Philadelphia Soul makes big splash in first wave of signings

The Philadelphia Souls bring in a new gunslinger ahead of their 2024 AFL Season debut. Former Divison 3 Quarterback for the Redland Bulldogs, Mitch Kidd. Kidd has spent time in the FCF, NAL, and XFL in his post-college playing days. As a Redland Bulldog, he threw for 2,125 yards and 21 touchdowns across 18 games.

Mitch Kidd has been dominating the Arena Football scene at the Quarterback position. Playing for the West Texas Warbirds of the NAL, he had thrown for over 843 yards and 14 touchdowns in 7 games. Despite a 2 win season, Mitch showed the ability to create big plays.

Kidd made a huge impact in 2022 with Team 80ki of the Fan Controlled Football League. During the 2022 Season, he threw for 925 yards and 20 touchdowns. With only 7 interceptions on the year, his impressive arm won him league MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. This led to an opportunity with the XFL Orlando Guardians, rejoining him with FCF Wide Receivers coach Robert Ford.

Considered undersized at 5’11”, Mitch “The Magician” continues to surprise critiques with his on-field leadership and grit. With a rocket arm and the ability to lead a comeback, look for Kidd to make a strong case for the Soul’s QB1 position.

Following Mitch Kidd’s signing, the Philadelphia Soul also announced 4 other signings. Kicking them off is Second Team All-Arena and ArenaBowl champion Patrick Clarke. Clarke played for the Soul back in 2016 going 7 out of 10 in his Debut.

The team also announced the signing of two former UAB Blazers, Mi’Cario Stanley and Justin Thomas to bolster their D-Line. In his career with the Blazers, Stanley had 42 total tackles, a forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks. On the other end, Thomas had 12 tackles with 4.5 sacks during his time with the Blazers, notching a pass deflect, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in the process.

The Soul then turned to in-state players with two former Penn State players. Lamont Wade, a defensive back with return capabilities, played 47 games for the Nittany Lions. Across those games, he recorded 153 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 11 passes deflected, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 192 return yards with a single touchdown.

The final piece is former Nittany Lion Richy Anderson. Anderson spent two seasons with the NAL Orlando Predators before signing with the IFL’s Iowa Barnstormers last year. On September 9th, 2023 Anderson was reported to have re-signed with the Barnstormers for the 2024 season but it seems things have changed as the Soul announced the signing of Richy on January 13th, 2024

The AFL still has yet to announce a start date for their bounce-back season, but Philadelphia is already building its bounce-back team.

Melony Sheridan Freelance Journalist

Melony got her start recording the stats for the inagrial season of the Fan Controlled Football league. After covering FCF, she joined the NewHub family in 2021 covering The Spring League and the Ottawa Redblacks. She ended up working for the FCF as well. From interviewing pro players to representing semi-pro players, Melony has had a hand across multiple leagues and organizations. Leagues included FCF, WFA, XFL, USFL, CFL, NAL, and CIF. Melony got her start in Football, recording the stats for the inaugural season of the Fan Controlled Football League. After covering FCF, she joined the NewsHub family in 2021 covering The Spring League and the Ottawa Redblacks. She ended up working for the FCF as well in 2022. From interviewing pro players to representing semi-pro players, Melony has had a hand across multiple leagues and organizations. Leagues included FCF, WFA, XFL, USFL, CFL, NAL, and CIF.

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