03/18/2006 11:31 PM - The Spokane Shock announced the signing of former University of Miami star Kevin Beard today. Beard, 6’1” 180, will assume the role of Offensive Specialist for the Shock.

Heavily recruited after a standout career at Plantation (Fla.) High, Beard accepted an offer to play for the University of Miami, where he started three years at the flanker position. In his career, Beard amassed 67 catches for 920 yards and 7 touchdowns for the Hurricanes, despite a series of injuries in his Junior and Senior seasons. As a sophomore in 2001, Beard started in Miami’s Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska, grabbing 4 passes for 41 yards to help the Hurricanes secure the National Championship.

After running a 4.46 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine, Beard signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. Following his release just weeks before the 2004 season, Beard played briefly for Shock Head Coach Chris Siegfried with the South Georgia Wildcats, before being sidelined with an ankle injury.

Siegfried couldn’t be happier to be reunited with Beard. “Anytime you can snag a player of his abilities, it instantly makes your whole team better,” explained the coach. “KB has the size, speed, and experience to single-handedly take our team to another level.”

Siegfried wasn’t modest about his expectations for Beard. “There aren’t many teams in the league that have someone of his talent on their roster. This is a guy who would be playing in the NFL right now if it weren’t for a couple injuries.”

To make room for Beard on the roster, WR/DB Orlando Winston was designated for re-assignment by the League.

The Shock’s first season of Arena Football kicks off against the Stockton Lightning on March 30th in the Spokane Arena. Tickets are available by calling 509.242.7462.