SaberCats Add Six to 2013 Roster
Wednesday March 6, 2013
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The SaberCats today announced the addition of six to their preseason roster. San Jose added wide receiver V’Keon Lacey, defensive back Greg Laybourn, quarterback and Stockton native, Nate Lewis, defensive lineman Kyle Thomas, former San Jose State defensive lineman Larnell Ransom and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Brian Folkerts.
"We are always looking to increase the level of competition within our team during camp," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. "Each of these individuals brings something unique and significant to our group for 2013, as we approach the new season."
Lacey (6-4, 215, Angelo State) appeared in three games last season for the Jacksonville Sharks. In his one season at Angelo State University, Lacey started 11 games. He led the Rams with 74 catches for 878 yards and ten scores and was named to the All-LSC (Lone Star Conference) South Division Offense second team. Prior to his time ASU, he spent a season each at Southwestern Oklahoma and Cisco Junior College.
Laybourn (5-10, 210, Oregon State) last played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. In Nine games for Montreal in 2011, he had 14 tackles and a fumble recovery. Laybourn played three seasons for the Oregon State Beavers, appearing in 40 games. During his career, he recorded 171 total tackles, including 113 his senior year, and two fumble recoveries.
Lewis (6-5, 235, Dixie State) played last season for the SoCal Coyotes of the AAA National Independent League where he was named the 2012 National Player of the Year. Lewis, from nearby Stockton, attended Dixie State University and compiled 48 completions for 560 yards and five scores.
Thomas (6-4, 280, West Texas A&M) the Vista, Calif. native last played in 2010 for the West Texas A&M Buffaloes where he accumulated 28 tackles and five and a half sacks during his senior season. While playing for City College of San Francisco, Thomas was named team captain and was an All-League First-Team honoree while leading the Rams to a state championship.
Ransom (6-2, 290, San Jose State) made 26 tackles, including five tackles for loss, and had two and a half sacks during his senior season for the San Jose State Spartans. He finished his collegiate career with 60 total tackles, three-and-a-half sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 34 appearances.
Folkerts (6-4, 310, Washburn) was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints prior to the 2012 National Football League season and also spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a standout at Washburn (Kansas) for the Ichabods, earning All-MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association) honors twice and started 39 games along the offensive line during his collegiate career.
V’Keon Lacey
Position: WR
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215 lbs
Born: Aug. 8, 1988 in Arlington, Tex.
Hometown: Arlington, Tex.
Last Team: Jacksonville Sharks (AFL)
College: Angelo State
AFL Experience: One year
Acquired: Assigned in March 2013
Greg Laybourn
Position: DB
Height: 5-10
Weight: 210 lbs
Born: Dec. 30, 1985 in Portland, OR.
Hometown: Portland, OR.
Last Team: Montreal Alouettes (CFL)
College: Oregon State
AFL Experience: None
Acquired: Assigned in March 2013
Nate Lewis
Position: QB
Height: 6-5
Weight: 235 lbs
Born: Nov. 18, 1984 in Stockton, Calif.
Hometown: Stockton, Calif.
Last Team: SoCal Coyotes (AAA National Independent League)
College: Dixie State
AFL Experience: None
Acquired: Assigned in March 2013
Kyle Thomas
Position: DL
Height: 6-4
Weight: 220 lbs
Born: Jan. 6, 1987 in Vista, Calif.
Hometown: Vista, Calif.
College: West Texas A&M
AFL Experience: None
Acquired: Assigned in March 2013
Larnell Ransom
Position: DL
Height: 6-2
Weight: 290 lbs
Born: May 4, 1984 in Compton, Calif.
Hometown: Compton, Calif.
College: San Jose State
AFL Experience: None
Acquired: Assigned in March 2013
Brian Folkerts
Position: OL
Height: 6-4
Weight: 310 lbs
Born: Jan. 30, 1990 in Florissant, Mo.
Hometown: Florissant, Mo.
Last Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
College: Washburn (Kansas)
AFL Experience: None
Acquired: Assigned in March 2013
ABOUT THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion San Jose SaberCats, are approaching their 17th Arena Football League season. San Jose opens their 2013 season on the road against the San Antonio Talons on Saturday, March 23. Fans can log on to thesanjosesabercats.com, call 408-673-3400 and follow the SaberCats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@SJSaberCats) for all of the latest news and information on the team. Please contact the front office at the above phone number for information on 2013 Season Ticket Packages.