This is the last post I'll be focusing on free agents (unless other big time players are signed) and today I'm giving you all some information on 2 players instead of the traditional 1. Both played for the Dallas Vigilantes last season and if you've been reading my prior posts then you'd know that this is a common trend for the Soul this off-season.
Johnson contributed very well for the Vigilantes last season by starting every game and only giving up 1 sack. He can step into the line this year for the Soul and give Raudabugh that same kind of protection which would make the offense that much better. Remember in the AFL it's 8 against 8 on the field with 3 true offensive lineman there to block. The offense must have 4 offensive players on the line-of-scrimmage, but the fourth is either a TE or sometimes a WR who can then become pass eligible. The defense must have 5 players in the tackle box (3 DL & 2 LB) so the addition of Johnson could be critical in keeping Raudabuagh upright and comfortable in the pocket.
Things break down quickly in the AFL around the pocket, a fact the Soul know all too well after allowing their opponents to sack the QB 31 times (good for only 11th best in the AFL). The Vigilantes allowed only 16 sacks (2nd best in the AFL) in comparison to the Soul's output. Only the Jacksonville Sharks gave up fewer than the Vigilantes with 11 sacks allowed and the Iowa Barnstormers gave up the most in the league with 46 sacks allowed. The Soul were 20 sacks off from being tied with the Sharks and 15 sacks away from being the worst. With that said, the offensive line can definitely be upgraded and Johnson provides yet another piece to the Soul's roster puzzle for 2012. This signing isn't as publicized as the others which I've already posted on, but it may result in being one of the most important signings for the Soul.
Goosby signed with the Vigilantes last year as a rookie free agent out of Tulane University (2004-2007) where he contributed well for the squad. Playing in the team's first 9 games Goosby amassed 43 tackles, 3 blocked punts, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception. Missing the last 9 due to injury, Goosby showed a good amount of play-making abilities for the Vigilantes during his 9-game stretch. Given a full season worth of work Goosby could be a pretty good player for the Soul.
Goosby had previously played for the IFL's San Antonio Stampede in 2010 and the AF2's Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings in 2009. He played with current Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte during their Tulane days where Goosby totaled 100 tackles during his time there.
Both players can add something to the Soul this upcoming season. It's player like these that add the right amount of accent pieces to a squad teeming with big name players. I'm looking forward to seeing what both can do along with their former Vigilantes teammates. The amount of familiarity on this year's Soul squad is something to really appreciate as the season approaches. Few teams will have this type of luxury and the Soul must be able to capitalize on it quickly to convince their fan base why they should begin caring again for their AFL team.
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