The West Virginia Roughriders have signed 6" 4' defensive back Robert Sands for the 2019 season, the team announced on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Sands, a former 3 year starting defensive back at the University of West Virginia (2008-2010), was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 5th Round of the 2011 NFL Draft after deciding to forgo his senior season at WVU. Shortly after his time with Cincinnati, Sands would find playing time in the CFL (Canadian Football League) with the Edmonton Eskimos (2014-2015) as well as with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2016). Following his time in the CFL, Sands signed with the LA Kiss of the Arena Football League in 2016 and most recently in 2017 with the team he most recently has played for, the National Arena League's (NAL) Columbus lions.
The West Virginia Roughriders Owner and General Manager, Gregg Fornario, is looking forward to having such a player with Sands' size and skill level to help slow down the fast pace offenses of arena football. "We are excited to bring on a player such as Sands. With his size, speed and arena football experience he will quickly become a true leader on defense and in the locker room." Fornario would also go onto say that having guys that have played together in the past like, Noel Devine, Jarrett Brown, and now Robert Sands, will help with creating a quick and natural chemistry in training camp. "These guys have all been through the ringer together" said Fornario, "Cannot ask for a better situation going into a short camp come February."
Questions please contact Gregg Fornario - Gregg@westvirginiaroughriders.com
Jesse Heninger - Director of Operation/Marketing Director jesse@westvirginiaroughriders.com
Mook Zimmerman - Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator mook@westvirginiaroughriders.com
Phone: 1-866-6-RIDERS / www.westvirginiaroughriders.com
The PAF - Professional Arena Football will follow a set of rules similar to the Arena style of play, making it a natural breeding ground for elite talent to hone their skills, while also trying to advance their professional careers.
"The PAF allows us to expand nationwide and create regional divisions within the league." Said League Commissioner Gregg Fornario." The league will be ran very professionally and will keep all ownerships to a financial standard."
ABOUT THE PAF - PROFESSIONAL ARENA FOOTBALL
Professional Arena Football is set for initial kick off in March of 2019. With a playing style resembling traditional Arena rules, the PAF - Professional Arena Football will be announcing member league teams in the coming weeks. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Gregg Fornario at gregg@professionalarenafootball.com or visit www.professionalarenafootball.com
