Former Utah All-American safety Morgan Scalley was introduced today as the first player to come to terms with the Utah Blaze.
At a press conference held at the Ken Garff Mercedes Dealership, team president Jason Jones presented a jersey with Scalley's name and college number (25), and welcomed Scalley as the first member of the team.
"We are thrilled to have Morgan on board," said Jones. "He is one of the players that we identified immediately as a role-model player with a bright future in the AFL."
Scalley, who has spent the summer working out for various NFL teams, is excited to get his professional career started.
"After what we experienced during my senior year at Utah, finishing 12-0 and going to the Fiesta Bowl, you just don't want it to end," Scalley said. "Now I get to play professional football, I get to do it in Utah, and most importantly, I get to play in front of the same great fans that supported me through my high school and college careers.
Scalley also noted the historical significance of being the first player selected by the team. "I know that the expansion draft is fast approaching and that the team will be selecting from a host of free agents with more AFL experience," he said. "So, to be the first player to reach an agreement and come to terms as the first player is a real honor."
Blaze coach Danny White called Scalley, a "perfect fit" for the new franchise. "Morgan can do it all. He played offense in high school, defense in college and he's an outstanding return man. Additionally, Morgan has the intellect, personality and character from which we can build a championship caliber team."