AFL Press ReleaseAFL Announces 2018 All-Arena First and Second Teams
Tuesday July 17, 2018
Albany leads all teams with 12 total selections
LAS VEGAS – The Arena Football League has announced the 2018 All-Arena First and Second Teams. Of the 36 players named, 11 earn their way on to a 2018 All-Arena Team for the first-time in their career.
Headlining the First-Team All-Arena is Albany Empire quarterback Tommy Grady who was named to an All-Arena team for the second-time in his career as he led the League in passing yards (2,960) and passing touchdowns (81). Teammates Joe Hills and Malachi Jones join Hills as the pair of Empire players were among the League leaders in receiving categories; Hills led the AFL with 33 receiving touchdowns and third in receiving yards with 1,045 while Jones was first in receiving yards with 1,156 and second in touchdown receptions, hauling in 24. Center Ryan Cave, offensive lineman Hayworth Hicks, defensive end Joe Sykes, linebacker Terence Moore, and defensive back Marrio Norman round out the Empire players on the First-Team.
The Baltimore Brigade are well represented on the First-Team All-Arena list with six players; offensive lineman Jordan McCray (1st time First-Team honoree), defensive lineman Justin Lawrence (2nd straight First-Team All-Arena), linebacker Dexter Jackson, defensive back Virgil Gray, kicker Mark Lewis, and special teams Brandon Thompkins.
Rounding out the First-Team All Arena are four players from the Philadelphia Soul. Wide receiver Darius Prince earns his first selection to the All-Arena First Team and is joined by fullback Jeramie Richardson (1st time First-Team selection, Second-Team last two seasons), defensive end Jake Metz and defensive back James Romain.
|
2018 FIRST TEAM ALL-ARENA QB Tommy Grady – Albany FB Jeramie Richardson – Philadelphia WR Joe Hills – Albany WR Malachi Jones –Albany WR Darius Prince – Philadelphia C Ryan Cave – Albany OL Hayworth Hicks – Albany OL Jordan McCray – Baltimore DE Joe Sykes – Albany DE Jake Metz – Philadelphia DT Justin Lawrence – Baltimore MLB Dexter Jackson – Baltimore JLB Terence Moore – Albany DB Marrio Norman – Albany DB James Romain – Philadelphia DB Virgil Gray – Baltimore K Mark Lewis – Baltimore ST Brandon Thompkins - Baltimore |
2018 SECOND TEAM ALL-ARENA QB Randy Hippeard – Baltimore FB Rory Nixon – Baltimore WR Reggie Gray – Washington WR Brandon Thompkins – Baltimore WR Aaron Wascha – Philadelphia C PhillipKeith Manley – Philadelphia OL Neal Tivis – Philadelphia OL Wayne Tribue – Philadelphia DE Darryl Cato-Bishop – Albany DE Rodney Fritz – Baltimore DT Brandon Sesay – Albany MLB Derrick Summers – Albany JLB Joe Goosby – Philadelphia DB Dwayne Hollis – Philadelphia DB Joe Powell – Baltimore DB Varmah Sonie – Albany K Adrian Trevino – Philadelphia ST Chris Duvalt - Washington |
The Washington Valor earn two spots on the Second-Team All Arena, headlined by “Big Play” wide receiver Reggie Gray and special teams Chris Duvalt (1st time selection).
ABOUT THE AFL
The Arena Football League will enter its 31st Season in 2018. 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 2018 include: Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week, culminating with the ArenaBowl. The AFL launched AFLNow, the League’s streaming “Over-the-Top” network to give fans even more access to the League on arenafootball.com. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball).
