Regarded as one of the top long snappers in the NFL, Paxton has been a member of the New England Patriots since 2000. During that time, he has helped the Patriots to Super Bowl titles in 2002, 2004 and 2005. Paxton gained national exposure as the long snapper for Adam Vinatieri's game-winning field goals against Oakland and St. Louis in 2002.
A two-year starter at quarterback, Ricky Ray helped lead the Hornets to their best seasons in the Div. I-AA era. With Ray under center, Sacramento State recorded 13 victories and set numerous offensive records. His 61.9 career completion percentage is the best in school history and he also holds the single-season record for completion percentage (62.2) and touchdowns passes (20). Ray also rushed for 10 scores in 2000 to set the school record for most TD runs by a QB. Following his time with the Hornets, he played with the San Francisco 49ers. Ray then moved to the Fresno Frenzy of AFL2 before signing with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. After leading the Esks to a 2003 Grey Cup appearance, Ray spend 2004 with the New York Jets. He returned to Edmonton in 2005 and won the Grey Cup.
The most decorated player in school history, Charles Roberts set rushing records that will likely never fall. Roberts burst onto the scene in 1998 when he tallied 2,260 rushing yards to set the NCAA Div. I-AA single-season record. He finished his career with 6,553 yards which was the most by any player in Div. I or I-AA history at the time. Roberts also set the NCAA Div. I-AA single-game mark when he had 409 rushing yards against Idaho State in 1999. Roberts joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2001 and has been an East Division All-Star each season. During that time, he has led the CFL in rushing three times, including the 2006 season.
The all-time leading receiver at Sacramento State, Fred Amey was drafted by the Cleveland Gladiators in the 2008 ALF Allocation Draft. He spen the 2007 season with the Austin Wranglers but was made available after the dropped down to AFL2. Amey starred for Sacramento State from 2001-04 and ended his career with 4,049 receiving yards and 248 receptions. As a senior, Amey caught a school record 76 passes for 1,186 yards and was named AFCA All-America. Following that year, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers and returned a punt for a touchdown on his first play in the NFL.
Former Hornet defensive back Eddie Canonico was traded to the Los Angeles Averngers from the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League in March of 2007. Canonico played for Sacramento State from 1998-2001 and ended his career with three interceptions. Canonico signed with the Cleveland Browns following his senior season. He later joined the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL before moving to Las Vegas. Canonico also had stints with the Cincinnati Swarm of AFL2 and the Dallas Desperados. He returned to the NFL with the Carolina Panthers (2004), Kansas City Chiefs (2005) and Philadelphia Eagles (2006). Canonico also played with the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe.
The all-time leading passer in Arena Football League history, Aaron Garcia is in his 15th season with the league. He became the first professional passer to throw 700 career touchdowns and has raised that total to 757 following the 2006 season. Garcia also ranks second in AFL history in career completions and yards. In 2001, Garcia was the AFL's Offensive Player of the Year. He has also been a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Rattlers, Connecticut Coyotes, New Jersey Red Dogs and Iowa Barnstormers.
Lonie Paxton • LS
Ricky Ray • QB
Charles Roberts • RB
