In a historic AFL expansion draft the LA KISS added seven talent veteran players to the team’s 2014 inaugural roster. Headlined by 2013 Spalding Offensive Lineman of the Year, Billy Eisenhardt, these player selections came as part of the first expansion draft held in the AFL since 2006. Additional roster additions include DE Marc Schiechel, DE/LB Steve Octavien, DT Mark Crawford, DB Mervin Brookins, OL Issac Leatiota and DE Dominie Pittman.
“We were able to pick up seven key veterans in the draft, players who have instantly made our team better,” said Bob McMillen, Head Coach for LA KISS. “We targeted high effort pass rushers with non-stop motors and we got exactly what we were looking for. We also added two very solid centers and a versatile athlete that can help our team in multiple areas.”
“As a new team it is important that we add veteran players, and that is exactly what we achieved,” stated Schuyler Hoversten, President of LA KISS. “We continue to grow our talented roster for what promises to be a successful and exciting first season for the LA KISS in 2014.”
Eisenhardt (6’3″, 315, Grand Valley State) is a four year AFL veteran who was has been a second team All Arena selection for the past two seasons. He joins the LA KISS after winning an Arena Bowl with the Arizona Rattlers in the 2013 season, bringing invaluable championship experience to a growing roster.
Sciechel (6’3″, 270, Colorado School of Mines) is a two year AFL veteran from the Spokane Shock who also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL. He is the NCAA Division 11 all-time leader in sacks.
Octavien (6’2″, 260, Nebraska) joins the LA KISS after two years in the AFL, most recently with the San Jose Sabercats, and time spent with four teams in the NFL. He was named defensive MVP in his senior season at Nebraska and earned Big 12 conference honors.
Crawford (6’2″, 325, Kentucky) enters his second season in the AFL after spending time with the Arizona Rattlers and Jacksonville Sharks in his rookie season.
Brookins (5’11”, 190, Sacramento City College) is a four year veteran with the AFL who joins the LA KISS after three years with the San Jose Sabercats. He led the Sabercats in all-purpose yards in 2011 and helped the Spokane Shock with the Arena Bowl in 2010.
Leatiota (6’4”, 320, San Jose State) started 13 games last season with the San Antonio Talon and joins the LA KISS as a two year AFL veteran. He played the 2012 season with the San Jose Sabercats.
Pittman (6’3″, 255, North Alabama) joins the LA KISS as a two year AFL veteran after two season with the Pittsburgh Power.
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