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AFL Press Release

Philadelphia's Hollis Named Defensive Back of the Year

Tuesday August 22, 2017

Hollis led league with seven interceptions and two interception returns for touchdown

LAS VEGAS – The Arena Football League has announced that Philadelphia Soul defensive back Dwayne Hollis has been named 2017 AFL Defensive Back of the Year. A Soul defensive back has now won the award in back-to-back seasons and three of six years the award has been presented.

Hollis (5’10”, 180, North Carolina Wesleyan) started in all 14 games for the Soul this season and led the league in interceptions (7), interception returns for touchdown (2) and finished third in the AFL with 72.0 tackles. He also recovered three fumbles which tied him for 2nd amongst all defenders in 2017. The second-year player out of North Carolina Wesleyan was a member of a Soul defensive squad that allowed a league-best 42.1 points per game and a league-high 36 turnovers.

 

AFL DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE YEAR
 
YEAR
 
PLAYER
 
TEAM
 
2017
 
Dwayne Hollis
 
Philadelphia
 
2016
 
Tracy Belton
 
Philadelphia
 
2015
 
Jeremy Kellem
 
Arizona
 
2014
 
Marquis Floyd
 
Arizona
 
2013
 
Clevan Thomas
 
San Jose
 
2012
 
Kent Richardson
 
Philadelphia
 

 

ARENABOWL XXX
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#2 Tampa Bay Storm (10-4; 1-0) at #1 Philadelphia Soul (13-1; 1-0)
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The Arena Football League is now in its 30th Anniversary Season in 2017. Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. Teams slated for 2017 include: Baltimore, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week during the regular season. ArenaBowl XXX takes place on Saturday, August 26 and can be seen on AFLNow and Twitter. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League, follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@aflarenaball).