Blizzard Sign Three Players with NFL Experience
02/04/2010 11:07 AM - The Green Bay Blizzard and Head Coach Rik Richards announce today the signing of three key defensive line men. Andrew Powell and Mike Heard were All-Americans at Mississippi State, and were in NFL camps with the Ravens and Chiefs respectively. Darius Jones, a stand out at the University of Wisconsin will be a familiar face for Badger fans, not to mention added talent to the defensive side of the ball. Jones was also a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2005. Coach Richards commented that, “When you can get three guys from NFL camps, it has a tremendous impact on our team, not only on the field but in the locker room. With the NFL experience, these guys will teach the professionalism and work ethic needed to be successful, as well as what is needed to reach the next level.” Andrew Powell, DT, Mississippi State (6-0, 317) Powell was a free agent signing of the Baltimore Ravens in the spring of 2007. Powell, a hard-nosed lineman with hole-plugging ability and the power to rush the quarterback, is a great addition to the Blizzard defensive line. Powell saw action in 39-career games at Mississippi State, including 32 starts. He closed out his collegiate career starting 11 of the 12 games he played, netting 34 tackles (23 solo), two tackles for loss and a half-sack as a senior in 2006. Mike Heard, DE, Mississippi State (6-1, 253) Heard is a tough pass rusher who also displays the ability to drop back into space. Possessing terrific first step quickness, he spent time on the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs roster during the 2007 season. In college, Heard saw action in 40 games (28 starts) at defensive end for Mississippi State and totaled 108 tackles (67 solo), 11.0 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. In 2006, Mike opened all 12 games for the Bulldogs, registering 37 tackles (22 solo), 6.5 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, and a forced a fumble with 2.0 sacks. Darius Jones, DE, Wisconsin (6-3, 276) Darius Jones was the #1 recruit out of High School at Linebacker, and a Blue Chip All American before starting at DE for Wisconsin. After college, Jones was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2005 season. With Rock River in the United Football League, Jones was named an All-League selection in 2008. He has a great first step and led the Raptors with 15 sacks in 13 games during that season. |
