WEST VALLEY CITY – Utah Blaze coach Ernesto Purnsley announced the signings of several key local football players on Tuesday morning. The players joining the Blaze roster include AFL veteran AARON BOONE, American Indoor Football Association standouts Mike Affleck, Akamu Aki, Scott Thomsen and lastly former University of Utah standouts, Jason Boone and Derek Richards and Utah State’s Brian Soi.
Aaron Boone, WR – Boone prepped at Millard High School in Fillmore, Utah, and played collegiately at Snow Junior College and the University of Kentucky. He also played briefly in the NFL and NFL Europe. Most recently, Boone played for the AFL’s Utah Blaze and recorded more than 1,500 receiving yards in 2008.
Mike Affleck, QB – Affleck prepped at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, and finished up his collegiate career at Utah State. Last year he guided the Utah Valley Thunder of the AIFA to a 11‐4 record and berth into the playoffs. He led the AIFA in passing efficiency at 109.6. He was second in the league in passing yards (3,037) and was third in touchdown passes (58). He also rushed for 15 touchdowns.
Akamu Aki, WR– Aki played collegiately at Weber State University before becoming one of the top receivers for the Utah Valley Thunder in 2009. He led the team in TD catches (30), all‐purpose yards (83.8), receptions (86) and yards (1,046). His 86 catches were third‐best in the AIFA and his 30 TD catches ranked second.
Scott Thomsen, K – Thomsen played collegiately at Northeastern State prior to becoming a member of the Utah Valley Thunder last year. Thomsen kicked 54 extra‐points and six field goals. He kicked a 38‐yard FG with one second in regulation to send the game into overtime against the Ogden Knights. His extra‐point later proved to be the game‐winner in a 70‐69 win.
Aaron LeSue, DB – LeSue played in 12 games at running back collegiately at Utah State and played defensive back for the Utah Valley Thunder in 2009.
Jason Boone, OL – Boone prepped Millard High School in Fillmore, Utah, and is the younger brother of Aaron Boone. He was an honorable mention all‐Mountain West Conference offensive lineman while playing for the University of Utah. He played in 35 games in his career with the Utes.
Derrek Richards, WR – Richards prepped at American Fork High School in American Fork, Utah before he played collegiately at the University of Utah. While at Utah, he was an honorable mention all‐Mountain West Conference selection in 2006. He finished his career with the Utes with 135 catches for 1,644 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Brian Soi, DL – Soi prepped at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, and played collegiately at Utah State before gaining experience with the NFL’s Dolphins, New York Jets, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders.
