VERMILLION - - A.J. Schable, a former standout on The University of South Dakota football team, has signed with the California Redwoods of the United Football League, the league announced on its Web site this week.

Schable was one of 31 players to sign with the team, which is part of the newly-formed UFL which is scheduled to begin play in October 2009. Former Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals coach Dennis Green is the Redwoods' head coach.

Schable had an outstanding career for USD from 2002-05. He is the school's all-time leader in sacks (28) and is third all-time in tackles for loss (44). His 19 sacks in 2005 is the all-time single season record in USD history. In 2005, he was named an All-American selection and also earned All-North Central Conference honors.

Schable played in 11 games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2006 and was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in 2007. He spent time in the New York Jets training camp in 2008.

The Redwoods, who will play their home games at AT&T Park in San Francisco, open against the Las Vegas Locomotives on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. in Las Vegas.