ABILENE, TX. : The Abilene Ruff Riders announced on Thursday, January 29, 2009 that the organization has signed six key players to the training camp roster. DL Warren Lott, OL Matt Raesner, QB Orrick Watkins, OL Jeff White, WR/KR Juan Reese, and WR Brandon Stewart will all be heading to Abilene for training camp starting in mid-March. Each player brings significant talent and athletic ability to the table. Abilene begins their 2009 season with an exhibition match-up in Odessa versus the Roughnecks on Monday, March 30, 2009.
Warren Lott (DL) 6’3”, 250 lbs. Georgia Military College / Kansas State University -
Warren has been recognized across the country for his strength and agility on the field, and he has been the recipient of several awards. Warren is also the nephew of NFL Hall of Famer, Ronnie Lott. Warren began his career by enrolling in Georgia Military College where he was named Second Team All-American by the NJCAA in 1997. Soon after he graduated he selected Kansas State University as his next college choice. Warren played with Kansas State during some of the best years of the program under Head Coach Bill Snyder. However a knee injury prevented Lott from playing for two years. In 2000, Lott appeared in 11 games and recorded 49 tackles (27 solo) with one sack and two tackles for loss. Lott recently spent the 2008 season with the Arizona Adrenaline of the AIFA.
Brandon Stewart (WR) 6’2”, 195 lbs. Eastern Arizona College -
Stewart is a Junior College standout that opted out for the chance to compete for a spot in the CFL (Canadian Football League) back in 2007. In 2008, he saw significant playing time for the Grey Cup Champion Calgary Stampeders. Stewart stands out because of his size, speed and good hands.
Juan Reese (WR/KR) 5’10”, 180 lbs. University of Central Oklahoma -
Reese is a graduate of Irving MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas and he attended the University of Central Oklahoma. Throughout his football career he has received several awards including an Honorable Mention All-American selection while at MacArthur, and was named All-District in two sports. Reese lettered in four sports while at Irving MacArthur High, these included; basketball, track & field, baseball and football. Reese played for two seasons while at Central Oklahoma, and played three seasons with the U.S. Army. Reese spent 2008 with the Katy Ruff Riders of the former Intense Football League, where he finished fourth in total yards among all players. He is an explosive kick returner who will add depth to a promising wide receiving core.
Matt Raesner (OL) 6’4”, 325 lbs. Abilene Christian University -
Raesner is a All-Lone Star Conference All-American Offensive Lineman. He helped an offensive line that paved the way for one of the top offenses in NCAA Division II football. The Nashville, Tennessee native attended Overton High School where he was team captain and an All-District selection. Raesner graduated from Overton in 2001. He brings great athletic ability to the offensive line, and he will be a big part of the pass protection on offense.
Orrick Watkins (QB) 6’6”, 220 lbs. North Carolina A&T -
Watkins is a versatile quarterback who has the ability to run out of the pocket when necessary. He was named a Pre-Season All-Conference selection at North Carolina A & T. Watkins holds solid speed and can throw well on the run. He will be a good fit for Head Coach Gerald Dockery on the offensive side of the ball.
Jeff White (OL) 6’4”, 325 lbs. University of Louisiana - Lafayette -
White brings experience to the Ruff Riders after spending two seasons with the Frisco Thunder of the former Intense Football League. The former Louisiana-Lafayette player will be a good addition to the offensive line especially for protection during passing plays and run blocking.
Further information on these topics can be obtained by contacting the Ruff Riders front office at (325) 677-PASS (7277) or by logging onto the Ruff Riders website at www.abileneruffriders.com.
