Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Raudabaugh returns to Soul

PHILADELPHIA  – The Philadelphia Soul have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with one of the Arena Football League’s top quarterbacks, Dan Raudabaugh. 

The Soul’s assignment of Raudabaugh by the League Office keeps the veteran signal caller in Philadelphia through the 2014 season.

“This is a significant first transaction for our organization,” said Soul general manager Tom Goodhines. “After a successful season in 2012, it is important to retain our core players and Dan is one of the centerpieces we targeted.  We are excited to have him lead us back to the ArenaBowl.”

Raudabaugh guided the Soul’s record-setting offense – highlighted by 1,228 points scored – with an outstanding season that earned the team an American Conference Championship and an ArenaBowl appearance.  He finished the 2012 regular season by completing 362-of-540 passes (67.0 percent) and establishing single-season franchise records for passing yards (4,790) and touchdowns (115).

“This is a quarterback-driven league, so it is extremely important to make sure you have a top quarterback locked in,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.  “Dan is a proven leader on and off the field.  He has been familiar in our system for the past few seasons and continues to improve each year.”

Prior to coming to Philadelphia, Raudabaugh began his AFL career with the Dallas Vigilantes (2010-11).  In two seasons with the Vigilantes, Raudabaugh played in 20 games, including one playoff game, completing 391-of-557 (64.8 percent) passes, with 100 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.  He took over as the signal-caller duties in the final two games of the 2010 season and retained the job going into the 2011 season.

During his collegiate career (2005-09), the former RedHawk ranked No. 5 in all-time passing yards (5,352).  He was No. 3 in all-time career completions (511) and also No. 3 in the school’s all-time pass attempts (916).  Raudabaugh was the starting quarterback during each of his four letter-winning seasons, and was awarded the No. 1 spot on the depth chart as a red-shirt freshman.

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