Concord - The Carolina Speed of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) have announced the signing of local product Fred Staton , rated as the # 33 RB prospect on some boards prior to the 2005 NFL Draft . Staton, a 6-0/249lb. running back was signed as a free agent and participated in the Pittsburgh Steelers mini-camp and their off season workouts. In February, 2006 he was allocated by the Steelers to the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe. Like the original Bus, the recently-retired Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis, Staton is a powerful, tough runner who is a load for defenders to bring down. "This is the type of player that will excite the fans and can lead us to a championship," said Co-owner/GM, John Morris.

Fred returns home with an opportunity to jumpstart his professional career and show NFL and CFL teams he has the durability to be a workhorse runner who can pound it inside consistently and be a valuable asset in goal line and short yardage situations something the Steelers may still be looking for since Bettis' retirement after the team won Super Bowl XL. "Fred’s a hard worker who can play a instrumental role in our success and use this as a stepping stone to get back to the league, offered Michael Mink, Speed co-owner and head coach. "He brings us both a high level of professional experience and strong local presence that our fans will enjoy."  

Staton starred at West Charlotte High School earning PrepStar All-American honors on his way to becoming the all-time leading high school rusher in Mecklenburg County history (5,083 yards) . He was a four-time all-county selection and three-time All-Charlotte Observer team member who scored 75 career touchdowns and participated in the Shrine Bowl . Fred was also one of the states top sprinters in track who earned state champion in both the 100m and 200m.  He’s actually run in the 4.4s when his weight is down in the 230s.