Utah Blaze sign trio of key players

SALT LAKE CITY — Three key players have returned to the Utah Blaze roster with the re-signing of QB Tommy Grady, wide receiver/kick returner Chris Bocage and place-kicker Kyle Brotzman.

Grady, Bocage and Brotzman were all significant contributors in the Blaze's franchise-best 9-9 season in 2011.

"Re-signing Tommy Grady is a key element in gearing up for a successful 2012 season. This is a quarterback driven league and we feel we have one of the best quarterbacks in the AFL," said Utah head coach Ron James. "I'm anxious to see him back under center again this year for the Blaze. He has the ability to not only assault the AFL record books but also to lead our team towards championship level play."

Grady, a former University of Utah quarterback, led one the most potent offenses in the AFL under the guidance of the NFL Network's Assistant Coach of the Year, Matthew Sauk. In 15 games, Grady completed 382-of-580 passes for 4,365 yards and 107 touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury. He finished with a 120.01 quarterback rating, ranking third in the AFL despite missing three games.

After signing in Week 11, Bocage ignited the Blaze's special teams unit. In 10 games, Bocage returned 70 kicks for 1,598 yards and five touchdowns, tying for first in kick return touchdowns (5) and fourth in kick return yards (1,598) in the AFL. Bocage also tallied 21 catches for 191 yards and seven touchdowns. On kickoff coverage, he recorded 7.5 total tackles. He also returned one field goal 34-yards.

"Bocage is an important piece in solidifying our 2012 roster. He is one of the most dynamic returners in the AFL," said James. "Bocage is a game changer and we eager to see what he can do in a full season with the Blaze."

Brotzman, a former Boise State kicker, joined the team midway through the season and resolved the team's kicking struggles. He kicked in six games for the Blaze in 2011, connecting on 41-of-48 PATs and scoring a total of 46 points for the squad.

James noted that, "It is great to be able to re-sign a kicking talent like Kyle Brotzman. He has developed into a fine AFL kicker and gave us the needed consistency in the kicking game at the end of last season. He has a tremendous work ethic and we are looking forward to seeing that energy and ability lift our special teams to a new level next season."

The Blaze will continue to re-sign players from the 2011 roster during the exclusive signing period which runs until Sept. 26, at which point free agency opens.