CHICAGO (March 5, 2012) - With the kickoff of the 2012 AFL season only days away, the Chicago Rush has ended training camp and announced the team’s 24-man roster after reassigning nine players. 

“We are very happy training camp is over,” said Head Coach Bob McMillen. “It was a tough two and a half weeks, but we believe that we have assembled the best 24 players to bring a winning team to Chicago. These players are the type of men that will make the fans and the city of Chicago proud.”

One of the final transactions was the addition of defensive back Kelvin Rodgers, who was acquired via trade from the San Jose Sabercats . In return, San Jose will receive Chicago’s fifth position in the AFL claim order. In addition, the assignment of WR Troy McBroom was voided, and DB Jack Ikegwuonu and WR Chad Lucas were placed on the physically unable to perform list.

The Rush has five returning players from last season’s successful 13-5 campaign. Quarterback Russ Michna, offensive lineman TJ Watkins and wide receiver Reggie Gray will be back as the foundation of the offense. On the other side of the ball, defensive back Vic Hall and linebacker Kelvin Morris are returning. They were both named to the All-AFL First Team in 2011, and will look to replicate the same play that dominated offenses last season when the Rush defense held opponents to a league-low 46.3 points per game.

Among the final players reassigned were DL Ibrahim Abdulai, DB Boubacar Cissoko, DL Bryan Jean-Pierre, FB DJ Pickle, WR Doug Beaumont, QB Luke Drone, DB Pacino Horne, FB Zac Pauga, and WR Marshall Williams.

2012 Chicago Rush Numerical Roster

1 Gray, Reggie WR 5'10" 175 lbs Western Illinois
2 Turner, Terrance WR 6'2" 220 lbs Indiana
4 Hall, Vic DB 5'10" 190 lbs Virginia
6 Perry, Jared WR 6'1" 180 lbs Missouri
7 Witten, Lindsey DL 6'5" 265 lbs UCONN
9 Freeman, Brandon DB 6'2" 205 lbs Massachusetts
11 Morris, Kelvin LB 6'4" 250 lbs Clemson
12 Michna, Russ QB 6'3" 220 lbs Western Illinois
13 Lucas, Chad WR 6'2' 200 lbs Alabama State
16 Hamilton, Marquis WR 6'3" 225 lbs Iowa State
18 Roper, Justin QB 6'6" 235 lbs Montana
20 Salerno, Mike K 5'10" 175 lbs  Northern Illinois
21 Rodgers, Kelvin DB 6'1 180 lbs Minnesota State
22 Moody, Semaj DB 5'10" 195 lbs South Carolina St
40 Daniels, Wayne OL/DL 6'2" 260 lbs TCU
43 Payne, JJ FB 5'11" 255 lbs Western Illinois
45 Harris, Courtney LB 6'4" 270 lbs N. Alabama
51 Eisenhardt, Billy OL 6'3" 275 lbs Grand Valley State
66 Paul, Brad OL 6'4" 305 lbs Memphis
70 Cobb, CJ OL 6'4" 315 lbs Cincinnati
73 Watkins, TJ OL 6'4" 330 lbs Clemson
75 O'Daniel, Corey OL/DL 6'6" 305 lbs Gardner Webb
90 Walker, Derek DL 6'4" 290 lbs Illinois
94 Baldwin, Ervin DL 6'2" 260 lbs Michigan State
96 Brown, Xavier DL 6'4" 265 lbs CW Post
  
ABOUT CHICAGO RUSH
                                                                                                                                      
Rush season ticket and flex plans are currently on sale with prices starting as low as $8 per ticket and can be purchased by calling the Chicago Rush office at 855.RUSH.WIN (855.787.4946) or by visiting our website at arenarush.com. Single game tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Coming off their best regular season record (13-5), the 2006 ArenaBowl Champion Chicago Rush will be look to make their 11th straight playoff appearance in 2012 under the leadership of Coach Bob McMillen. The Rush kick off the  season on Saturday, March 10th with the home opener at the Allstate Arena against the Tampa Bay Storm at 7 p.m. Stay informed and up to date with the latest team news by following the Rush on Facebook and Twitter.