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Thunder Add McMillan, Three Others Through AFL Assignment Process

October 16, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


WR Jabin Sambrano with the Spokane Shock
WR Jabin Sambrano with the Spokane Shock
(Portland Thunder, Credit: Matt Rude Photography)

PORTLAND - The Portland Thunder have been assigned DB Mike McMillan, WR Jabin Sambrano, K Ernesto Lacayo, and OL Larry Banks though the AFL's Offseason Assignment Process, head coach Andy Olson announced Friday morning.

"We picked up some great talent today," Olson stated. "All four guys have started in this league, and produced well over the last year."

Players under contract from departing clubs were eligible for assignment through this dispersal. The Thunder selected third in each of the four rounds they participated in. McMillan, Sambrano, and Banks come to the Thunder via the Spokane Shock, all playing under Olson last year, while Lacayo arrives having spent the 2015 season with the Las Vegas Outlaws.

McMillan (5-11, 205, Ashland) will enter his second season of AFL play in 2016. The former Shock defensive back recorded 51 tackles and five interceptions in just seven appearances for Spokane last season, with a pair of those interceptions coming against the Thunder in Week 13, his AFL debut.

"Mike is a model player to have in this league," Olson says. "He will outwork anyone, and is a difference maker in every game."

Prior to joining the Shock, Mike featured in five games for the IFL's Bemidji Axeman in 2015, nabbing 24 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. McMillan was an All-GLIAC honorable mention at Ashland University (OH), where he played both cornerback and safety for the Eagles.

Sambrano (5-11, 175, Montana) will also enter his second season of AFL play with the Thunder this coming year, having split time between the LA KISS and the Shock in 2015. Appearing in nine games last season, eight of which were with Spokane, Sambrano caught 41 passes, for 542 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"Jabin came on strong at the end of 2015 as a rookie," Olson continued. "I only expect him to get stronger and smarter this coming season. I'm excited to add him to the roster."

Sambrano was also a three year starter at the University of Montana, tallying 1,787 receiving yards while earning Second Team All-Big Sky honors in 2011 and honorable mention All-Big Sky recognition in 2010 for the Grizzlies.

Lacayo, the AFL's 2015 leader in PAT percentage (54/59, 91.5%) joins the Thunder having spent last season with the Las Vegas Outlaws. The former Hastings College standout netted two of four FG's for the Outlaws, including two of three from 30 yards or more, and averaged 53.1 yards per kickoff. Ernesto came to the Outlaws having recently completed an off-season workout with the San Francisco 49ers.

Banks (6-4, 315, Louisiana Tech) appeared and started in one game for the Shock his rookie season in 2015. In two seasons with Louisiana Tech, the offensive lineman featured 21 times, starting in nine games. During his first season with Tech, in 2012, Banks played an integral role on an offensive line that finished the year ranked seventh in the nation in sacks allowed, 17th in rushing offense, fourth in passing and first in total offense and scoring.




Images from this story

DB Mike McMillan in Action with the Spokane Shock
DB Mike McMillan in Action with the Spokane Shock
(Matt Rude Photography)		 WR Jabin Sambrano with the Spokane Shock
WR Jabin Sambrano with the Spokane Shock
(Matt Rude Photography)		  



Arena Football League Stories from October 16, 2015


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