The Dallas Vigilantes reunion just got a bit more crowded yesterday as the Soul added their sixth former member from the 2011 Vigilantes squad. The former Vigilante emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers last season after erupting for 11.0 sacks, the third best output in the AFL. He finished the season with 43.5 total tackles (34 solo and 19 assisted), 12.0 tackles-for-loss (fourth best in the league), 1 interception, 3 quarterback hurries, a blocked kick and scored 2 safeties along with a touchdown.
Bear accomplished all this in 16 of the team's 18 regular season games, starting just 12 of those games. He earned a Second Team All-Arena selection for his efforts and looks to improve even more after just two seasons in the AFL.
Bear started in 1 of the team's first 5 games until becoming a consistent starter for the rest of the season. He missed two of the last four games of the season, a victory over the Philadelphia Soul and a regular season finale contest against the Arizona Rattlers.
The Vigilantes went 6-1 in the seven games that Bear registered at least one sack, losing only a 1-point heart-breaker (76-75) to the Pittsburgh Power at home. Bear's best sack output came on the road against the Kansas City Brigade in Week 8 as he recorded 2.5 sacks.
Before 2011, Bear played for two AFL teams in 2010 garnishing modest success with both squads in such a short period of time. He began 2010 playing for the Tampa Bay Storm and registered 10 total tackles (8 solo and 4 assisted) and 1.0 sack in just 5 games. Bear then played for the Alabama Vipers in 3 games where he notched 10.5 total tackles (7 solo and 7 assisted) and 1.5 sacks.
He spent 2009 with the AF2's Florida Firecats appearing in all 16 regular season games and recorded 26.5 total tackles, 2 sacks, 4 tackles-for-loss and 1 fumble recovery.
Bear best collegiate season with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2004-07) came during his senior year recording 37.0 total tackles (24 solo and 26 assisted), 4.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.
The Soul will probably have the toughest time deciding what players to keep as they continue to bring in talented players on a regular basis. Bear adds another sack threat to a defensive unit that's already pretty good at getting to the quarterback. The Soul now have 3 of the league's top 10 sack artists from 2011 and should be a force to reckon with come game time.
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