***Predators News Release***
ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Predators added two players to the roster this week, as the franchise announced the acquisitions of defensive back Tracy Belton and wide receiver Jeffrey Solomon. Belton was acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Sharks, along with QB Kyle Rowley. Orlando completed its roster adjustment on Monday afternoon, as the Predators sent Rowley to the Portland Thunder in exchange for Solomon.
“From a personnel standpoint, we constantly focus on increasing the internal level of competition on our own roster,” said Head Coach Rob Keefe. “Tracy and Jeff bring veteran experience to our team, but the decision to bring them in was based strictly on talent. We became a better team today not only because of the players we added, but also because the talent that Tracy and Jeff bring to the table forces the rest of the group to raise their level of play as well.”
Belton (6-1, 180, Massachusetts) is in his fifth season in the Arena Football League. In 2012, he earned Second Team All-Arena accolades after recording 54.5 total tackles with nine pass breaks and a team-high 11 interceptions for the Georgia Force. Throughout his AFL career, Belton has racked up 357.5 total tackles with 8.0 stops for loss, seven forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 50 pass breakups and 30 interceptions. In receiving Belton, Orlando completed the trade with Jacksonville that sent QB Aaron Garcia to the Sharks.
Solomon (6-0, 205, Washington State) is a third-year veteran and is in the midst of a career year. In four games with the Thunder, Solomon posted team-highs in all receiving categories with 33 receptions for 453 yards and six touchdowns. Solomon spent the previous two seasons with the Spokane Shock, where he delivered 728 yards and 14 scores on 58 catches.
The Orlando Predators (3-2) currently lead the American Conference’s South Division. The team returns to CFE Arena in Week 6 to take on the Tampa Bay Storm on Saturday, April 19th in the second edition of the 2014 “War on I-4.” Kickoff is scheduled for7:30 p.m. EST. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 407-648-4444!
ABOUT THE ORLANDO PREDATORS
The Orlando Predators are heading into their 23rd season as Orlando’s most exciting and innovative professional sports franchise. Proud members of the Arena Football League, the Predators have achieved unprecedented success on the field, reaching the AFL postseason a league-leading 19 times in their history. The Orlando Predators have advanced to the AFL playoffs a league-leading 19 times in their history while securing seven conference championships, including two ArenaBowl Championship victories in 1998 and 2000.