Dec. 26, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- Josh Brisco, who was standout defensive back at the University of San Diego, signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Avengers last Friday. Brisco (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) played in 45 games for the Toreros, finishing his collegiate career with 93 tackles (nine for losses), 14 pass breakups and six interceptions. As senior in 2006, he was in on 57 stops and picked off two passes, helping San Diego compile an 11-1 record and win its second consecutive Pioneer Football League title. During his junior season, Brisco returned one of his four interceptions for a touchdown.

Brisco's professional football career began last summer when he participated in the New York Jets' mini camp.

"Josh is a big, physical defensive back that we also could fit in at the `jack' linebacker spot," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "With the new rules, allowing the `jack' more freedom, we've been looking for somebody with not only size, but who also has the speed to get underneath the routes."

While attending Catalina Foothills High School (Tucson, Ariz.), Brisco was a member of the football and track & field teams. On the gridiron, he earned first-team All-State honors as a running back and also played on the defensive side of the football. In track & field, Brisco finished second in the state in the discus and fifth in the 100-meter dash.

This past season, the Avengers finished second in the Arena Football League's Western Division, compiling a 9-7 regular-season record before defeating the Utah Blaze, 64-42, at STAPLES Center to register the franchise's first postseason victory.

Avenger 2008 season tickets, which include nine games played at STAPLES Center, are on sale now at 1-888-AVENGERS or www.laavengers.com.