Tampa Bay Storm Sign All-Arena MLB Dexter Jackson

The Tampa Bay Storm announced that six-year veteran and All-Arena mac linebacker Dexter Jackson will return for a second stint in the blue and gold on Friday.

Jackson (6’2″, 270 lbs.) enters his seventh season in the AFL, and third with the Storm. He comes off the most productive season of his career, as in 2016 he recorded 24.0 tackles (6.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, a pass breakup, and two forced fumbles with his hometown team, the Jacksonville Sharks. Those numbers were good enough for him to be named All-Arena for the first time.

As Jeff Gooch, vice president of football operations, put it.

“Dexter is an impact player, he has proven his ability to disrupt offenses and he has a knack of getting to the quarterback.  Last season he showed the League what he’s capable of and we’re glad to have him back with our team.”

After playing collegiately at Bethune-Cookman university, Jackson began his professional career with the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2011, spending two seasons there before signing with the Orlando Predators in 2013.

The following season, Jackson made the move across I-4 to join Tampa Bay for two seasons. Starting in all 36 games, he recorded 33.5 tackles (5.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. As an ironman, Jackson also carried the ball 34 times for 61 yards at fullback.

Upon coming home, Jackson had glowing words about the team and the fans.

“Tampa is like my second home. The fans are like family and we’re going to compete at a high level for them.  I like the direction the team is headed and I can’t wait to bring the fans along for the ride.”

In his career, Jackson has started in 80 of 90 games, recording 99.5 tackles (19.0 for loss), 19.0 sacks, six pass breakups, five fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles.

Tampa Bay Storm Sign OL Raymond McNeil, WR Justin Hilton

On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Storm announced two more signings, Raymond McNeil and Justin Hilton. McNeil, a seven-year veteran, now starts a second stint in the blue and gold.

McNeil (6’2″, 315 lbs.) returns after spending 2015 and 2016 with the Jacksonville Sharks. During those two seasons, McNeil anchored one of the best offensive lines in the entire league, allowing a mere 18 sacks, including an Arena Football League low of eight during the 2015 run to ArenaBowl XXVIII.

“Raymond is one of the top centers in the League,” said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.  “He adds consistency and stability to our offensive line.  He has seven years of experience which will be a tremendous asset both on and off the field.”

McNeil has shined at his position throughout his entire indoor career, starting by earning All-af2 honors with the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2008 and 2009. Starting with the Milwaukee Iron in 2010, he spent time with the Utah Blaze, Spokane Shock, and San Jose SaberCats before joining the Storm in 2014. Throughout his career, he’s only missed four games, starting 109.

“I’m happy to be back with the Storm,” said McNeil.  “I’ve planted roots here in Tampa and I’m looking forward to giving back to not just the fans in the stands, but also the community as a whole.”

The team also added depth at wide receiver by acquiring wide receiver Justin Hilton.

Hilton (6-foot-2, 195 lbs.) joins the team where his AFL career began in 2013. He spent parts of the 2014 season with the Storm before crossing I-4 to play for the Orlando Predators for part of the 2015 season. In his three-year career, Hilton’s caught 45 passes for 694 yards and 15 scores.

The Kissimmee, FL, native began his professional career with the NFL’s Cincinatti Bengals, signing with them in 2012 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Indiana State. He went to the CFL in 2013, spending part of that season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before coming indoors and signing with Tampa Bay.

Soul Re-Sign Wide Receiver Ryan McDaniel, Sign Running Back Mykel Benson

The Philadelphia Soul re-signed wide receiver Ryan McDaniel Friday. They also signed running back Mykel Benson. McDaniel will be joining the Soul for his fifth season. This will be Benson’s first season with the team.

McDaniels has caught 345 passes from quarterback Dan Raudabaugh for 4,159 yards and 88 touchdowns over his four-year tenure in Philadelphia. He’s also been to two ArenaBowls, winning one in 2016.

Benson joins the Soul after losing to them in his last game with the Arizona Rattlers. He’s rushed for 507 yards and 37 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He’s also spent time with the San Antonio Talons, Orlando Predators, Georgia Force and Milwaukee Mustangs. He was also named to the All-Arena Second Team in 2014.

The Soul now have two of the top four leading rushers from the 2016 season. Running back Jeramie Richardson finished second while Benson finished fourth.

The Soul are one of five teams competing in the 30th Arena Football League season in 2017. They will be looking to cap it off with their second consecutive ArenaBowl title.