Determined players make Thunder roster
December 3, 2005 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Daytona Beach Thunder News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Perseverance paid off for Martin Jackson, one of the three players signed by the Daytona Beach Thunder after an open tryout Saturday morning at Derbyshire Field.
Joined by running back Jeremy Thomas (6-0, 215) and linebacker Carlos Harris (5-10, 230), Jackson (5-9 170) had tried out for the Thunder back in October, but did not make the cut. His efforts were much more successful Saturday.
"I definitely noticed the improvement in him,'' said Thunder Head Coach/General Manager Ervin Bryson. "He trained and worked on his game. It's all about heart and effort ... if you come back improved, I'm going to sign you."
Jackson's resilience has been evident since his days as a Seabreeze High School wide receiver and at Furman University, where he overcame two knee surgeries during his collegiate career.
Thomas was a two-time Daytona Beach News-Journal player of the year during his high school career at Atlantic High, where he was one of the nation's top 100 prospects his senior year. He was the starting tailback at Purdue, but transferred to Bethune-Cookman to be closer to home. He played one season there.
"I feel Jeremy has the potential to be a good running in this league,'' Bryson said. "He's a little rusty, but I think he'll be okay once he gets some work in him."
Harris was a stand-out defensive for B-CC.
The Thunder begins its inaugural season Feb. 26 in Columbus, Ga. playing the Chattahoochie Valley Vipers, and makes its Ocean Center debut March 2 against the Raleigh Rebels. For season ticket information, call the box office at (386) 254-4545 or visit the team's official website at http://www.dbthunder.net
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from December 3, 2005
- Determined players make Thunder roster - Daytona Beach Thunder
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