College: Chris was a 4 year letterman and appeared in 46 career games and made 20 starts at linebacker … contributed 163 stops, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, two fumble recovery and six pass breakups during career. In his senior year he won the Roger Zarkoff Award as Michigan’s top linebacker. He was also received All-Big Ten Honorable Mention voted on by the Big Ten Media.

2007: 90 tackles (7 tfl), 1 Sack, 3 Pass Breakups, 2 FFs, 1 FR

2006: 25 tackles (1 tfl), 2 Pass Breakups

2005: 42 tackles (3 tfl), 1 Pass Breakup, 1 FR

2004: 6 tackles

PRO: he signed with the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL and was later cut just after camp. He later latched on with the Amarillo Dusters of the AF2, Cleveland Gladiators of the AFL before the league took a year off and Rio Grande Valley Dorados of the AF2 in 2009.

COLLEGE: Nelson played two seasons at Scottsdale Community College where he was an All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference performer in 2003 before transferring to San Diego State University. Nelson, who is considered to be the tallest player in San Diego State history, was a redshirt at SDSU in 2004 because of a shoulder injury and played in seven games as a back-up offensive lineman in 2005.

2008: played for the Colorado Crush where he recorded 47.5 total tackles, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

2007: Spent time with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe

2006: Signed as a rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions and also spent time with the Green Bay Packers

College: Antonio played in 34 games as a three-year starter at the University of Toledo. In his senior year, he tallied 38 total tackles, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble. As a junior, he started 12 games a tallied 53 total tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions. As a true freshman, Malone saw action in every game as a reserve cornerback in which he recorded 32.0 total tackles. In 2003, he tallied 59 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions.

This time around he is expected to stick and contribute greatly to the Stampeders.  He is already making an immediate impact in training camp by taking first team reps and turning some heads in the process.  Landry was playing very well for the Vigilantes and was among the AFL’s league leaders in sacks when the offer from Calgary came through.  This is a great opportunity for Michael and we know that he will make the most of it and excel in the CFL.

The Stampeders will begin the regular season on July 1st when they take on the Toronto Argonauts.

Hitz Sports Management’s client Chris Merkle will be flying to Chicago to meet with Rush personnel where he is expected to be signed.   Bob McMillen the assistant head coach and line coach of  the Chicago Rush is very excited to bring him in, get a look at Chris and possibly add him to their roster.

Chris, a Defensive End, just finished an outstanding collegiate career at Montclair State University and was named a Division 3 All-American and 1st team All-Conference this past year, after recording 80 tackles and 8 sacks, which is even more impressive considering he was playing out of position at Defensive Tackle.

He will be a great addition to the 6-3 Chicago Rush, who is tied for first place in their division but currently battling through injuries, opening up opportunities for players such as Chris to come in and compete for a Championship.  One thing is certain for sure that Chris is determined to become a elite and dominate player in the AFL.

Chris will be reunited with another Hitz Sports client Clifton Smith who is also having an excellent season.  Alex Snowden who represents both players, could not be happier with seeing both of his clients on the field at once.   “I think its really something special when you have a opportunity to represent two great football players and have them both on the field at the same time together.

The Merkle family, friends and Hitz Sports staff all wish Chris much success in the
Big Windy City.

CEO – Alex Snowden is ecstatic about the changes and what it means as a business and the direction of Hitz Sports.

“Our Goal is to develop and improve on our website for the future not only for us but for our players.   I think that most players will find that coming to our website can be used as a great tool for information.  The internet has come so far and it is amazing the technology advances,  we are now able to do.   Our whole entire company knows this has been a long time coming.

I want any player or parent  that comes to our site and understand what makes us unique.   We will continue on making our website better for all of its visitors and clients.”

Alex did not comment of the specifics on the upgrade or what it will bring.
Guess we will have to wait and find that out.

Zack, a three year starter at the OG position for The University of Akron, is finally getting a well deserved chance to prove himself at the professional level after a stellar college career. The Colonials begin mini camp from June 11th-13th at Sage Park in Berlin, CT where the coaching staff will get their first look at their newly assembled franchise in preparation for the 2010 season which begins in September.

Career: 84 Carries 464 Rushing Yards 5 TDs

21.2 Kick Return Avg on 30 Returns, 1 TD

2009 Season: Saw action in 9 games gaining 65 yards on 4 returns

2008 Season: Saw action in all 13 games, gaining 24 yards on seven rushing attempts and hauling in two passes for four yards.  Jay averaged 19.1 yards on nine kickoff returns with a long of 35 yards and also collected 9 special teams tackles and a forced fumble

2007 Season: Saw action in the first 8 games of the year with one start before suffering a season-ending knee injury.  He rushed for 215 yards and one touchdown on 40 attempts and led the Gophers’ backfield in yards per carry (5.4).  He also finished with seven receptions for 81 yards, as well as averaging 31.3 yards on 10 kickoff returns

2006 Season: Appeared in 12 games rushing 37 times for 225 yards and four touchdowns