Soul Make ridiculous signing

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul have signed 2011 All-Ironman team selection WR/KR Jeff Hughley.

Coming off an impressive 2011 season with the Jacksonville Sharks, Hughley, who is nicknamed "Ridiculous," will join the explosive receiving corps the Soul has put together for the upcoming season.

“This is a very exciting signing for the Soul,” said Soul general manager Tom Goodhines.  “After watching his highlights, it is easy to see how he earned his nickname, ‘Ridiculous’.  We are going to stay aggressive in free agency and will continue to add the best talent from inside and outside of the League.”

Hughley is coming off back-to-back 2010 and 2011 seasons receiving All-Ironman Team WR/KR honors.  He had an impressive 2011 with the Jacksonville Sharks, ranking No. 3 in all-purpose yards in the league (2,680), and No. 7 in the League in kickoff return yards (1,429).  For the season, he hauled in 89 receptions for 1,171 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns while returning 69 kickoffs that went for 1,447 yards with one touchdown, and one rushing touchdown on the season.

Hughley’s best game came in the Week 16 match up against the Tampa Bay Storm where registered 324 all-purpose yards, 13 receptions for 210 yards and six touchdowns, and 114 kickoff-return yards. For that performance he was awarded with the Russell Offensive Player of the Week honors.

In 2011, he had eight games with at least five receptions, four games with double-digit receptions, and six games with at least 100 yards.  Hughley spent time with the Tulsa Talons (2007-10) and was No. 2 in the League in 2010 for all-purpose yards (2,808), and No. 4 in all-purpose yards per game (175.5).  In 2009, he was awarded as the af2 Ironman of the Year.  While attending Averett, Hughley set school records including: leader in yards (2,925), receptions (221), and touchdowns (31).

“Jeff is an extremely talented player,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “We plan to use him in a variety of ways, utilizing his speed and open-field playmaking abilities.  Philly fans will marvel in his hustle and hard work on the field.  Our return game will not be an area of weakness.”