Storm add four more Free Agents
Monday November 12, 2012
WR Jason Chery, OL Thomas Claiborne, DB De’Audra Dix and DB Jean Fanor
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the acquisition of four more free agents; defensive backs De’Audra Dix and Jean Fanor (Fuh-nore), wide receiver Jason Chery and offensive lineman Thomas Claiborne.
“We are excited with these additions,” said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. “As an organization, we feel the addition of De’Audra and Jean to the defensive backfield gives us a more physical and athletic secondary. Meanwhile with Jason we continue to add speed and playmaking ability on offense, while Thomas is a versatile and sturdy blocker that brings some nice size to our line.”
Chery (5-10, 183, Louisiana-Lafayette) played in 47 games for the Ragin’ Cajuns and earned All-Sun Belt honors his senior season at wide receiver and as an all-purpose selection. He totaled 3,518 all-purpose yards, the third-most in school history. Chery was then signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Carolina Panthers in 2009 where he spent time on the practice squad prior to joining the active roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2010 he attended training camp with the Green Bay Packers and then joined the Hartford Colonials and caught eight passes for 182 yards and one touchdown in eight games. This past season, 2012, he spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Claiborne (6-3, 325, Boston College) started 34 games for the Eagles and was an All-ACC honoree at right guard after transitioning from the defensive line position after his redshirt freshman season. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2011. He then joined the Milwaukee Mustangs for the 2012 AFL season and helped anchor an offensive line that finished with the fourth least sacks allowed. Claiborne saw time on both sides of the offensive line and at fullback for the Mustangs as he added five rushed for seven yards and a touchdown.
Dix (5-10, 180, John C. Smith (NC)) will transition to the AFL from the CFL with the Storm. He played with the Montreal Alouettes from 2009 to 2011. He appeared in 45 games and recorded 83 tackles, three interceptions returned 45 yards, 15 pass breakups, six fumble recoveries and returned two for a touchdown.
A decorated player in college, Dix played in 41 games for the Golden Bulls and corralled 130 tackles, six for a loss of 19 yards, 13 interceptions returned 250 yards, 36 pass breakups and blocked seven kicks. On special teams he returned 64 kicks for 1,708 yards and three touchdowns. Dix was the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Special Teams Player of the Year in 2007. He also earned Division II All-America honors in 2007, only the second player in JCSU history to earn that honor. In 2006 and 2007 he was first-team All-CIAA as a defensive back and kick returner and in 2004 he earned All-CIAA Rookie honors at defensiveback.
Fanor (6-1, 205, Bethune-Cookman) enters his rookie season in the AFL with the Storm. Prior to joining the Storm the former Wildcat spent with the Kansas City Chiefs, signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2012 he remained on the roster until the start of the 2012 NFL season. In college he played on both offense and defense. Fanor appeared in 39 games and recorded 130 tackles, nine for a loss of 26 yards, three interceptions, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Offensively, he had eight receptions for 135 yards and touchdown and four rushes for 38 yards. Fanor earned All-MEAC honors his senior season.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. 2013 season tickets are now available for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.
