Blaze assigned former VooDoo WR Castile, rookie DB Jones
Monday November 12, 2012
Utah Adds Veteran AFL Wideout, Rookie Defensive Back
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Blaze reached an agreement on a two-year contract with veteran Arena Football wide receiver L.J. Castile, the team announced today. Castile spent the first two years of his AFL career with the New Orleans VooDoo.
“L.J. is the kind of big-bodied wideout that can thrive in our offense,” said Head Coach Ron James. “He made a lot of big plays for New Orleans and is a true threat in the red zone. I expect L.J. to provide our offense with another physical presence at the receiver position.”
Castile (6-4, 220, Delta State) started 14 games for the VooDoo in 2012 and hauled in 104 passes for 1,196 yards and 27 touchdowns. He originally entered the AFL in 2011, posting four receptions for 27 yards in four games with New Orleans.
Following the 2011 AFL season, Castile joined the NFL’s Cleveland Browns during training camp. He played in all four preseason games and caught four passes for 27 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Blaze also added rookie defensive back Torez Jones. Jones earned a contract following a stellar showing in a private workout with the team.
“Torez is a young guy loaded with potential,” said Head Coach Ron James. “When we watched him on film, we saw a guy that was constantly around the football. He displayed those same skills during our private workout and I’m excited to see what he can accomplish working in our system.”
In his final collegiate season, Jones (6-0, 190, Western Carolina) earned first-team All-Southern Conference accolades after finishing second in the nation in interceptions (0.70 per game). In 10 games, he gained 54 yards on seven interceptions while adding five pass breakups and 62 tackles (41 solo), including a 10-yard sack.
“I’m just really excited to be here,” Jones stated. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to be playing again. I think my biggest strength is being a ball hawk and I hope to bring that to the Blaze secondary.”
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