Jersey Flight Roster Preview

TRENTON, NJ - With the New Year in full swing, and the season fast approaching, The Jersey Flight roster is coming together ahead of the new season. The Flight coaching staff began constructing the roster last August with re-signings, followed by the opening of National Arena League (NAL) Free Agency last October.

The Flight will begin their inaugural NAL season on April 5, 2021 against the Ontario Bandits, another expansion franchise joining the league. The home opener, at Cure Insurance Arena, located in Trenton, NJ will be on May 1, 2021 against the Albany Empire in the inaugural "Capital City Clash" game. The Empire made the move to the NAL after winning the 2019 Arena Football League (AFL) ArenaBowl championship.

Speaking about the talent assembled on the roster, Flight GM/HC Terry Foster said he had signed veterans with numerous years of experience in arena football, mixed alongside prospects who have potential to have a breakout season in the NAL.

"We were fortunate to re-sign what we felt would be the foundation for this franchise going into our second inaugural season due to the cancelation of the 2020 season, and we were able to add some depth through the free agent signing process. As a staff we are extremely excited of the possibilities of this group,” Foster said.

“We believe we have the best quarterback room in arena sports with veterans Danny and Warren, with a veteran riddled offensive line to protect. Offensive skill may be the deepest in the league on paper and it's going to be a very, very competitive camp,” Foster added. “On the defensive side of the ball we have several high motor pass rushers that will be led by Sean Daniels and Calvin Fance. The skill level in the DB crew is top notch, they are all physical, fast and have very high football IQ's. Our Defense will be led by AFL great Alvin Ray Jackson."

While the roster has players from all over the country, there’s a number of New Jersey natives who will play in the Capital City this spring. Players from local colleges such as Temple University, Rowan University, SUNY-Maritime, The University of Delaware and Delaware State, are all represented on the Flight roster.

QUARTERBACK
Two of the NAL’s most experienced quarterbacks will enter training camp in a quarterback competition to determine the Week 1 starter against Ontario.

Warren Smith Jr (6' 205), is a New Jersey native who is a teacher and football coach at his alma mater Lacey High School. He joins the Flight after most recently playing for the Atlantic City Blackjacks, where he threw 19 TD’s and ran for 5 in four starts. Smith won an ArenaBowl Championship in 2018 with the Washington Valor. He was the 1st player to be named NAL MVP during the league's inaugural season in 2017. Smith played for the Trenton Freedom in 2014 and was named PIFL MVP before signing with the Spokane Shock in 2015.

Danny Southwick (6'2 195), has more experience than any quarterback in the NAL and has been playing arena football since 2008. The Flight are the 18th professional franchise Southwick has been a member of. Southwick is a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania and received his Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from Penn. Southwick saw a majority of his in game action come from 2014-2016, splitting time between the Portland Thunder and the LA KISS. Southwick threw for 49 touchdowns and 2,632 yards in 2015. Southwick signed with the Oakland Raiders during the 2009 offseason following a season in the AF2.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Tyron Laughinghouse (6'1 197), is a former All-NAL WR who led the Carolina Cobras in receiving yards during the 2018 season. Laughinghouse caught 70 passes for 805 yards and 21 TD’s, despite missing three games due to injury. Laughinghouse was a member of the Atlantic City Blackjacks in 2019 and was teammates with Warren Smith. He has also played for the Wichita Nighthawks in the IFL.

Rashaad Carter (6'3 220), began his professional career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. Carter had a breakout rookie season with the Spokane Shock in 2014, recording 74 catches, 780 yards and 17 TD’s, with an additional six rushing and one passing TD. During the 2015 season he was teammates with both Flight QB’s, Smith and Southwick, on the Spokane Shock. Carter has also been a member of the Portland Thunder and the Richmond Roughriders.

Larry Beavers (6' 180), had a record breaking career at Wesley University and went on to sign with the Carolina Panthers as an UDFA. The next year he joined the New Orleans Saints and returned a 97-yard touchdown during his first preseason game. In arena football, Beavers has played for the New Orleans Voodoo, Cleveland Gladiators, Philadelphia Soul, Albany Empire, and West Virginia Roughriders. Beavers had 1K receiving yards and 1K kick return yards during the 2014 AFL season.

Edward “Sauce” Victorian (5'10 191), joins the Flight after an explosive stint with the Orlando Predators in 2019. Victorian led Orlando in receiving during the first three games of the season before he decided to leave the organization. Prior to his time in Orlando, Victorian played for Flight head coach Terry Foster with the High Country Grizzlies in 2018 and finished the 2019 campaign in Fayetteville, NC with Foster and the Cape Fear Heroes.

Jared “Jaccpot” Harris (5'11 190), is another player who is reuniting with Foster in Trenton. During the 2019 season Harris was on the Cape Fear Heroes roster. He was also a member of the Myrtle Beach Freedom/Sharks. Jared is a two way specialist and will compete to see action in a very deep receiver group and talented and physical DB crew. Prior to playing for Foster Harris was known as a big playmaker for the Georgia Rampage. Harris attended Pikeville college in Kentucky and was a standout QB.

