Atlantic City Blackjacks Assign Five to Roster

Wednesday April 3, 2019

 Atlantic City Blackjacks Add Player from Open Tryout

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ- The Atlantic City Blackjacks announce that five players have been assigned to the team roster. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. The free agency signing period for the Arena Football League began on Monday, March 4.

Kendrick Ings, Wide Receiver

Ings is from Miami, Florida and has had quite the journey to where he is today. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and during his senior year he tore his ACL. He spent a year as a student at Fort Valley State University and enrolled at a junior college. He was told he could not play due to a heart murmur.

In 2011, Ings attended an open tryout for the BC Lions of the CFL. They told him that he was too raw of a talent, so he went and joined the semi-pro Atlanta Chiefs to polish off his skills. That move paid off as it landed him a spot on the Dodge City Law of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League. Then in 2014, Ings attended an open tryout for the Tampa Bay Storm. He made the roster after training camp and was the Storm’s third leading receiver. In 2017, he was named the AFL’s Playmaker of the Year after leading the league in kick return yards with 1,063, kick return touchdowns with four and all-purpose yards with 2,219. Ings also finished second in receptions with 98 and third in receiving yards with 1,141. That year he also received First Team All-Arena honors as both a wide receiver and on special teams. Ings has been a part of the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squads. Last season he played for the Baltimore Brigade of the AFL.

“Sitting back and taking some time to think, honestly it just felt like the best/right move for me,” said Ings. “I have a great relationship with Coach James and Coach Shane whom I trust. As well as my brothers Hipp, LaMark, Antron, Hobbs and more. New team! New city! New Beginnings! I’m ready! #BetOnUs #WereAllIn”

Corey Madlock, Offensive Lineman

Madlock earned his spot on the Blackjacks’ training roster after showcasing his talent to the coaching staff at the team’s open tryouts held on Saturday, March 30. He was born and raised in Buffalo, New York where he went to Cleveland Hill High School in Cheektowaga, NY. Madlock played in 19 varsity games and recorded 27 solo tackles, nine assists, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble.

“Corey was impressive at our open tryout. Not only did he look great as he progressed through each drill, but he was enthusiastic and very coachable,” said Ron James, Head Coach of the Blackjacks. “He has all of the attributes I look for in an offensive lineman. I’m looking forward to having him compete as a Blackjack in training camp. This is why we hold open tryouts, to find those players who fit our needs and evaluate them in person.”

Collegiately he attended Bowling Green University from 2014-2015 and then transferred to University of Tennessee-Martin, where he played from 2016-2017. During his time at BGU, he helped the team to a 10-4 record in 2015. They represented the East Division in the MAC Conference Championship game where they defeated Northern Illinois to become MAC champions. The team then got invited to the GoDaddy Bowl where they lost to Georgia Southern.

His time spent at the University of Tennessee-Martin began with a 7-5 record and a second-place finish in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2016. In 2017 the team finished with a record of 6-5, finishing in fourth-place. He appeared in 19 games over two seasons with the Skyhawks.

After college he played for the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League (IFL). In his first season with the team, he appeared in 10 regular season games and contributed to the Barnstormers’ United Conference Championship and United Bowl Championship victories. Listed at 6’4, 305, Madlock provides a wall for his quarterback and makes it difficult for any defensive lineman to get around him.

“I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Atlantic City Blackjacks,” said Madlock. “The tryout was the opportunity I was looking for, I went in with the mindset of leave no doubt in terms of how I preform and workout. I was fortunate enough to get the coaches attention and earn the chance to be a part of something special. I also told my mom I wouldn’t come home empty handed!”

Lynden Trail, Defensive End

Trail is from Miami, Florida and played college football at Norfolk State. There, he started in 27 out of 35 games as a Spartan. Trail had 255 tackles (41 for loss), 19.5 sacks, 18 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions. During his time there, Trail made the First-Team MEAC, was a two-time finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award as the top defender at the FCS level and was selected the National FCS Defensive Performer of the Year.

In 2015, he went undrafted but quickly signed with the Houston Texans. Following that stint, he was signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad. Trail earned his way up to the active roster in 2016 but was released due to an injury. He has also spent time on the Rams’ practice squad. In early 2018, Trail attended The Spring League, which is a developmental minor league football organization which shows off young talent to NFL and CFL scouts. After his participation in The Spring League, he was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to just play ball,” said Trail. “I feel like an expansion team like the Atlantic City Blackjacks will let me showcase my skills and help me to get to the next level! I look forward to the city, the fans and trying to bring AC a championship!”

Marquez Williams, Fullback

Williams, who is from Athens, Georgia, attended Mars Hill University. He was the starter for three years and was a two-time All-South Atlantic Conference honoree. Williams earned All-Region honors in 2014 and First-Team honors in 2015. He then transferred to the University of Miami to serve as the starting fullback. Following his college days, Williams was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round (240 overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. He was later signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad after his time with the Jaguars.

Khalid Wooten, Defensive Back

Wooten is currently in the Canadian Football League as a cornerback. He is originally from San Bernardino, California and attended the University of Nevada. There he totaled 51 games played with 157 tackles (127 solo), ten interceptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns. He also played on special teams and had 493 yards on kick returns and 242 yards on punt returns.

His professional career officially got under way on April 27, 2013, when he was drafted in the 6th round (202 overall) by the Tennessee Titans. He was later released but signed to the practice squad. After he was waived by the Titans, Wooten took his game to the CFL. He played two games and was the starter in both for the Montreal Alouettes. On May 1, 2017, Wooten was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The Atlantic City Blackjacks’ inaugural campaign will begin on the road on Saturday, April 27th against the three-time League champions, Philadelphia Soul, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Kickoff time will be announced at a later date. The Blackjacks will play their first ever home game at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, May 4 against the Columbus Destroyers. Witness history and get your tickets to the Blackjacks’ home opener by calling 609-783-9494 or by visiting ACBlackjacks.com today!

Fans can secure their season tickets for the Atlantic City Blackjacks now with a $50 deposit per seat ($75 for VIP seats) by calling 609-783-9494 or by going to ACBlackjacks.com. A team representative will contact those that have submitted a deposit within a week to select your specific seats, which will be done in order in which deposits were received.

About Atlantic City Blackjacks

The Arena Football League’s newest franchise, the Atlantic City Blackjacks will begin play in Spring 2019 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Season memberships for the inaugural 2019 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Atlantic City Blackjacks sales department at (609) 783-9494 or by going to ACBlackjacks.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @AFLBlackjacks

About the Arena Football League

The Arena Football League enters its 32nd season in 2019. Since its inception in 1987, the AFL showcases a fast-paced, exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets. With the addition of two new teams in Atlantic City, N.J., and Columbus, O.H., the League totals six teams for 2019: Albany, Atlantic City, Baltimore, Columbus, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Each team will play 12 regular-season games in 2019. One can find the League on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using the handle @OfficialAFL.

About Spectra

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra provides both Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center. Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.