Defenders sign Sooner with NFL ties

Sam Proctor makes a tackle as a Sooner. He became an Oklahoma Defender 2.12.2014

TULSA, OK—With the Oklahoma Defenders home opener just 17 days away and training camp in full swing head coach Derek Rasmussen added more ammunition as the team announced the signing of Sam Proctor, a former OU Sooner and Detroit Lion.

“Proctor is a guy that will make an immediate impact for us this season, and is a very nice addition to our talented secondary.” Rasmussen commented, “He’s a high-caliber athlete with a great work ethic, but most of all, he’s a character guy on and off the field.” Proctor joins Ronnell Lewis as a Defender, who was a fellow teammate at both the University of Oklahoma and the Lions.  Lewis was signed last fall.

As a Sooner, Proctor played in 53 games and accumulated 103 tackles.  He was an important part of special teams and had multiple tackles on special teams each season.  Proctor was also known at OU for inspiring his teammates to remain dedicated to the sport they love. At Pearland High School in Pearland Texas, he ran 221 times for 1,658 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior.  He completed 42 of 82 passes for an additional 456 yards and four touchdowns as a team captain, helping his team to the Texas Class 5A State Semifinals.  He played defense twice and recorded a tackle each time.

Lewis and Proctor were signed to the Detroit Lions in 2012.

“I’m excited,” Proctor said, “The organization is great and the players are hard working.  I’m ready to add my play-making ability to the team.  I’m always looking for the opportunity to make a positive impact on others and the community and I believe playing for the Defenders will definitely give me that opportunity.  Get ready for big plays and big hits from this former Oklahoma Sooner.”

The Defenders will face the Kansas Koyotes at home in the Cox Business Center at 7:05pm on March 1 in their “Kickoff Classic”, presented by the downtown Aloft Hotel.  Season tickets are now on sale and single game tickets will be available for purchase this Friday, February 14.  Information on pricing, season ticket and group ticket packages can be found by visiting www.oklahomadefenders.com.