The Utah Blaze have signed former Washington State star quarterback Jason Gesser to a one- year contract. Gesser, who is entering his rookie Arena Football League season, spent time with the NFL's Tennessee Titans and CFL's Calgary Stampeders the past two seasons. Terms of the contract were not disclosed due to team policy.
"Jason is a strong, intelligent quarterback," said Blaze coach and general manager Danny White. "In this league, you need to have depth at the quarterback position. Gesser fills that need for us, and we expect him to compete for playing time immediately."
The Honolulu native was the Pac-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year with Carson Palmer in 2002 and set numerous Washington State and Pac-10 passing records. Gesser led the conference in passing efficiency three straight years and finished seventh in Heisman Trophy balloting as a senior. He was the only player in Washington State history to be elected team captain three straight years.
In other Blaze news, the team has found a radio home. All 16 regular-season and any potential postseason games for the 2006 season will be heard on AM-1280.
"This is a great opportunity for 1280 The Zone to bring the excitement and energy of the Arena Football League to the airwaves of Utah," said 1280 The Zone program director Ryan Hatch.
The play-by-play voice of the Blaze has yet to be named.