Shock Make Final Roster Cuts

Courtesy Spokane Shock

SPOKANE, WA (March 17, 2013) – The Shock have announced the opening day roster after making final cuts at the conclusion of their 2013 Training Camp.

"This year's camp was probably the most competitive we've had in my seven years with the team. We have excellent veterans that will be able to provide leadership to the younger guys, who we also expect big things from. Fans will continue to see some of their favorite Shock players from previous seasons, but will also find new players to cheer for as they become household names in Spokane," said Shock General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden.

The Shock's 2013 roster features a strong mix of veterans along with a number of AFL newcomers. The defensive secondary is comprised of three Shock returners in Paul Stephens, Terrance Sanders, and Patrick Stoudamire. Cameron McGlenn will join the Shock for his third AFL season after spending 2011 and 2012 with the Iowa Barnstormers.

The defensive front will comprise of returning Shock defensive lineman James Ruffin with the addition of AFL rookie Chase Vaughn and four-year AFL veteran Terrance Taylor who spent last season with the Pittsburgh Power. Terence Moore returns to the jack-linebacker position and will be complimented by mac-linebacker Beau Bell and Marc Schiechl whom each possess the versatility to play on the defensive line.

2012 AFL Kicker of the Year Kenny Spencer returns for his second season with the Shock. Last year, Spencer set a new AFL record with 138 converted PATs on the season (94.5 percent conversion percentage) and was 4 of 4 on field goals within 39 yards.

The offensive unit will be led by the passing attack of quarterbacks Erik Meyer and Arvell Nelson. Last season, Meyer suffered a season ending injury in the home opener and returns to the Shock with plans to lead the offense into 2013. Nelson joins the Shock for his first AFL season and plans to contend for the starting role having indoor experience through the PIFL. The wide receiver core, which was arguably the most competitive position battles in training camp, showcases 2012 Shock returners Adron Tennell, Steven Black, and Jeffery Solomon. They will be joined by AFL rookie Kamar Jorden and former IFL Tri-Cities Fever receiver Oliver "Tre" Young.

The offensive line unit will open the 2013 season with Shock returners Ryan Cave, Samuel Tupua, and Palauni Ma Sun. Will Falakiseni joins the Shock after spending 2012 with the IFL's Tri-Cities Fever along with AFL rookie Tyrone Novikoff. The Shock have placed B.J. Cabbell, Andrew Nierman, and Chris Pino on the injured reserve list which as a part of the new CBA renders them inactive for the 2013 season.

"Training Camp was very competitive; some guys began to separate themselves towards the end of camp. I feel we have a very good mix of veterans and rookies. The character and attitude on this team is exactly what we want. I'm excited to see what this team can accomplish," said Shock Head Coach Andy Olson.

See below the opening day roster:

NAME POS. HT. WT. SCHOOL Paul Stephens DB 5-9 170 Central Missouri State Terrance Sanders DB 5-11 195 Eastern Illinois Cameron McGlenn DB 6-0 200 Elon University Patrick Stoudamire DB 5-11 205 Western Illinois Chase Vaughn DL 6-2 240 SMU James Ruffin DL 6-4 265 Northern Iowa Terrance Taylor DL 6-0 320  Michigan  Beau Bell LB  6-1  245  UNLV  Terence Moore  LB  6-2  225  Troy  Marc Schiechl  LB  6-3  270  Col. School of Mines  Kenny Spencer K 6-1 220 North Alabama Samuel Tupua  OL  6-2  315  Idaho  Will Falakiseni  OL  6-2  320  Norfolk State  Tyrone Novikoff  OL  6-7  320  Idaho  Ryan Cave  OL  6-5  320  Hampton  Palauni Ma Sun OL 6-5 320 Oregon Erik Meyer  QB  6-2  210  Eastern Washington  Arvell Nelson  QB  6-5  230  Texas Southern  Adron Tennell WR 6-5 205 Oklahoma Oliver "Tre" Young  WR  6-4 210 South Carolina State  Jeffrey Solomon  WR  6-0  200  Washington State  Steven Black  WR  6-3  210  Memphis  Kamar Jorden  WR  6-3  205  Bowling Green 

Placed on Injured Reserve: B.J. Cabbell (Virginia), Chris Pino (San Diego State), Andrew Nierman (Tulane)

Placed on Other League Exempt: Gerald Gooden (CFL – Calgary), Bryant Nnabuife (CFL – Toronto), Levi Horn (CFL – BC)

Note: Roster reflects up-to-date transactions as processed by the Net 10 Wireless Arena Football League on Sunday, March 17th, 2013. Kenny Spencer is set to be processed this week as he is currently listed as Refuse to Report. The Shock have one additional roster spot available, also planned to be filled this week.

The Shock will open the 2013 Net10 Wireless Arena Football League season with a three-game road trip, beginning with the Cleveland Gladiators on Sunday, March 24th with a 10:00 AM PST kickoff. The Shock will then visit the Chicago Rush on March 31st and the Iowa Barnstormers on April 5th before returning to Spokane for their home opener against the defending 2012 AFL Champion and West Division Rival Arizona Rattlers on April 12th with a 7:00 PM PST kickoff at Spokane Arena.