Soul bring back two key players

PHILADELPHIA – The American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul announce that center, Brennen Carvalho and 2012 RevHoney Defensive Back of the Year, Kent Richardson will return to the team for the 2013 season. 

In 2012, Carvalho, a former All-Arena center, anchored the offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks (5) and blocked for the League’s leading rusher, Derrick Ross, as he shattered the AFL’s single-season rushing yardage record (645).  He played in 16 regular-season games and all three postseason contests for the Soul.  He also played in the last two ArenaBowls (2011 with Arizona and 2012 with Philadelphia) and was named Second Team All-Arena in 2011 with the Rattlers.

“Brennen was a big part of our success on offensive line last season,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.  “Center is one of the most important positions on the team and – without a doubt – Brennen is an All-Arena caliber lineman who will be a key piece to 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.

Richardson, who signed a two-year deal, had a breakout season in 2012 by setting the Soul single-season record for interceptions with 14 (Eddie Moten had 13 in 2005).  In just his second AFL season, Kent tallied 80.5 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 14 interceptions returned for 178 yards and two touchdowns, 15 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. 

“Kent had an outstanding season last year,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.  “The good news is that we believe that he is still learning and has a tremendous upside.  His return gives us our returning secondary (Rayshaun Kizer and LaRico Stevenson) from last year’s American Conference Championship team.  We are very pleased to have him back this season.”

The 2012 First Team All-Arena performer was tied for No. 1 in the AFL in interceptions (14), No. 4 in interception return yards (178), No. 5 in passes defended (29) and tied for No. 6 in interception return touchdowns (2).  The second-year starter earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game four times, AFL Playmaker of the Game once and the League’s Defensive Player of the Week once in 2012.

In his rookie season, Richardson led the Soul in tackles (64.0) and pass breakups (11), while recording two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and an interception.  During his collegiate career, he was named WVU team captain and received Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll (2008).  He was a member of the Mountaineer team that won the 2008 Fiesta Bowl vs. Oklahoma and played in the 2008 Car Care Bowl, 2007 Gator Bowl, and 2006 Sugar Bowl.

The Soul also announced  an open player tryout on Saturday, January 26 in Philadelphia.  Soul head coach Clint Dolezel, general manager Tom Goodhines and staff will be evaluating all players in attendance.  Kickers will be evaluated at this tryout.

The Soul recently signed two players – wide receiver Tyrone Collins (6’0, 200, Wagner) and wide receiver Ryan McDaniel (6’3, 198, Samford) – from the last tryouts on Oct. 20, 2012.

“This market clearly has the talent,” said Goodhines.  “We have been impressed by what we have seen in this area over the years and the signing of Tyrone and Ryan shows that we are serious about finding players that will help get us back to the ArenaBowl.”

Players will be tested on their 40-yard time, broad jump and short shuttle with other position-specific drills and one-on-ones to follow.  Please bring appropriate workout gear and shoes/cleats.  Testing will take place on field turf – no metal cleats are permitted.  A trainer will be on hand for emergencies only – not for player taping.