Storm Announces First Round of Roster Cuts

March 26,2017

Storm cuts roster to 28; Acquires All-Arena offensive lineman from Cleveland

TAMPA BAY – With the first week of training camp over, the Storm has announced its first round of roster cuts.  Per league rules the Storm roster has been cut down from a 35-man roster to a 28-man roster.  The team also acquired All-Arena offensive lineman D.J. Brandel from the Cleveland Gladiators.

“This is always one of the toughest parts of any season,” said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.  “There was a ton of talent on the field and tough decisions were made.  You could tell that every participant in camp was working hard to represent the Storm.”

Here is the 28-man roster:

      Name                               Pos.           Ht.      Wt.         Exp.       DOB                  School

      Chris Bonner                    QB             6.6      235         R            7.20.93              CSU-Pueblo

      Shaine Boyle                   DB              5.10    190         2             5.1.88                Faulkner

      D.J. Brandel                     OL              6.5      310         1             3.15.91              Chapman

      John Brown                      OL              6.1      285         1             6.26.88              Valdosta State

      LaMark Brown                 WR             6.3      225         2             7.5.89                Minnesota St. – Mankato

      Qua Cox                          DB              5.11    190         1             4.28.91              Jackson State

      Antron Dillon                    DL              6.5      270         5             6.7.85                North Alabama

      Joe Hills                            WR             6.4      220         5             10.2.87              Tennessee State

      Justin Hilton                     WR             6.1      195         1             12.8.88              Indiana State

      Randy Hippeard               QB             6.3      205         4             12.6.85              UVA-Wise

      Arthur Hobbs                    DB              5.10    193         1             11.18.89            Nebraska-Kearney

      Kendrick Ings                   WR/KR      5.10    180         2             6.17.90              Miller Grove H.S. (GA)

      Dexter Jackson                MLB           6.2      285         6             3.19.88              Bethune-Cookman

      Dallas Jackson                DB              5.10    190         R            11.20.93            Jacksonville State

      Dave Lefotu                     OL              6.3      320         R            3.25.92              Hawaii

      Mark Lewis                       K                5.11    195         12           3.25.79              Florida International

      Monte Lewis                     DL              6.4      250         2             10.14.88            Jacksonville State

      Michael Lindsey               WR/KR      6.2      220         5             7.10.87              Northwest Mississippi

      OJ Mau                            DL              6.1      305         R            9.28.94              Gardner-Webb

      Raymond McNeil             C                6.2      325         7             10.14.84            Fort Valley State

      Jordan Miller                    DL              6.1      335         1             2.1.88                Southern

      Max Nacewicz                 DL              6.2      255         R            6.5.93                Springfield

      Chris Pickett                    DB              5.11    200         1             2.12.92              Troy

      Caesar Rayford               DL              6.7      275         6             3.4.86                Washington

      Damond Smith                 DB              5.11    185         R            7.8.91                South Alabama

      Cortez Stubbs                  DB              5.9      180         3             8.16.88              Concordia

      Jeremiah Warren             OL              6.3      325         R            9.20.87              South Florida

      Reese Wiggins                 WR             5.11    185         R            5.5.91                East Carolina

The Storm also acquired All-Arena offensive lineman D.J. Brandel in a trade with the Cleveland Gladiators for a claim order position.

Brandel (6-foot-5, 310 lbs., Chapman) joins the Storm after spending his rookie season with the Gladiators.  The second-year lineman started in 14-of-15 games for the Gladiators, helping to anchor a strong offensive line.  Brandel also has shown pass catching ability, reeling in five passes for 36 yards and two touchdowns.  His performance with Cleveland earned him second team All-Arena honors as a rookie.

The team reassigned quarterback Michael German, defensive lineman Marcus Pittman, and offensive linemen Joe Kaleta and J.J. Unga.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm will enter its 30th season in the Arena Football League in 2017.  For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit  www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales, fans can contact 813.301.6900.  Additionally, fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.