The Philadelphia Stars signed former Troy offensive lineman Tony Garcia and former Alabama defensive tackle LaBryan Ray on Wednesday. To make room for them, the Stars released offensive lineman Leon Johnson.
Tony Garcia is six foot seven and weighs 305 pounds. The 29-year-old from Houston, Texas, was drafted by the Vegas Vipers (XFL) in the first round (4th pick) of the 2022 XFL Draft and played one game. He later spent time with the D.C. Defenders (XFL) playing one game.
The New England Patriots drafted Garcia in the third round (85th pick) of the 2017 NFL Draft. Garcia also spent time with the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Edmonton Elks.
Collegiately, Garcia played 43 games in five seasons at Troy (2012-16), of which 40 were starts for the Trojans. In his senior season, Garcia did not allow a sack in over 900 offensive snaps to lead an offensive line that led in the country in the fewest sacks allowed (9).
In addition, Garcia led an offensive line that paved the way for Jordan Chunn to become the ninth 1,000-yard rusher in school history. Furthermore, Chunn also set the school career rushed touchdown record and finished one shy of the single-season record.
Troy averaged 33.7 points and 429.6 yards per game. He was named All-Sun Belt First Team in 2016 and All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention in 2015.
LaBryan Ray is six foot four and weighs 290 pounds. The 25-year-old from Madison, Alabama, signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and spent time on their practice squad.
Collegiately, Ray played five seasons at Alabama (2017-21) with 76 tackles (37 solo, 39 assists), 13.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 45 games for the Crimson Tide. In his final season, Ray had 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack in 13 games. He is a two-time CFP National Champion.
Leon Johnson is six foot six and weighs 300 pounds. The 27-year-old from Plainfield, New Jersey, started one game for the Stars in 2023 against the Michigan Panthers in week two. Johnson signed with the Stars on June 9th, 2022.
Before Philadelphia, Johnson attended training camp for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He started one game for the Calgary Stampeders in 2021. The Plainfield, New Jersey, native played 45 games in four seasons at Temple (2014-17). Johnson is a two-time American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team (2015-16).
After Temple, he signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and attended training camp. In 2019, Johnson played seven games, four of which were starts for the Salt Lake Stallions (AAF).
