Bazile, 27, is a four year AFL veteran and spent last season with the New York CityHawks (now New England Seawolves). Last year he tallied 16 tackles and 1 fumble recovery for the Hawks. Clarke, 27, is a six year vet and showed he could produce by totaling 14 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble last season in 10 games. Shell, 30, played in seven games last season and totaled 15 receptions for 153 yards and two touchdown's. On defense he had 14 tackles, 3 pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
"I think that we got some excellent players in this trade. Both Wilky and Steve are very physical players that will help bolster our line this year and help to protect Rickey (Foggie) better," said coach Mattiace. "I also like the leadership qualities that all three players will bring to this team. Alex (Shell) and Steve (Clarke) have both been in the league for more than five years and that will count down the stretch because these guys know what it takes to succeed in this league."
The three newest Red Dogs collectively bring 14 years of Arena Football experience to the team. Clarke was invited to the Dallas Cowboys training camp in 1993 and Bazile was signed by the New York Jets for their training camp in 1995. Shell had stints with both the Dallas Cowboys as well as the New York Giants before returning to Arena Ball. Bazile played four years for Syracuse University. Clarke Attended the University of Houston where he played lineman for two years. Shell was a multi-sport athlete for the University of Arkansas. He played wide receiver and was also a track and field member and lettered two years in a row.
"I was sad to see Rob (Stanavitch) and Willie (Gaston) go but this is a business and we had to do what was best for the Red Dogs organization," said Red Dog's President Joe Morris. "Both Clarke and Bazile are big physical players and they will certainly be good additions to this team. Alex is a great receiver that has a good pair of hands and can also defend the ball well which is a bonus for us on defense. We are looking forward to seeing what these players can contribute to the Red Dogs in 1999."