Preds Bring Back Defensive Threats

Orlando Predators
Release: 10/31/2007

The Orlando Predators continue filling the roster through free agency, bringing back one of the top defenders in the Arena League with B. J. Cohen, along with fan favorite Damon “The Hitman” Mason and former Bethune Cookman wide receiver T. T. Toliver, and offensive lineman Jasper Harvey.

Cohen is no stranger to Preds fans. He played for Orlando from 1999 - 2002 before heading West on I-4 to join the Tampa Bay Storm. During his final season with the Preds, Cohen registered 15 tackles with three sacks and a then career-high two interceptions. He went on to set an AFL post-season record by recording three sacks and three forced fumbles in a single game for Orlando.

Cohen was a strong force for the Kansas City Brigade in 2007 posting 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

"B. J. Cohen in our view is still one of the top defenders in Arena Football," said Preds Head Coach Jay Gruden. "We lost Greg White and needed to fill that void. He's still a dominant player and we're happy he wants to come back to Orlando."

Toliver has deep roots to Central Florida, having spent his high school playing days at Mainland in Daytona Beach and then his college career at Bethune-Cookman.

The 5’ 11” 175 pound wide receiver is no stranger to The Jungle having spent part of his professional career with the Tampa Bay Storm and the last part of last season with Orlando. In June of 2007, the Preds grabbed Toliver when he was released by the Storm. Starting in just 12 games for Tampa Bay, Toliver was their leading receiver with 99 catches for 1,193 yards and 17 touchdowns.

"T. T. is trying to re-emerge as a top player," said Gruden. "Obviously he has the talent to be one of the top receivers in the AFL."

This is Mason’s third tour with the Preds. The last time he played at The Jungle was 2004. In seven games that season he recorded 32 total tackles, which ranked him second on the team, and he helped Orlando to yet another playoff berth with the Preds winning six of their final seven games.

Known for power hits, Mason earned the nickname “The Hitman” during his first stint with the Preds in 1998. Mason spent last season with the Austin where he had 80 tackles and four interceptions.

Harvey is a rookie this season. He played collegiate ball at San Diego State and spent part of this year on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad.