Jackson and Kellem Land on All-Arena Defensive Teams
Published on August 1, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
CHICAGO (August 1, 2012) - New Orleans VooDoo jack linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson and defensive back Jeremy Kellem were named to the All-Arena Defensive Teams, announced the League office on Wednesday afternoon. Jackson was named to the First Team, while Kellem was selected to the Second Team.
"This is a great honor for Alvin and Jeremy, and for the New Orleans VooDoo," said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "Both Alvin and Jeremy were not only key factors to our success this season, but also great leaders in the locker room. We are very proud of both of them."
Jackson set the AFL single-season record for most interceptions by a jack linebacker with 14, which is also a VooDoo team single-season record. He finished the season with 75.0 total tackles (64 solo), 3 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles.
The Como, Miss. native also stands as the VooDoo's all-time career leader in tackles (164) and interceptions (22). He also recorded a career best three interceptions in a game at the Utah Blaze in Week 4, which ultimately led to the VooDoo's first victory of 2012.
"Alvin's play this season really redefined the jack linebacker position and the way it's played," said O'Hara. "His hard work and effort in all aspects of the game showed in his play, which makes this recognition by the AFL so rewarding."
Kellem led the VooDoo in tackles in 2012 with 95.5 (86 solo), and his total also was second among rookies and tenth overall in the AFL. He also was second among all rookies in interceptions (9) and in passes defended (1.67/game).
The North Lauderdale, Fla. native also recorded a takeaway in five consecutive games to start his AFL career. His most impressive interception came against the Orlando Predators on Friday, May 18 when he managed to keep a deflected Chris Leak pass from hitting the ground as it bounced off the wall. Kellem made the play while lying on his back, and because of his efforts, the VooDoo went on to win the game.
"Jeremy was a true student of the game. Playing the middle in the AFL is tough and tough to learn - especially for a rookie - and Jeremy picked it up quickly and really anchored our defensive backfield," said O'Hara. "I am very proud of Jeremy. He is very deserving of this honor."
First-Team All-Arena Defense
DL Joe Sykes, San Jose
DL Mike Lewis, Utah
DL Victor Degrate, San Antonio
MLB Aaron Robbins, Jacksonville
JLB Alvin Ray Jackson, New Orleans
DB Kent Richardson, Philadelphia
DB Jason Simpson, Iowa
DB Terrance Sanders, Spokane
ST PJ Berry, Pittsburgh
Second-Team All-Arena Defense
DL Scooter Berry, Jacksonville
DL Bryan Robinson, Philadelphia
DL Luis Vasquez, Milwaukee
MLB Francis Maka, San Jose
JLB Marcus Everett, Milwaukee
DB Arkeith Brown, Arizona
DB Jeremy Kellem, New Orleans
DB Tracy Belton, Georgia
ST Terrance Sanders, Spokane
Arena Football League Stories from August 1, 2012
- DL Joe Sykes and LB Francis Maka Earn All-Arena Honors - San Jose SaberCats
- Lewis Named First-Team All-Arena - Utah Blaze
- Barnstormers' Simpson Named to All-AFL First Team - Iowa Barnstormers
- Jackson and Kellem Land on All-Arena Defensive Teams - New Orleans VooDoo
- Richardson, Robinson Named to All-Arena Team - Philadelphia Soul
- 2012 AFL All-Arena Defense Announced - Spokane Shock
- AFL Announces All-Arena Defensive Teams - AFL
- Sharks' Robbins, Berry Earn All-Arena Nods - Jacksonville Sharks
- Official Watch Parties to be Held at Two Hooters Locations on Friday - Jacksonville Sharks
- Team Vick Foundation Donates Soul Tickets to Police Athletic League - Philadelphia Soul
- Blaze vs Rattlers to be Televised on KMYU - Utah Blaze
- VooDoo Notch Record-Setting Season in 2012 - New Orleans VooDoo
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