Philadelphia adds four to end 2014

Tuesday December 30, 2014

 Soul Brings Receivers, Linemen For Upcoming Season

PHILADELPHIA (December 29, 2014) – The Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul announce the addition of former Pittsburgh Power players – wide receiver Tyrone Goard (6’4, 205, Eastern Kentucky), defensive lineman Justin Lawrence (6’2, 305, Morgan State) and offensive lineman Keith Newell (6’6, 315, Delaware State) – to their roster for the 2015 season. The team also acquired Philadelphia native, wide receiver/linebacker Dominique Curry (6’3, 230, California, PA) in a trade with the San Jose SaberCats for a claim order pick.

“We definitely added high-quality players today,” said Soul General Manager Tom Goodhines. “We feel that we have landed a solid group of players that will flourish under the guidance of our coaching staff (Clint Dolezel, Phil Bogle and Derek Stingley) and will have an immediate impact on our team. We are excited to continue to add pieces and make a run at the championship.”

“Adding Curry and Goard gives us size, versatility and legitimate receiving weapons on offense,” said Soul Head Coach Clint Dolezel. “Newell and Lawrence will help strengthen our offensive and defensive front, while both are versatile enough to play different positions. This is definitely a great day for the Soul.”

Curry, who is entering his second AFL season, was a three-sport star (basketball, football and track) at George Washington High School in Philadelphia. Dominique caught 50 passes for 588 yards and 25 touchdowns in 14 games as a rookie with the SaberCats. He also added 17 rushes for 35 yards and five rushing touchdowns, while tallying 21 solo tackles, 16 assists, six pass breakups, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Curry finished his collegiate career at California University (PA) in 2009 after playing three seasons at Cheyney University. At Cheyney, he had 134 receptions for 2,002 yards and 14 touchdowns. He recorded 13 special teams tackles and blocked two kicks during his only season at California and recorded four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown as a senior. He caught 134 balls for 2,202 yards and 14 touchdowns while at Cheyney and was a three-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East selection and was named PSAC East Rookie of the Year in 2006 after catching 63 passes for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns. He spent time with the St. Louis Rams (2010-11), Detroit Lions (2012-13) and Carolina Panthers (2013).

Goard had a stand out rookie season with the Pittsburgh Power in 2014. The former Colonel hauled in 29 receptions for 306 yards and 18 touchdowns in only seven games with the Power in 2014. A native of Charleston, WV, he ranked among the Top 10 in the Eastern Kentucky’s program with 36 game appearances, recording 1,842 receiving yards (No. 9 in school history) and 24 touchdown catches (tied No. 2 in school history). In 2011, he was selected to the All-OVC Second Team. Prior to coming to the AFL, Goard was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013.

Lawrence recorded 17.5 tackles and three sacks in his first season with the Power. Justin started in all 18 games seeing action at fullback as well as nose guard. Lawrence, a native of Jetersville, VA, played at Morgan State where he was a three-year starter on the defensive line for the Bears. As a junior and senior, Lawrence earned All-MAEC and All-American accolades after accumulating 47 tackles, 17 TOL, and 8 sacks in 2008 and 53 tackles, 8.5 TOL, and one sack in 2009. After college, Lawrence continued his football career playing for the Milwaukee Mustangs (AFL). In 2011, the two-way starter collected 25.5 tackles and two sacks on defense and had 15 carries for 24 yards and six touchdowns on offense as an AFL rookie. The following season, Lawrence appeared in 14 games collecting 16 tackles and one sack on defense and rushed 21 times for 20 yards and six touchdowns on offense.
Newell appeared in 14 games with 10 starts along the offensive line as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Power in 2014. The former Hornet is a native of Trenton, NJ and began his college career at Rutgers University before transferring to Delaware State in 2009. As a senior, Newell appeared in 10 games.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL

The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Parx Casino. The Soul are entering their 10th Anniversary Season. Season and Group tickets for the Soul’s upcoming 2015 season are on sale now. For 2015 season tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Follow the Soul on Facebook at facebook.com/soul and Twitter at twitter.com/soulfootball.