Local Connection- Thunder Assigned Former Penguin Tanner
February 20, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mahoning Valley Thunder News Release
BOARDMAN, OH. - The Mahoning Valley Thunder is pleased to announce that the arenafootball2 League Office has assigned two players to the 2008 Thunder roster. Joining the Thunder are Offensive/Defensive Lineman Josh Tanner (6'2, 305) and Johnathan Harper (6'4, 315). Both Tanner and Harper are in their first season of af2.
Tanner, of Orlando, FL. joins the Thunder after a successful collegiate career at nearby Youngstown State University. A four-year letter winner at guard, Josh played in 37 games for the Penguins, including 32 starts. Tanner was a key contributor on YSU teams that won back to back Gateway Championships in 2005 and 2006.
Josh was named the YSU Offensive Lineman of the Game three times in his career. In 2004 Tanner became the first Penguin true freshman Offensive Lineman to start the season opener since 1973. He was named to the All-Gateway Conference Second-Team following his senior season.
Josh will be joined on the offensive and defensive lines by Johnathan Harper. The former Murray State product, and Lakeland, FL. native was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, receiving scholarship offers from Louisville and Central Florida along with Murray State.
As a member of the Racers, Johnathan played all three offensive line positions (center, guard, tackle). Harper was the only true freshman to see game action along the Murray State offensive line in 2003. During his Racers career, he started 19 games including all 11 contests as a senior.
THUNDER HEAD COACH MIKE SAYS:
"These are two very big, physical guys that should be an immediate upgrade to our lines, specifically on offense. Josh played in a number of big games against stiff competition at Youngstown State so we like the game experience he brings us. He uses great technique which is why he was rarely beat in college. Johnathan is versatile, he moved all around the offensive line in college, he has excellent size for our league and he plays with a lot of intensity. Both of these guys have quick feet and play aggressive. Neither has much experience playing on the defensive line, but with their size and quickness we feel like they can fit on either side of the ball. Adding these two guys to our roster is going to make for an extremely competitive training camp amongst the lineman."
The Mahoning Valley Thunder opens the season at home Saturday March 29th on Cortland Banks Field inside the Chevrolet Centre. Be a part of all the action in 2008 as the Thunder continues their climb towards the ArenaCup9 Championship. Season ticket prices start as low as $96 and are on sale now. Group Outings and Birthday Parties for individual games also available. For more information call the Thunder Offices at 330.758.4af2 (4232).
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