Post by Banana Cat on Feb 3, 2012 11:51:33 GMT -5
www.siouxcityjournal.com/sports/football/amateur/stingy-secondary-returning-for-bandits/article_6bfd83f5-9ba0-5396-9742-59dd470295a6.html
Stingy secondary returning for 2012 Bandits
BY JERRY GIESE / siouxcityjournal.com
February 2, 2012
SIOUX CITY -- As Alex Ardley walked up to the podium at the Tyson Events Center, Sioux City Bandits assistant general manager Mark Carley grinned and noted, "It doesn't seem possible, Alex."
Ardley smiled right back.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback is returning for his eighth season with the defending American Professional Football League champions, who announced their second group of veterans and its coaching staff for the 2012 season on Thursday afternoon.
"I just love to play," said the 33-year old Ardley, the Bandits' career leader in both interceptions (24) and interception return yards (398). The Clemson graduate had perhaps his best season a year ago, returning nine picks for 169 yards and one touchdown.
"The guys talked me back into playing," Ardley added. "Everything feels good. I've had no major injuries, other than a pull or a sprain. I'm happy to be back in Sioux City and I'm looking forward to kicking off another season."
Safety Buddy Williams (52 tackles, 3 interceptions) was also on hand in a session where first-year head coach Erv Strohbeen introduced his assistant coaches, offensive coordinator Jarrod DeGeorgia, John Zevenbergen (defensive coordinator) and Keith Chapman (special teams).
Williams collected two of the squad's nine interception returns for touchdowns a year ago. The Bandits also took 10 fumbles back for scores.
"We were 14-0 last year and that's going to be hard to top," said Williams. "We have the same core coming back. We have the group to get it done."
"Those two guys are ball hawks," said Strohbeen. "No one will throw their way. Those guys had stellar numbers. It's great to have them back."
Strohbeen feels the same way about defensive back Taylor Schumacher, who set a franchise record with 13 interceptions last season. Rahn Franklin (nine interceptions) and J.J. Washington (two) also return.
"We have the best group of defensive backs in the league," said Strohbeen, who announced the signing of another player in the secondary, former Briar Cliff Charger Jonathon Smith.
Defensive linemen Jason Bonwell (30 tackles, 9 sacks) and Fred Mitchell (36 tackles, 7 sacks) are also back. Linebacker/end Thomas Wells (48 tackles, 4.5 sacks) returns while defensive lineman Donny Baker, a former Wayne State College athlete, also signed.
BY JERRY GIESE / siouxcityjournal.com
February 2, 2012
SIOUX CITY -- As Alex Ardley walked up to the podium at the Tyson Events Center, Sioux City Bandits assistant general manager Mark Carley grinned and noted, "It doesn't seem possible, Alex."
Ardley smiled right back.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback is returning for his eighth season with the defending American Professional Football League champions, who announced their second group of veterans and its coaching staff for the 2012 season on Thursday afternoon.
"I just love to play," said the 33-year old Ardley, the Bandits' career leader in both interceptions (24) and interception return yards (398). The Clemson graduate had perhaps his best season a year ago, returning nine picks for 169 yards and one touchdown.
"The guys talked me back into playing," Ardley added. "Everything feels good. I've had no major injuries, other than a pull or a sprain. I'm happy to be back in Sioux City and I'm looking forward to kicking off another season."
Safety Buddy Williams (52 tackles, 3 interceptions) was also on hand in a session where first-year head coach Erv Strohbeen introduced his assistant coaches, offensive coordinator Jarrod DeGeorgia, John Zevenbergen (defensive coordinator) and Keith Chapman (special teams).
Williams collected two of the squad's nine interception returns for touchdowns a year ago. The Bandits also took 10 fumbles back for scores.
"We were 14-0 last year and that's going to be hard to top," said Williams. "We have the same core coming back. We have the group to get it done."
"Those two guys are ball hawks," said Strohbeen. "No one will throw their way. Those guys had stellar numbers. It's great to have them back."
Strohbeen feels the same way about defensive back Taylor Schumacher, who set a franchise record with 13 interceptions last season. Rahn Franklin (nine interceptions) and J.J. Washington (two) also return.
"We have the best group of defensive backs in the league," said Strohbeen, who announced the signing of another player in the secondary, former Briar Cliff Charger Jonathon Smith.
Defensive linemen Jason Bonwell (30 tackles, 9 sacks) and Fred Mitchell (36 tackles, 7 sacks) are also back. Linebacker/end Thomas Wells (48 tackles, 4.5 sacks) returns while defensive lineman Donny Baker, a former Wayne State College athlete, also signed.