(Phoenix, AZ) The Arizona Rattlers have announced that they have brought back a pair of players from the 2022 season for their 2023 roster.
OL Brandon Smith (6’7″, 320, East Carolina University) is back for his second season with the Rattlers and third in the IFL for the 2023 season.
Smith joined the Rattlers midway through the season and started in three of their final four games, including both playoff games against Duke City and Northern Arizona.
Smith spent part of the 2021 season with the Spokane Shock before signing a contract with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts that summer. Smith also spent time with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars after his college career at East Carolina University.
With the Pirates, Smith was a two-year starter at tackle and was named to Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-American Conference Third-Team in 2016. He was named East Carolina’s “Most Improved Player” following the 2016-17 season, and participated in shot-put throwing for the Pirates as well.
Prior to his time with the Pirates, Smith enjoyed a prolific high school career at East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, North Carolina. His numerous awards included Associated Press All-State, First Team All-Piedmont Triad 4-A Conference, NCPreps.com 4A All-State, CarolinaPreps.com 4A All-State, Triad Sports Weekly All-Forsyth County and Winston-Salem Journal All-Northwest (region) in 2012. In 2011, Smith also earned All-Piedmont Triad 4-A Conference honors. Smith also enjoyed a streak of allowing just one sack over a span of 138 snaps played and earned 29 pancake blocks his senior season.
WR Josh Lanier (5’11”, 180, University of Alabama) will rejoin the team for his second season with the Rattlers and in the IFL for the 2023 season.
The rookie receiver appeared in one game for the team. He made the most of the one reception he caught, which was for a 22-yard touchdown against the Vegas Knight Hawks in the regular season finale on July 10th.
After gaining a year of experience in the Rattlers’ system he will look to contribute to what figures to be a strong group of wide receivers.
The Alabama native played collegiate football at the University of Alabama, the University of North Alabama, and Jackson State University as a wide receiver and member of special teams.
In high school, Lanier played quarterback, receiver, halfback, cornerback, and safety and returned kickoffs and punts at Tuscaloosa Academy under head coach Robert Johnson. He was named the best receiver and best defensive back as a senior, receiving the captain’s award, and was also an East All-Star and All-State selection.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Brandon Dueñas
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