Thunder Add Ta'amu Ahead of Quarterfinal
August 13, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release
PORTLAND - The Portland Thunder have added AFL veteran lineman Ed Ta'amu announced head coach Mike Hohensee Wednesday afternoon, while also placing lineman Jake McDonough on inactive reserve.
Ta'amu (6-2, 335, Utah) entered his sixth season in the AFL, and his first since 2012, when he was assigned to the LA KISS on June 5, 2015, featuring in one game. A former fourth round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2002, Ta'amu first came to the indoor game in 2006 with the af2's Spokane Shock, and was teammates with quarterback Kyle Rowley during the Shock's run to the ArenaBowl XXIII Championship, earning All-Arena honors.
A Hawaii native, Ta'amu played collegiately at the University of Utah from 1998-2001. Ed spent his first two seasons on the defensive line before converting to guard. Ta'amu started at that position each of the next two seasons, earning All-Western Athletic Conference accolades in both years. He tallied 123 knockdowns, including a program-record 25 against Brigham Young University as a senior.
He made the leap to the AFL in 2007, starting the final four games of the 2007 season for the Kansas City Brigade, as well as the team's first-ever playoff contest. After spending the 2008 season in Kansas City, Ta'amu returned to Spokane in 2010. He later suited up for the Utah Blaze in 2011 and 2012.
McDonough's placement on inactive reserve is a precautionary move related to a lower back injury. The second year lineman has appeared in 14 games this season, splitting time between the offensive and defensive lines, most recently as the starting guard.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from August 13, 2015
- Thunder Add Ta'amu Ahead of Quarterfinal - Portland Thunder
- Sharks Add Veteran Michael Lindsey - Jacksonville Sharks
- Preds Add Former Kicker of the Year - Orlando Predators
- Game Preview: Soul Host Gladiators in First Round of Playoffs - Philadelphia Soul
- Playoff Preview: Sharks at Predators - Jacksonville Sharks
- SaberCats vs Thunder National Conference Playoff Game Preview - San Jose SaberCats
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.
Other Recent Portland Thunder Stories
- The OSC Interview: Portland Arena Football Coach Ron James
- Portland Announces Ron James as Head Coach, General Manager
- AFL Takes over Operations of Portland Thunder
- Terry Emmert Statement Regarding Meadowlark Lemon
- Meadow Lemon Issues Statement on Passing of Meadowlark Lemon