SPOKANE, Wash. - Former WMU tight end Branden Ledbetter has signed a contract with the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League, which begins its 2012 season in March.  He will play wide receiver for the Shock.

With getting my degree and finally getting married, I can pursue my football career with no other distractions. "My preparations for the 2012 AFL season are and have been mainly focused on speed this time. Before, I was too worried about bulk and by doing that hindered what I did best, running routes and catching the ball," commented Ledbetter. "The goal is to have a great season in Spokane and hopefully get an opportunity to sign with an NFL team as a tight end in the summer of 2012. It's going to be a great year."

Ledbetter, 6-5 240, most recently played in the UFL as a member of the California Redwoods. Drafted by the Dennis Green-led team, Ledbetter was the only tight end selected by the Redwoods that season. After a decorated career at Western Michigan, Ledbetter attended training camp with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent.

While at Western Michigan, Ledbetter was three-time All Mid-American Conference selection (2006, 2007, and 2008) and was also a two-time captain.  As a Bronco, Ledbetter collected 131 receptions for 1,513 yards and 20 touchdowns, a program record among tight ends.

Ledbetter is the third of three former Bronco stand outs to sign professional contracts since Oct. 26 of this year.  On Oct. 26 Juan Nunez signed with the San Jose SaberCats of teh AFL.  On Oct. 31, 2011, Jamarko Simmons signed with the New York Jets as a member of their practice squad.

The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native finished his degree in computer information systems and was married.  In 2008 he was a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award given to the nation's best tight end.