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AFL Jacksonville Sharks

Jamarko Simmons Returns to Provide Physical Presence

April 10, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release


JACKSONVILLE - Opponents of the ArenaBowl XXIV Champion Jacksonville Sharks will now have to contend with another powerful threat at the wide receiver position, as the team announced Tuesday that Jamarko Simmons has been activated from the Other League Exempt list and assigned to the Sharks' roster.

Listed at 6'3", 250 lb., the 25-year-old Simmons possesses a combination of size, speed and strength that is rarely seen at his position. He made effective use of that skillset in 2011, especially in the red zone, scoring 17 touchdowns in nine regular-season contests with Jacksonville. A force on special teams as well, Simmons pitched in with 9.5 total tackles and a forced fumble.

During the latter portion of the 2011 season, Simmons signed with the United Football League's Virginia Destroyers, helping the team win the UFL championship in early July. Simmons then returned to the Sharks before the team's regular-season finale.

Simmons stepped his game up to another level in the 2011 postseason, catching 11 passes for 108 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another four scores. Those eight offensive touchdowns tied Simmons with Jeron Harvey for the postseason team lead.

"When Jamarko returned from the UFL, it sparked our whole team - offensively, defensively and on special teams," head coach Les Moss said. "He's a very unique player with a special skillset."

Following the 2011 season, Simmons signed with the New York Jets and spent a large portion of the NFL regular season on the team's practice squad. He was released by the team following the season and is now ready to take his game back to Sea Best Field.

"The things he brings to the table as a physical presence - receiving, running, and blocking - are a unique combination," Moss said. "I'm sure that his experience with the Jets only improved that."

A native of Flint, Michigan, Simmons spent his collegiate career at Western Michigan. Undrafted in 2009, he signed with the Green Bay Packers but was released by the team prior to the end of training camp.

To make room for Simmons on the roster, the Sharks placed wide receiver V'Keon Lacey on recallable reassignment. In addition, quarterback Chris Leak was placed on the left squad list.

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and back-to-back South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2012 season are now available, two tickets as low as $123. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance.

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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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