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Thunder Add Former NFL'er Hamilton, Activate Ramirez, in Day of Transactions

July 8, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


PORTLAND - The Portland Thunder have been assigned DL Adrian Hamilton, and have activated K Zach Ramirez, head coach Mike Hohensee announced today.

Hamilton (6-3, 255) joins the Portland Thunder for his first year of AFL action after stints in both the CFL and NFL. Ramirez (6-1, 205) rejoins the Thunder, having been reactivated from the AFL's OLEX, or 'Other League Exemption' distinction.

"We're excited to have a talented, young lineman joining our ranks," Hohensee said of Hamilton. "He brings NFL experience, and adds depth to our defensive front both immediately and for the future."

An undrafted, free agent signing for the Dallas Cowboys in 2012, following a school record 22 sack senior season at Prairie View A&M, Hamilton joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 where he played in two games at linebacker (recording one tackle) for the eventual Super Bowl champions. 2014 saw Adrian spend time as a member of the San Diego Chargers, before later joining up with the Omaha Mammoths, part of the Fall Experimental Football League, and the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.

"He put up some great numbers in college," stated asst. defensive coordinator Lee Johnson. "We can't wait to see what he can do with the tools and energy he has as a pass rusher in our league."

The former Panther had a stellar senior season in 2011, setting a school record of 22 sacks, along with 81 tackles. Hamilton was named the FCS Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 for those exploits.

Ramirez rejoins the Thunder after spending time in the CFL with the Ottawa Redblacks. The kicker out of nearby Portland State University, continues his second season of AFL play returning from the AFL's OLEX list. Zach appeared in the Thunder's narrow Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Storm, hitting six of seven extra point attempts. Last season, Ramirez was 1-of-2 on field goals and 27-of-38 on extra points.

The Kizer, Oregon native had an illustrious career at Portland State, earning multiple awards. In his freshman season, Ramirez was named to the 2nd team All-Big Sky Conference where he set a school record for 18 field goals in a single season. In his sophomore season, Ramirez was named Honorable All-Big Sky Conference, where he tied his school record for field goals. He was 23-of-23 on extra points and averaged 64.2 yards on kickoffs with 10 touchbacks. His junior season was a season to remember as he made 24-of-27 field goals, breaking his school records for points scored as a kicker and field goals made in a single season. He was subsequently named to the 1st team AP, AFCA, Sports Network, Walter Camp and CSN All-American teams. Ramirez was also named a Fred Mitchell Award Finalist and was named to the 1st team All-Big Sky Conference. In his senior season, he was 17-of-18 on field goals recording the best kicking percentage of his career.

DB Allen Chapman has been reassigned after passing an exit physical. The second year man out of Kansas State was originally acquired via trade with the New Orleans VooDoo on March 30, and appeared in just two games for Portland, tallying 10.5 tackles, three PBU, and one interception before a lower leg injury took him out of action.

The Thunder also placed LB Brandon Tett and OL Jordan Mudge on injured reserve, while OL Jeraill McCuller and DB Osagie Odiase have both been placed on the inactive reserve list.



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