Soul add another Rattler to the roster

After adding former Rattler C Brennen Carvalho three days ago, the Soul have announced the assignment of OG Devin Clark who also has played the past two seasons in Arizona. Clark started alongside Carvalho every game last season as well, as both players were instrumental in the Rattlers' 2011 tittle run. 

Clark also received Second Team All-Arena honors for his play last season. The Soul, in a matter of days, have dramatically updated the offensive line with the former Rattlers All-Arena additions. Of the five true offensive lineman the Soul had on the roster previous to these two moves, they combined for just 3 years of AFL experience. Even though both Carvalho and Clark have been in the league just two years apiece, they bring All-Arena experience to a line that desperately needed an upgrade. 

Their ability to consistently start at such a high level is certainly a huge plus for the Soul that was riddled with injuries and disappointing performances. The Additions of Carvalho and Clark make for the eighth and ninth former All-Arena player to sign with the Soul this off-season. They join LB Dusty Bear, WR/KR Jeff Hughley, WR Anthony "Tiger" Jones, DB Rayshaun Kizer, WR Donovan Morgan, DB Micheaux Robinson, FB Derrick Ross and DB Tanner Varner.

Clark was signed by the Rattlers eight games into the 2010 season just prior to their June 11th match-up with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. He started that week and the rest of the season making eight offensive line starts while helping the Rattlers make a playoff appearance. Clark has started around 29 straight games for the Rattlers making him one of the most durable and reliable lineman currently in the league.

Clark signed with the Washington Redskins of the NFL in 2008 as an undrafted free-agent where he originally played on the practice squad before being activated later that season. He played in two games that season, a December 14th loss at Cincinnati and a December 21st victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was later released an eventually made his way to the AFL where he's found success.

Devin played two years (2006-07) at the University of New Mexico after transferring from Scottsdale Community College. He started for the Lobos both years and was named first-team All-Mountain West Conference his senior year. 

Soul general manager Tom Goodhines has stated Clark as "the final piece to our training camp roster" just days before players begin to report to training camp on February 23rd. I'd have to agree based on the amount of talent the Soul have added with not enough roster spots to do them justice. The soul have beefed up the quarterback position, receiving/kick returning corps, rushing game, offensive line, linebackers and defensive backfield making for one talented roster. 

I wouldn't put it past the front office to make another move before/during camp, but as a fan how can you not be pleased with what the Soul have accomplished thus far this off-season? I for one am excited for some arena football action and March 18th can't get here soon enough.