Preds get former Tampa Bay Storm star T.T. Toliver
Wednesday June 13, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (June 13, 2007) - Partly out of necessity and partly out of a desire to get better for the post-season, the Orlando Predators active roster underwent another major renovation on Wednesday.
The biggest move was the signing for former Tampa Bay standout TT TOLIVER, who became available when the Storm activated Toliver from its “Left Squad” list and released the five-year veteran on Tuesday.
Although he played in only 12 of Tampa Bay’s 14 games, Toliver was the Storm’s leading receiver with 1,193 yards on 99 catches. He also had 17 receiving touchdowns to go with 496 return yards and 12 tackles on defense. Toliver’s 19.9 average return on kickoffs and his 19.5 average on field goal returns also topped the Storm squad.
Toliver, 30, is in his sixth Arena Football League season – having split time between Tampa Bay and Nashville. For his career, he has 321 receptions for 4,278 yards and 83 touchdowns. He also has 3,500 career return yards with nine return touchdowns to go with five career rushing touchdowns. A versatile player, Toliver has 135 career tackles and eight interceptions as a defensive back.
Tolliver attended Hinds Junior College in Mississippi, starring in both basketball and football. He played two seasons of basketball at Bethune-Cookman College (1999-2000) and is a native of Daytona Beach.
“When Tampa released TT, he was certainly someone we wanted to talk to,” Predators head coach JAY GRUDEN said. “He’s an explosive player who is a threat to score from any place on the field. In addition, he has played a couple of seasons working with Shane Stafford, so he should be comfortable with his new quarterback.” Gruden went on to praise Toliver’s versatility. “On top of being a great receiver and return man, TT is not a bad defensive back. He’s certainly someone who can play on both sides of the ball without a big drop off in talent.”
The Predators also announced the signing of veteran defensive back JO JO POLK to replaced defensive back FLOYD YOUNG, who was placed on injured reserve after being hurt during Orlando’s 75-54 win over New York last weekend. Polk most recently played for the Canton of the American Indoor Football League, where he led the team in interceptions (11), pass defenses (23) and tackles (43.5) in leading the team to a 10-4 regular season record.
Prior to that, Polk played five seasons in the Arena Football League – splitting time between Buffalo, Grand Rapids and Columbus. For his AFL career, Polk has 300 career tackles to go with 56 pass defenses and 10 interceptions. He played and started on Grand Rapids’ 2001 Arena Football League Championship team. He was later named to the AFL All-Rookie team that season.
In other moves, the Predators placed DB MICHEAUX ROBINSON on recallable waivers. If not claimed or recalled by Thursday, he would become a free agent.
The Predators return to action on Friday night when they host division-leading Georgia (12-2) at Hummer Field at the Amway Arena. A win would guarantee that the Predators (8-6, 5-2) would start the 2007 playoffs at home. “We have a lot to play for and we’re going to have to do it against a great team,” Gruden added. “It should be a great game.” Tickets remain available by calling 407-44-PREDS. The Predators are offering a four for $44 special that includes four seats and four small beverages (beer or soft drinks) for $44. The game is also being televised on SUN SPORTS, kickoff is slated for just after 7:30 p.m.
