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Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Steelhawks Ink Local Talent from Open Tryout

December 15, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks hosted their first 2015 season open tryout at Iron Lakes Sports Complex (their Official Practice Facility) the end of November. There was a great turnout with a lot of talent that coaches had to evaluate. At the conclusion of the tryout, four players signed on to become the latest to join the Black and Vegas Gold roster.

A Valley grown talent, WR Jaleel Clark (6'3, 215) graduated from Parkland High School before playing his college ball at the University of Missouri. While at Missouri he played 51 total games, mainly making an impact on special teams. As a senior he recorded 10 receptions for 88 yards. When he was at Parkland, Clark was a two time All-State Selection and was named Allentown Morning Call's Player of the Year as a junior.

DB Joe Powell (6'2, 190) will also be joining the Steelhawks in 2015. He played both sides of the ball at the Globe Institute of Technology. As a defensive back Powell recorded 51 tackles, two sacks, and one interception in a single season.

FB/LB Chidozie Oparanozie (Dozie) (6'0, 248) out of Duquesne University where he played all 21 games in the two seasons he played. He brought a physical presence to the defense as an inside linebacker; had 129 total tackles, and 8 tackles for a loss in his career. Duquesne teammate DB Logan Rucker (6'2, 227) will also be joining him in the Black and Vegas Gold this season.

Head Coach Chris Thompson was excited about what he saw at the tryout. "What an outstanding open tryout we had of talent and numbers. Quite possibly one of the best ones we have ever had from a talent standpoint in my 3 years here. We are thrilled to be adding another local product to our team in Jaleel Clark and are excited to welcome all of them to our 2015 camp roster. I can't wait for these next couple months and we start putting our final touches on our team that will play arena football inside the PPL Center for the first time."

Another open tryout is planned for January or February 2015, prior to the Steelhawks preseason camp. Final details will be released on the Steelhawks website in the coming weeks.

Steelhawks' season tickets are available now. We hope to everyone inside the PPL Center this season for the Steelhawks 5th season! Keep checking for the latest news and events from the Steelhawks! For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news! 2015 Season Ticket packages are now on sale! Reserve your seat now by calling the Steelhawks office at 610-282-3100.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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