Philadelphia Soul add two players to roster

Monday October 11, 2010

PHILADELPHIA (October 11, 2010) – The Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League today announced the recent signings of wide receiver-defensive back, Antonio Malone (6’0, 200, Toledo) and offensive-defensive lineman, Darnell Whitley (6’6, 330, Waldorf) for the 2011 season.

Malone enters his third AFL season, after having played with the Utah Blaze in 2010 and Colorado Crush in 2008. Whitley, who enters his second AFL season, comes to the Soul after playing for the Chicago Rush in 2010 and the af2’s Peoria Pirates in 2009.

“As we look to develop a solid foundation, Antonio and Darnell are two guys that represent building blocks in that process,” said Soul head coach, Mike Hohensee. “We rated Antonio as one of the top three DB's in Arena Football. His ability to hit and run with the motion receiver and play lockdown off man coverage gives us a great deal of flexibility in our coverage schemes.”

With the Blaze, Malone recorded 60.5 total tackles, five pass breakups and two interceptions in 11 games. In his season with the Colorado Crush, Malone recorded 47.5 total tackles, three pass breakups and one forced fumble. In 2007, Malone spent time with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe, while in 2006, he was signed as a rookie free agent with the Green Bay Packers of the NFL.

Malone played in 34 games as a four-year letter winner and three-year starter at the University of Toledo. In his senior year, he tallied 38.0 total tackles, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble. As a junior, he started 12 games a tallied 53.0 total tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions. As a true freshman, Malone saw action in every game as a reserve cornerback in which he recorded 32.0 total tackles. In 2003, he tallied 59 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions.

Whitley, who also served as the team’s long snapper, recorded one solo tackle while primarily playing offensive line for the Rush in 2010. While at Waldorf (IA) College, he was a four-year letter winner and started three years on the offensive line and one year on the defensive line.

“Darnell has played for me the last couple of seasons, and has the ability to play all line positions on both sides of the ball, as well as fullback and linebacker,” Hohensee said. “At 24, he has the potential to become one of the better linemen in the league.”

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL

The Soul announced its return to compete for a championship in the Spring of 2011. The Soul will be holding Open Tryouts on October 30 at the Philadelphia Eagles’ NovaCare Complex. Pre-registration can be done at www.philadelphiasoul.com. Soul home games will be played at Wells Fargo Center (formerly Wachovia Center). The Soul capped their previous five seasons with an ArenaBowl title in 2008. Fans can go to www.philadelphiasoul.com and sign up to receive the latest news and updates on the Philadelphia Soul.