Savage, Frederick get AFL promotions
Antwone Savage has become the first Spokane Shock player to officially sign with an Arena Football League team – and he won’t be the last. Shock receiver/linebacker Charles Frederick said he’s signed with Kansas City.
Savage, who had a team-high 1,851 all-purpose yards and shared the team lead with 85 receptions, signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Desperados. Savage scored two touchdowns in Spokane’s win in the ArenaCup, the championship game of arenafootball2.
“Most rookies sign a one-year deal and the teams wait to see how they pan out,” Shock general manager Adam Nebeker said. “It’s definitely a good sign for Antwone to get a three-year contract.”
Frederick will reunite with former Shock head coach Chris Siegfried in Kansas City. Siegfried is the offensive coordinator for the Brigade. Frederick said he signed Monday or Tuesday, but there hasn’t been an official announcement from the AFL.
“I had a lot of different options,” Frederick said. “I know Atlanta (Georgia Force) was very interested, Tennessee (Nashville Kats), Chicago. My old coach is (at Kansas City) and I think it will be a great place for me.”
Frederick, the former Washington Husky, had 85 receptions and finished with 1,628 all-purpose yards with Spokane. He rushed for 10 touchdowns, caught 22 TD passes and returned two fumbles, one interception and one kick for touchdowns. His 36 touchdowns ranked 10th in af2.
Frederick said he’ll make a salary in the “30,000s.” Af2 players make $200 per game and an additional $50 per win.
Frederick said he’s been in contact with several Shock teammates and he’s heard receiver/defensive back Kevin Beard is joining defending ArenaBowl champion Chicago.
“I hear that (offensive lineman) Ed Ta’amu is going to be with Kansas City,” Frederick said. “That would be a great thing, to have somebody else on the team (from the Shock).”
Siegfried has made no secret that he wants to bring in numerous Shock players for tryouts, among them quarterback Kyle Rowley. Spokane defensive back Rob Keefe has had workouts with Chicago and Orlando.
“It’s the price you have to pay for being successful,” Nebeker said. “We knew even before we started up that when you have a good coach and good players they’re going to be gone eventually. It’s better to have them for one year than not at all.”
Nebeker said new Shock head coach Adam Shackleford has had several discussions with Travis Crusenberry, who coached Spokane’s line last season, about returning in the same role. “That looks like it may happen,” Nebeker said.
Shackleford is searching for a defensive coordinator. Shock defensive coordinator Troy Biladeau appears set to become defensive coordinator with af2 Quad City, Nebeker said.