Sunday, November 04, 2012

Soul bring back Morgan, Goosby

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Soul have announced that former AFL Rookie of the Year and perennial All-Arena wide receiver, Donovan Morgan along with jack linebacker Joe Goosby will return to the team.


Despite missing seven games due to injury last season, Morgan was able to amass 79 receptions for 1,020 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2012.  In his two seasons with the Soul, he finds himself amongst the franchise career regular-season leaders in receptions (200), receiving yards (2,977), receiving touchdowns (63) and total touchdowns (65).

“The return of Donovan is a significant addition heading into the free-agency period next week,” said Soul general manager Tom Goodhines.  “Talent attracts talent and Donovan’s return shows that this organization is serious about making another run at the title.”

“Donovan is another great weapon to have in our arsenal,” added Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.  “He is a big receiver that opposing defenses have to account for.  He will be a big contributor to help bring a championship back to Philadelphia.”

Morgan was the AFL Rookie of the Year in 2008 while with the Chicago Rush.  He also earned First Team All-Arena in 2010 with the Tulsa Talons and Second Team All-Arena honors while with the Soul in 2011.

His best single-game performance came in his Soul debut in 2011, where he caught 14 receptions for 189 yards and five touchdowns, while adding a rushing touchdown, in a 58-52 overtime victory in Week 1 at Pittsburgh.  With that performance, Morgan tied Soul regular-season records for most receptions in a game and most touchdowns in a game.


Goosby, who is entering his third AFL season, led the Soul defense in total tackles (96.0), while recording four interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 1.5 total sacks.


“We continue to put the pieces of our core together,” said Goodhines.  “Joe was a big part of our defense last season and an important piece to bring back.  Our first few moves this off-season have demonstrated to prospective teammates that we intend to return to the ArenaBowl.”


“Joe leads by example.  He’s a physical player with great instincts,” said Dolezel.  “He plays his position as well as anybody in the League and we are excited to have him back in Philadelphia next season.”


Goosby joined the Dallas Vigilantes in the 2011 season as a rookie free agent.  He amassed 43.0 total tackles, three blocked kicks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception that season.  Prior to joining the Vigilantes, Goosby was a member of the IFL’s San Angelo Stampede Express (2010), and the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings (2009).  Goosby played collegiately at Tulane University (2004-06) and was an All-Conference USA selection. In three seasons at Tulane he totaled 100.0 tackles (60 solo) in 33 career games.

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