Storm re-sign DL Royal, add more players to 2012 roster

Posted Oct 20, 2011 by Nick Williams

Updated Oct 20, 2011 at 07:15 PM

The Tampa Bay Storm have resigned former Wharton HS and USF linebacker defensive lineman Terrence Royal and have acquired defensive back Lendy Holmes, defensive lineman Pernell Phillips, center Wondell Rutledge and offensive lineman Julius Wilson.

Here are the bios on the four news players, courtesy of the Tampa Bay Storm PR:

Holmes (6-1, 215 lbs., Oklahoma) last played with the Sacramento Lions of the United Football League.  Prior to that he spent two seasons with the Washington Redskins (2000-2010) and appeared in eight games.  Holmes originally went to Oklahoma as a wide receiver but was converted to cornerback prior to his sophomore season.  In 51 career games with the Sooners he recorded 205 tackles, nine interceptions - returning one for a touchdown and a sack.  He also had four kick returns for 66 yards and added two receptions for 19 yards.

Phillips (6-1, 290, Central State (OH)) began his professional career in 2009 with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009.  After his release he played in the UFL with the California Redwoods and then went on to play with the Cincinnati Commandos in 2011.  He led the Commandos to the Ultimate Indoor Football League Championship we he led the League with 26 tacles for a loss, was second with in the League with 12 sacks, fourth in the league with 48 tackles and added seven blocked kicks.

Rutledge, (6-2, 325, Toledo) who was born in Germany and did not come to America until the sixth grade, spent the past two seasons playing in the Indoor Football League.

Wilson (6-5, 310, Alabama-Birmingham) spent the past two seasons (2010-11) in the AFL playing with South Division rival Orlando Predators. A local product out of Bradenton Southeast H.S., he began his professional career with Miami Dolphins in 2007.  He then went on to play with the St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers until his release in 2009.  From there he played two seasons in the UFL with Florida Tuskers (2009) and Omaha Nighthawks (2010).  While at UAB he earned All-Conference USA honors his junior and senior seasons.