Dana Romney Director of Communications 801-891-9830 danar@utblaze.com Jay Hinton Director of Media Relations 801-448-3731 jayh@utblaze.com
UTAH BLAZE SIGN FORMER BYU DEFENSIVE BACK
SALT LAKE CITY Utah Blaze coach Ernesto Purnsley announced the signing of former BYU and Utah Valley Thunder defensive back James Allen. The terms of the deal were not disclosed per team policy.
Allen (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) anchored the Utah Valley Thunder defense that ranked second in the American Indoor Football Association last season in pass defense with 61.5 total tackles. He also tallied 18 pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
James developed into an outstanding arena football defender with his terrific season last year, Purnsley said. He is a lock-down defensive back with the uncanny ability to break well on the ball.
During his senior season at BYU, Allen, an Inglewood, Calif., native, was fourth on the team in tackles with 57 in 11 games. He also had seven tackles for loss, four sacks, four pass breakups and two quarterback hurries.
Allen, who also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, is the third Thunder player to sign with the Blaze this season. He joins QB Mike Affleck and WR Akamu Aki. He is the eighth player with Utah ties to sign with the Blaze so far this season.
The Blaze open the season April 9 when they host the Spokane Shock at 7 p.m. at the E Center in West Valley City. Season and single-game tickets are now on sale by calling 888-99BLAZE.
