James Ruffin, who was honored as the 2014 AFL defensive lineman of the year, will return to Spokane for the 2015 season, the team announced.

Ruffin set a franchise record with 14 sacks last season and was named first-team All-AFL. The Northern Iowa product also owns the Shock record for career sacks with 26 in three seasons. Ruffin joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in training camp following the AFL season, but was released in late August.

“There aren’t many players out there, at any level, like James Ruffin,” Shock coach Andy Olson said. “During his time here in Spokane he has been a model example of what it means to be a leader both on the field and in our community.”