Brigade Make Defensive Moves with Returning All-Arena Veteran Signings
April 15, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Baltimore Brigade News Release
BALTIMORE, MD - The Baltimore Brigade announced the signings of linebacker Dexter Jackson and defensive lineman Justin Lawrence, both members of the 2018 First Team All-Arena. Also returning to Baltimore is All-Arena defensive backs Joe Powell and Josh Victorian.
"Today is a significant day for the Brigade," Baltimore Brigade Head Coach Omarr Smith said. "Victorian, Lawrence, Jackson, and Powell were key components to a successful defensive unit in 2018. Our expectations are even higher for this group this season."
Victorian, a five-year veteran, enters his second season with Baltimore where he racked up 78 tackles (70 solo), 20 pass break-ups, six interceptions and one touchdown over the past two seasons. Victorian was ranked third in tackles in 2018 for the team and was awarded Second Team All-Arena for his performance with the Brigade in 2017. His career totals include 190 tackles (171 solo) 37 pass break-ups, 15 interceptions and 4 touchdowns.
Jackson, a 12-game starter, enters his ninth season with the AFL and his second with Baltimore. The Bethune-Cookman alum has racked up 125 tackles (88 solo), 21 sacks, 8 pass break-ups and one block throughout his AFL career. He was awarded First Team All-Arena with the Brigade in 2018 and Second Team All-Arena with his hometown Jacksonville Sharks in 2016.
Powell, who returns for his second season with the Brigade, led the team in interceptions (4) and was second in tackles with 52 (44 solo) last season. He created a powerful defensive presence during the post season leading the AFL in tackles with an impressive 24 (23 solo). He tallied 10 solo tackles during the ArenaBowl XXXI and 8 solo tackles against Philadelphia in the semifinals. Powell has racked up 93 tackles (74 solo), 13 pass break-ups, 9 interceptions and 4 touchdowns over his two years in the AFL.
"It's a great feeling to play the game that I love with my teammates," said Powell. "I'm excited to have another opportunity to chase after my goals and give back to Baltimore. I'm ready to show everyone how competitive we are. "
Lawrence, a seven-year veteran, started all 12 games for Baltimore last season. He is entering his second season with Baltimore. The former Morgan State lineman has been named First Team All-Arena for two consecutive seasons (2017, 2018) and prior to joining the Brigade spent three seasons with the Philadelphia Soul. In his career, Lawrence has had 93.5 tackles (71 solo), 16 sacks, six pass break-ups, four blocks, one interception and one touchdown.
Baltimore kicks off their season at Royal Farms Arena on April 26 at 7 p.m. for a rematch of last season's ArenaBowl Championship game against Washington. Full season ticket memberships are on sale and start as low $10 per game. For information about joining the Battalion full season ticket membership club, as well as other group and all-inclusive ticket packages, call the Brigade ticket sales office 667-930-0200, email ticketsales@baltimorebrigade.com, or visit BaltimoreBrigade.com.
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