Three Kats Named To AFL All-Rookie Squad
May 24, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Nashville Kats News Release
NASHVILLE (May 24, 2005) – Three Nashville Kats have been selected to the Arena Football League’s 2005 All-Rookie team, which was announced on Tuesday. Linemen Aaron McConnell and Joe Minucci join fullback/linebacker Dan Alexander on the squad, giving the Kats more selections than any other AFL team.
McConnell (6-3, 285) had 22 tackles, including five for loss, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. The first-year player from Pittsburg St. (KS) was also one of the KatsÂ’ top blockers on the offensive front, and he served as the teamÂ’s long snapper as well. McConnell was one of four players to play in all 16 games for Nashville this season.
He joins fellow lineman Minucci (6-3, 295), who led the Kats and all AFL rookies with five sacks in 2005. Minucci, who played collegiately at Delaware and spent last season playing with the arenafootball2 Tennessee Valley Vipers, finished with 19 tackles, 5.5 which came behind the line. He also broke up four passes, and forced and recovered a fumble. Like McConnell, he also played in all 16 games, starting the last 13.
Alexander (6-0, 255) was selected despite playing in only one of the last 10 games of the season. The rookie fullback/linebacker from Nebraska, who also spent time in the NFL with Tennessee, Jacksonville and St. Louis, led the team with 105 yards rushing and five TDÂ’s. He also caught seven passes for 72 yards and a pair of scores. He notched 12.5 stops on defense in seven games played this season.
The Rookie of the Year will be announced on Wed., June 1. The All-Arena First and Second teams will be announced on Wednesday, May 25. Following is the 2005 All-Rookie team:
2005 ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
POSITION PLAYER, TEAM
Quarterback Clint Stoerner, Dallas
Fullback/Linebacker Dan Alexander, Nashville
Offensive/Defensive lineman Aaron McConnell, Nashville
Offensive/Defensive lineman Joe Minucci, Nashville
Offensive/Defensive lineman Michael Landry, New Orleans
Wide receiver/Linebacker Derek Lee, Georgia
Wide receiver/Defensive back Kevin Nickerson, Austin
Offensive specialist Troy Bergeron, Georgia
Defensive specialist Billy Parker, New York
Defensive specialist Alvin Porter, New Orleans
Kicker Peter Martinez, Grand Rapids
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