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Linchpins: Revolution sign former Wranglers standouts as first two players
BY Matt Welch, mwelch@starlocalnews.com
While the name, logo and general team makeup may be different, the Texas Revolution has signed a pair of faces plenty familiar with the local indoor football scene.
Packaging the announcement of the revamped IFL football team formerly known as the Allen Wranglers with the signing of its first player in Frankie Solomon, Jr. on Sept. 19, the Revolution have added another former Wrangler to the mix by bringing Ramonce Taylor on board.
“There are three things that you look for in a player at this level,” said Tommy Benizio, Texas president and CEO. “First, you want somebody who is talented, you also look for high character and third, when they have a local feel to them those three things collectively make for the best possible player at this level.
Solomon joins the Revolution after playing two seasons with the Wranglers. A defensive standout in the secondary who also helped bolster Allen’s return game, Solomon recorded a team-high 115 tackles last season to go along with seven interceptions.
Solomon donned All-IFL first team defensive honors in 2012 for his performance.
“[Solomon is] a fan favorite and a remarkable athlete,” Benizio said. “He knows his position better than just about anyone else in the Indoor Football League. We’re blessed to have him as a part of our family.”
The impact Solomon brought to the Wranglers’ defense was replicated by Taylor on offensive.
A member of The University of Texas’ 2005 national championship team, Taylor joined the Wranglers roughly one month into the 2012 season where he earned reps as a kick returner and receiver.
“When you mention Ramonce’s name, people respond,” Benizio said. “They remember the Rose Bowl and his talents at The University of Texas. He’s a pleasure from a PR standpoint, but is also a high-character guy that’s going to accomplish great things on the football field.”
Taylor thrived as a returner, earning IFL Special Teams Player of the Week honors twice. Those accolades were backed up by 908 return yards and six touchdowns. And few players benefited from the aftermath of the Wranglers’ release of Terrell Owens like Taylor, who also claimed one IFL Offensive Player of the Week award last season.
Becoming more prominent after Owens’ dismissal, Taylor responded by amassing 242 yards and seven touchdowns on 15 catches over Allen’s final four games.
“I am honored to be one of the first players signed and to be involved with the team so early in its creation,” Taylor said. “I believe the Revolution leadership will present the community with a first-class, championship-caliber team that I will be proud to be a part of.”
The two join a Texas squad still without a head coach, although that situation looks to be remedied in the next few weeks as the Revolution continue their rebuilding project in preparation for 2013 season.
“We’re eager to announce the new coach and are working on adding additional talented players to the roster,” Benizio said.
For continued news and coverage on the local sports scene, follow @MWelchSCN on Twitter.
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