Jaren Colston-Green (6'1 193), was a member of the Orlando Predators during his rookie season in 2019. Colston-Green attended Utah State and was a deep ball threat during his time with the Aggies. He averaged 29.9 yards per reception and recorded three catches for over 40 yards during his junior year. He began his college career at Oklahoma State University before transferring to Arizona Western College.

Neiko Creamer (6'3 230), was a member of the Atlantic City Blackjacks during the 2019 season but did not appear in any games, qualifying him as a true rookie in arena football. Creamer played college football at Eastern Kentucky and The University of Tennessee. He had a career total of 79 receptions and 911 yards during his three seasons at EKU. He also has the versatility to play Jack Linebacker.

Brian Robinson (6' 185), joins the Flight in 2021 having arena experience in multiple leagues. Played collegiately at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, played professionally in Europe (Poland) 2 seasons with the Rhinos Wyszków. Previous indoor experience includes 2018 AAL Champion Atlanta Havoc as well as the Georgia Doom in which he led the team in TDs. Also, works as the Offensive Coordinator at Stone Mountain HS in Atlanta, GA.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Keith Newell (6'4 328), is a Trenton native who will anchor the Flight OL. Newell spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Soul and won two ArenaBowl championships in Philly. Newell plays the TE position, which in arena football is an offensive lineman who is eligible to catch screen passes occasionally. He caught two touchdowns during the 2019 season with the Soul. He began his arena career with the Trenton Freedom and Pittsburgh Power in 2014. Newell was a star player at Trenton Central High School and went on to play at Rutgers and Delaware State University.

Wondell Rutledge (6'2 320), will play the final season of his pro career in 2021. Rutledge informed the Flight coaching staff that this will be his final season of football. The University of Toledo alumni has been a member of both the Orlando Predators and Tampa Bay Storm, in addition to the San Jose Sabercats and San Antonio Talons. Rutledge played for coach Foster as a member of the Rio Grande Valley Sol. Rutledge was an Ironman player early in his career, contributing at both OL/DL and LB.

Shawn Lockett (6'1 317), will reunite with Warren Smith after helping protect Smith during his NAL MVP season in 2017. Lockett spent time at both center and fullback with the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks and caught a TD from Smith. Lockett signed with the Albany Empire in 2018. He is the offensive line coach at Springfield High School, his alma mater in Massachusetts.

Armonti Carey (6'4 325), and Jeremiah Zene Jr (6'6 330), are two throwback style Ironman lineman who also could see time on the OL. Carey and Zene both played for the Orlando Predators in 2019 and played both sides of the ball. Zene has played fullback in the past.

Martese Patterson (6'5 345), is a rookie who joins the Flight after playing college football at the University of Purdue and Tuskegee. Patterson started three games at right tackle during the 2015 season with Purdue. He went on to become a full time starter at Tuskegee and was named to the 2018 SIAC All-Conference team.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Sean Daniels (6'3 255), was a dominant force with the Philadelphia Soul from 2016-2019. He was named 2nd Team All-Arena in 2017 and won two ArenaBowl titles. Newell and Daniels' time together on the Soul was a key factor in Daniels' decision to sign with the Flight. The Blackwood, NJ native played at Sterling High School and had a successful college career at Temple University. He is the younger brother of current Cincinnati Bengals DL Mike Daniels.

Calvin Fance (6'2 253), is another former Philadelphia Soul player who joins the Flight after more recently winning ArenaBowl 32 as a member of the Albany Empire. Fance began his arena career with the Soul in 2013 and returned in 2014 before joining the Orlando Predators for two seasons. He split time between the Soul and Empire in 2018 before spending the entire 2019 season in Albany. Fance is a versatile veteran who has the ability to play at DE or Mac.

Matthew Hardison (6'4 290), returns to the Flight after being an integral vet during the first season in 2018. Hardison most recently played for the New York Streets during the 2019 NAL season. Following his college career at the University of Delaware, Hardison signed as an UDFA with the New York Jets. He has also been a member of the New Orleans Voodoo, Tampa Bay Storm, Cleveland Gladiators, and Las Vegas Outlaws.

Armonti “The Big General” Carey and Jeremiah Zene Jr will also contribute greatly to the DL. Carey has spent time in the NAL with the Corpus Christi Rage and the Maine Mammoths, before landing in Orlando for the 2019 season. Armonti played several games on the offensive side but still recorded (sacks) with Orlando in 2019. Carey has also spent time in the IFL with the Colorado Crush. Zene has contributed on both sides of the ball with Orlando, the Carolina Cobras, and the Monterrey Steel. Zene has seen time at FB, OL, and DL during his NAL tenure. Both players primarily play NG, but look to bring pressure from multiple positions in 2021.

Isaac Gross (6'1 243), is a former Ole Miss captain who saw action during his entire college career. He made seven starts as a true freshman and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team. He ranks 10th in Ole Miss history in career tackles for loss. Gross also joins the Flight defense after playing for the New York Streets in 2019 when he recorded 16.5 tackles and 2.5 sacks. During his time at Ole Miss Gross was a DT but is more well suited for DE/LB now.

