Post by Kasey on Mar 14, 2014 13:52:56 GMT -8
The Arena Football League has tabbed two Portland Thunder players as rookies to watch for the Net10 Wireless Rookie of the Year.
Quarterback Darron Thomas is one of the early frontrunners for the honor. Also listed as frontrunners are Jacksonville Sharks WR Mardy Gilyard, and Orlando Predators WR Greg Carr. From the AFL's website, Regarding Thomas:
Of course, the head coach they refer to is Matthew Sauk, who is in his first AFL head coaching stint. He followed up an eight-year playing career with five years as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator. Sauk's high-powered offenses helped him win Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2011 and 2012. Click here to read my: SC2C Exclusive Interview with Head Coach Matthew Sauk
According to the article, Thunder defensive end Donte Paige-Moss is considered a "dark horse."
I'm not as familiar with Paige-Moss as with Thomas, but he's a 6'4" 280-pounder who had much college success. From Sauk: "Donte is a gifted player that had success in a big college program, but his best football is still ahead of him. At only 22 years of age, he’s back to full health and is loaded with potential. I’m excited to see what Donte brings to our pass rush as he continues to develop his game.”
Click NET10 Wireless Rookie of the Year Watch to read the entire AFL article.
Though time will tell, the fact that two Thunder rookies are in as high regard in the AFL's eyes could be a very good sign. These players definitely seem like guys to watch. The Thunder kick off their season on Monday, March 17, at 7 p.m. (pacific) at the Moda Center as they host the San Jose Sabercats. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network and 750 The Game in Portland.
Quarterback Darron Thomas is one of the early frontrunners for the honor. Also listed as frontrunners are Jacksonville Sharks WR Mardy Gilyard, and Orlando Predators WR Greg Carr. From the AFL's website, Regarding Thomas:
Thomas set a University of Oregon school record with 66 career touchdown passes and finished his college career with a 24-3 record as a starting quarterback. He tallied 6,629 yards of total offense in his three-year career and passed for a school-record 33 touchdowns in 2011 while leading the Ducks to their third consecutive conference title and second straight 12-win season, including a 45-38 victory in the Rose Bowl. His new head coach with the Thunder has coached each of the last three AFL MVP winners and Thomas’ raw talent shows he could be the fourth.
Of course, the head coach they refer to is Matthew Sauk, who is in his first AFL head coaching stint. He followed up an eight-year playing career with five years as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator. Sauk's high-powered offenses helped him win Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2011 and 2012. Click here to read my: SC2C Exclusive Interview with Head Coach Matthew Sauk
According to the article, Thunder defensive end Donte Paige-Moss is considered a "dark horse."
A supremely talented prospect at the University of North Carolina, Donte Paige-Moss enters his first season in the AFL with a great deal to prove. He started 12 games for the Tar Heels in 2010, recording 49 tackles and 12 tackles for loss to go along with seven sacks. Teaming with the likes of Antron Dillon and Jake McDonough in rushing the passer for the Thunder, Paige-Moss could be a dark horse for All-Arena honors and NET10 Wireless Rookie of the Year consideration.
I'm not as familiar with Paige-Moss as with Thomas, but he's a 6'4" 280-pounder who had much college success. From Sauk: "Donte is a gifted player that had success in a big college program, but his best football is still ahead of him. At only 22 years of age, he’s back to full health and is loaded with potential. I’m excited to see what Donte brings to our pass rush as he continues to develop his game.”
Click NET10 Wireless Rookie of the Year Watch to read the entire AFL article.
Though time will tell, the fact that two Thunder rookies are in as high regard in the AFL's eyes could be a very good sign. These players definitely seem like guys to watch. The Thunder kick off their season on Monday, March 17, at 7 p.m. (pacific) at the Moda Center as they host the San Jose Sabercats. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network and 750 The Game in Portland.