Ruff Riders Add to Roster

ABILENE, TX. : The Abilene Ruff Riders announced on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 that the team has acquired four players for the 2010 season.  QB Brian Harris and OL John Sekona are the two offensive players joining the Ruff Riders for training camp in spring of 2010, while LB/RB Trae Ivory and DB Santino Hall will be on the defensive side of the ball for next season.  The following is further information regarding the recently acquired players for the Abilene Ruff Riders.

QB  Brian  Harris  (6’2”, 200 lbs.)  Mississippi College -
Quarterback Brian Harris comes to the Abilene Ruff Riders after spending three seasons with the Mississippi College program.  The Picayune, Mississippi native saw action in two games during his senior season (’08) as the backup quarterback at Mississippi College.  As a sophomore in 2006, Harris played in the final three games of the season and started the final game of the season versus Sul Ross State University.  In that game Harris completed 16 of 23 passes for 229 yards.  Harris threw for a total of two touchdowns during the 2006 season.  Before his time at Mississippi College, Harris played for Head Coach Tim Hatten at Pearl River Community College and spent time at Ranger College.

OL  John  Sekona  (6’4”, 330 lbs.)  Clark  Atlanta University -
Offensive linemen John Sekona is a 2008 graduate of Clark Atlanta University where he was a three-year starter on the offensive line for the Clark Atlanta program.  Sekona was named to the Second Team All-SIAC following his senior year in 2008.  The Inglewood, California native was part of an impressive CAU offensive line unit that supplied consistent run and pass blocking.  Sekona will compete for a starting spot on the Ruff Riders offensive line in 2010.

LB/RB  Trae  Ivory  (6’1”, 246 lbs.)  Midwestern State University -
Trae Ivory will begin his first season with the Abilene Ruff Riders after spending the 2009 season with the San Angelo Stampede Express (IFL).  In six games played with the Stampede Express, Ivory collected 30 total tackles including two tackles-for-loss, one sack and one rushing touchdown.  Ivory previously spent time with the Lubbock Renegades (formerly of the AF2) during the 2008 season.  Ivory played collegiately at Midwestern State University during the 2000 season.  In seven games played, Ivory rushed for 57 yards on 10 carries including a 45-yard reception for a touchdown.  He additionally produced six total tackles (four solo) and recorded a fumble recovery while playing defense for MSU.  Ivory is a 1999 graduate of Coronado High School and in 1998 he was named the District 3-5A Offensive Most Valuable Player after registering 937 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

DB  Santino  Hall  (6’2”, 195 lbs.)  Texas Southern University -
Santino Hall will bring experience and leadership to the Ruff Riders secondary for the 2010 season.  Hall previously spent two seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 2004 to 2005.  Hall was named the Roughriders Rookie of the Year after producing 51 total tackles and three interceptions in 2004.  Hall held an impressive collegiate career while at Texas Southern University.  Hall was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year in 2000-2001 and All-SWAC Second Team Defense after leading the conference in interceptions (eight).  Hall also collected 26 tackles that season and recorded three interceptions in TSU’s win at Jackson State (19-15).  “The group of players we have signed today bring experience, leadership and athletic ability to our team for next season.  I’m absolutely excited about these guys coming to the Abilene Ruff Riders and seeing what they can bring to their position.” stated Abilene Ruff Riders Head Coach, Gerald Dockery.

For further information regarding these topics please contact the Abilene Ruff Riders Front Office at (325) 677 - PASS (7277) or visit the official website of the Abilene Ruff Riders at www.abileneruffriders.com.