Rattlers bolster defense

Wednesday February 27, 2013

 Gray and Merkerson added to roster

Mesa, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers have reinforced what is an already strong defense with the assignment of defensive backs Virgil Gray and Da’mon Merkerson. Gray is under a one year contract and Merkerson a two.

Gray (5-10, 195, Rhode Island) played in 15 regular season games for the Rattlers recording 25 kickoff returns for 514 yards and one touchdown. He tallied six interceptions for 50 yards and added one field goal return of 48 yards. In three playoff games he had one interception and one kickoff return totaling 25 yards.

In 2011, Gray’s interception total (10) and pass breakups (28) placed him as the Rattlers single-season leader in both categories. As a return specialist, Gray’s 62 returns for 1,445 yards and five touchdowns, for a 23.3 average, ranked him as the top AFL return specialist in the 2011 regular season and second in Rattlers single-season return yards (1,445).

Before joining the Rattlers Gray spent time with the Milwaukee Iron, Spokane Shock and the arenafootball2 Lubbock Renegades.

Merkerson (6-1, 190, Syracuse) came to the Rattlers as a rookie last season, playing in just two games before being sidelined by a season-ending injury. In his two games, Merkerson recorded nine tackles and one interception.

During his career at Syracuse, Merkerson appeared in 46 games, collecting 59 tackles, two interceptions and four tackles for loss. He also posted 14 receptions for 196 yards and two TDs on offense. He also spent time in training camp with the Arizona Cardinals in 2011.