(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced that Wide Receiver / Special Teams Atlanta, GA native Maurice Avery has signed with the team for the upcoming 2008 season.

Avery (6’1"-210) played for the Odessa Roughnecks of the IFL in 2007, where he played in all 14 games and was the lead scorer for his team with 18 touchdown receptions for 879 yards and 7 touchdown kick returns on special teams for 1,590 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, amassing a total of 2,469 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was the #1 Special Teams Leader for the IFL in 2007 in kick return yards and return touchdowns.

He played collegiate football at the University of Memphis where he had a successful college career as a receiver. As a senior, he was forced to play quarterback due to team circumstances and he completed 56.8% of his throws, passing for 894 yards and added 707 yards carrying the ball for a total of over 1,600 yards. He was also an All Conference Selection for the Conference USA.

Avery played High School football at McNair High school and was one of the most highly rated quarterbacks in the Southeast in 2001. He was twice named the Offensive Player of the Year in DeKalb County and an All-DeKalb County selection as a senior, as well as a 4-A All State Selection in 2001.

“We are expecting big things out of Maurice this year,” said Head Coach Brian Brents. “We are looking for him to take our kick return game and special teams to a new level.”

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For more information on season tickets please visit www.mississippimudcats.com or call (662) 841-6528.