005 senior season with the Western New Mexico, Chude tallied an impressive 108.0 tackles, 3.0 sacks and three interceptions. The AFL rookie was also named to the Southwest All-Regional Football Team.
CULP: Culp re-signs with the Blaze this year after playing in 12 games during the 2006 season. He scored two touchdowns for the Blaze last year while making 4.0 tackles and blocking two kicks on defense.
DAVIS: Davis comes to the Blaze from Arizona State University via an open tryout. The former Sun Devil led the team his senior season in pass breakups with 11 and finished is college career with 75.0 total tackles and 19 total pass breakups.
EATON: The former Hawaii Warrior joins the Blaze via an open tryout. Eaton was a three-year starter for Hawaii where he was awarded All-Conference honors as a senior.
JANEK: Janek played his last two seasons with the Columbus Destroyers. While at Columbus, the six-year AFL veteran recorded 33.0 tackles and three pass breakups. Janek was a four-year letter winner at the University of Wisconsin where he was a member of a Badger defense that allowed a nation-leading 10.2 points per game.
