Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Soul adds All-Arena G Devin Clark

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Soul have signed offensive lineman Devin Clark for the 2012 season. 

The former Arizona Rattler becomes the ninth former All-League player – joining Dusty Bear, Jeff Hughley, Tiger Jones, Rayshaun Kizer, Donovan Morgan, Micheaux Robinson, Derrick Ross and Tanner Varner – to sign with the Soul for 2012.

“With players reporting to training camp on Feb. 23, Devin is the final piece to our training camp roster,” said Soul general manager Tom Goodhines.  “We are excited about the team – players and coaches – that we have assembled for 2012.”

“Devin is an extremely talented offensive lineman,” added Soul head coach, Doug Plank.  “We are impressed with his playing ability and leadership in the locker room.  He has the size, strength, and lockdown abilities that will prove to be a huge asset to our team.  This is a great addition to our offensive line.”

Before signing with the Rattlers in 2010, Devin played in the NFL with the Washington Redskins in 2008.  He played in two games, one against division rival Philadelphia Eagles and one against the Cincinnati Bengals.  Before being activated, Devin played on the practice squad.  He was originally an undrafted free-agent by the Redskins.

He spent two seasons with the Arizona Rattlers (2010-11) and earned Second Team All-Arena honors, while helping lead the squad to an ArenaBowl appearance in 2011.

Before going pro, Devin spent two years at New Mexico (2006-07).  While with the Lobos, Clark played in the New Mexico Bowl twice and was named first-team All-Mountain West Conference in his senior year (2007).  In high school, he was named to the all-state team as both a junior and a senior.  He also participated in the Junior National Olympic Weight Lifting competition.

The team also announced the assignment of center, Brennen Carvalho late last week. He will be entering his third season in the AFL, spending the past two seasons playing for Arizona.

In his time with the Rattlers, Carvalho anchored the offensive line that made it to the ArenaBowl last season and accounted for one 21-yard reception and one rushing touchdown during his two-year stint (2010-11) in Arizona.

"Brennen will help solidify our offensive line immediately,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “One of the most important positions on the team is center and we believe that Brennen will be a key piece to our pass protection and our overall success on offense.”

Carvalho also spent time in the National Football League before joining the AFL.  He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as a rookie free agent and spent the season on the team’s practice squad (2008).

Before starting his pro career Carvalho was a standout player at Portland State (2004-07).  He started in 39 consecutive games, the most of any player in the 2007 senior class, and was named to the First-Team All-Big Sky three years in a row (2005-07).  During his senior season, Carvalho also received the Division I FCS Remington Award, which is given to the nation’s best center.

Carvalho was born in Kapa’a, Hawaii.  He attended Kamehameha High School where he lettered three times and was First Team All-League as a junior and senior and First Team All-State as a senior as well.

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