Boqiao “Bo” Li (6'4 250), is the first international player to join the Flight, although more are expected with the NAL’s Southern American roster exemption. Li joins the Flight by way of Beijing China, where he still lives and trains during the offseason. Li was a part of the NFL Pathway Program intended to lead more international players into NFL rosters. Li began his arena football career with the Georgia Doom.

Jason Carr (6’6 290) began his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017. Carr has also been in the CFL with Edmonton. Carr recorded 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one sack during his senior year at West Georgia. He began his college career at the University of Tennessee after being a four-star recruit at White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee.

Joe Davis (6’5 270), will make his professional debut with the Flight. Davis finished his college career at Southern University in 2019 and recorded 37 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and an interception. Davis was named Second-Team All-SWAC in 2019. The New Orleans, Louisiana native attended Joseph S. Clark High School.

Anfernee Mullins (6’4 280), started his college football career at Mississippi State following his high school days in Alabama. Mullins went on to attend Grambling State University where he was named to the 2019 Phil Steele FCS Postseason All-Conference teams after recording seven sacks during his senior year. Mullins will also be making his professional football debut with the Flight.

Izaah Burks Sr. (6'4 320), Burks has been a member of both the AAF & XFL, as well as two NFL training camps. Following his college career at Bowling Green State University, Burks signed with the Green Bay Packers as an UDFA in 2017. He spent time on the Packers practice squad befroe he went on to sign with the New York Giants. Burks signed with the Orlando Appolos in 2019 and recorded nine tackles in the AAF. He was drafted by the Dallas Renegades in the XFL draft but did not appear in Dallas.  

DEFENSIVE BACKS 

Svante Davenport (5’11 185), was named 2nd Team All-NAL during the league's inaugural season in 2017. He recorded seven interceptions with the Monterrey Steel and was teammates with Jeremiah Zene. He went on to sign with the Washington Valor in 2018 and made a clutch interception which assisted in the big upset victory of the ArenaBowl championship. While with the Valor he was teammates with Flight QB Warren Smith and Defensive Coordinator Alvin Ray Jackson. Davenport returned to the Valor in 2019 and recorded two interceptions.

Willie Bailey Jr (6’2 185), joins the Flight after spending time with the Philadelphia Soul and Baltimore Brigade. Bailey has the ability to play multiple spots in the secondary including the middle. Bailey began his college career in his home state at the University of Florida. He transferred to Virginia Union University and was an All-Conference player at VUU.

Timothy Breaker (5'11 210), is a Glassboro, NJ native and former University of Delaware standout. Breaker spent multiple years playing football in Europe, winning a league championship with the Thonon Black Panthers and the Kiel Baltic hurricanes. Breaker played for Flight HC Terry Foster in 2019 with the Cape Fear Heroes. Breaker is the founder and CEO of “DreamCatcherz Sports Academy,” a sports performance company based in Glassboro.

Juvi Ray "Birdman" Berry (5'11 200), born in Ridgemont, TX. Berry played for Mississippi Valley State University and has played pro ball with Duke City Gladiators for 3 seasons. 2x CIF 1st team all-league selection. Father of 4, and works as a Texas realtor.

Jevaughn "Jcod" Codlin (5'11 190), was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, and moved to Florida at 9 years old with his aunt and grandma, where he graduated from Village Academy High School in Delray Beach, FL. Played 4 years at Kansas Wesleyan where he was a 2 time All Conference player and 3 time team captain his career stats include 145 tackles, 45 PBUs, 3INTs, 1FF, 2FR. Codlin had a team high 12 pbus in 2017 & 2018. Jevaughn played in the FCS bowl in Daytona where he was one of the few NAIA invitees, he then competed in the Podyum All star Bowl in January 2020. This offseason Codlin worked out with Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown.

Eddie Davis (6’ 185) returns to the Flight after playing in Trenton during the 2018 season. Davis is a Camden, NJ native who finished his college career at Rowan University after starting at Wagner College. Davis played two seasons of arena football and has intercepted 10 passes, three of which he returned for TD’s. He intercepted seven passes in only four games with the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in 2017. Davis was awarded NAL Defensive Player of the Week following a three interception performance in Week 2.

Brian Price (6’4 225) also returns to the Flight, following a championship season with the West Virginia Roughriders. Price was an impact player at Jack linebacker for West Virginia and began his professional career with the Flight in 2018, starting every game at JLB. He played CB in college at SUNY-Maritime. Price is from Harlem, New York and is a personal trainer in New York City and runs “BPhit Body Performance.”

The Jersey Flight are a professional Arena Football team based in Trenton, New Jersey. The Flight are a member of the National Arena League (NAL). Home games are played at Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton. The team is owned by New Flight Enterprises, LLC. Follow the team @JerseyFlight on Instagram & Facebook, and @JerseyFlightFB on Twitter.