GRAND RAPIDS – The Grand Rapids Rampage made their first splash in the free agent pool today, signing former Ferris State (Mich.) University wide receiver and Creston (Mich.) High School quarterback Carlton Brewster (Grand Rapids, Mich.) to a two-year contract. Brewster spent this summer with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers following the end of his career at Ferris State.

In 2005, Brewster led Ferris State with 60 receptions, 924 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His 1,185 total yards also led the squad. Brewster ranks second in school history in career receptions (234), receiving yards (3,184) and receiving touchdowns (25).

Following his collegiate career, Brewster signed a free agent contract with the Browns and spent most of this past summer in Cleveland's training camp before being traded to Green Bay. The Packers cut Brewster on the NFL’s final preseason cut-down day.

“I’m happy to be playing professional football again. You can’t ask for more than being able to play ball in your home town,” said Brewster, who was born and raised in Grand Rapids. “I’d really like to focus on getting this team over the hump this season and bringing them a championship.”

Sparky McEwen, current Rampage head coach and director of football operations, and Brewster are well acquainted from their days at Creston High School, where the former served as head coach and the latter as quarterback from 1998-2000. The two helped lead the squad to the MHSAA Division 3 championship game in 1999. That same season, Brewster threw for 2,870 yards, ranking him sixth all time in MHSAA Division 3 history.

“I just loved the way that Sparky coached when I was at Creston,” said Brewster. “He’s got a passion for the game, and he really knows how to get the best out of his players.”

The Arena Football League’s free agent signing period began on Monday. The Rampage currently have 21 players under contract, and can bring up to 37 players in to training camp.