WR Larry Brackins

Entering his fourth season with the Soul, Larry Brackins joins a group that has the potential of being the best receiving corps in Soul history. Along with fellow teammate Clifton Smith, Brackins is the only other player left from the 2008 championship season for the Soul.

While attended Pearl River Community College (2003-2004), Brackins received numerous awards for his play with the Wildcats. In his freshman season, Brackins recorded 45 receptions for 772 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Wildcats. The next season Brackins improved upon his impressive numbers by recording 55 receptions for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns. His awards include two time (2003-2004) All-Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges (MACJC) and First-Team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in 2004.

Brackins was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 5th round (155th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. After missing part of training camp due to a hamstring injury, Brackins was released days before the Buccaneers first game of the 2005 season. He made two catches for 19 yards during the 2005 preseason, but the "project" out of Pearl River Community College couldn't catch on with the team. Brackins resigned with the Buccaneers in 2006 where he spent time at their training camp, but was again released this time in late July.

In 2007 Brackins joined the Philadelphia Soul where he instantly made in impact playing in just 10 regular season games. Brackins recorded 56 receptions for 786 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Soul during his rookie season with the AFL. Brackins improved upon his impressive rookie campaign in 2008 where he recorded 107 recpetions for 1,395 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Eastern Division Champions. It was Brackins who was on the receiving end of one of the most important touchdowns in Soul history.

In the Divisional Round of the 2008 playoffs, the Soul faced the New York Dragons who held the Soul at the brink of elimination. With 7 seconds left, the Soul trailed 48-43 and were on the Soul's 22-yard line. Then QB Matt D'Orazio dropped back for the final play of the game and connected with Brackins on a crossing pattern. Brackins catching the ball at the Dragons' 10-yard line dashed towards to right side of the goal line and dove in for the touchdown. The play was so close that it had to go under review, but was ultimately upheld in favor of the Soul. That play propelled the Soul through the playoffs and into ArenaBowl XXII where they defeated the San Jose SaberCats 59-56.

Later that year Brackins signed on with the New York Jets, but was later released during final cuts. During the league's hiatus in 2009, Brackins was drafted by the California Redwoods of the UFL during the league's inaugural draft.

Brackins reentered the AFL with the Dallas Vigilantes in 2010 where recorded 61 receptions for 734 yards and 20 touchdowns. in 2011 Brackins returned to the Soul, but had his least productive season ever in the AFL recording 41 catches for 492 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 games.

Brackins looks to at least play the same role as he did last season with the Soul. Brackins brings veteran and championship experience to a Soul franchise that's very familiar with him and vice versa. Brackins will be a productive contributor as the Soul hope to rekindle some of that 2008 magic that has alluded the franchise since.