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Thunder Re-Sign Line Coach Clay Harrell

November 5, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


Portland Thunder Line Coach Clay Harrell at Work
Portland Thunder Line Coach Clay Harrell at Work
(Portland Thunder)

PORTLAND - The Portland Thunder are pleased to announce the return of line coach Clay Harrell, with the former AFL fullback becoming the first addition to new head coach Andy Olson's staff.

Re-signing for what will be his third season in charge of the Thunder's offensive and defensive fronts, Harrell will look to build off a productive 2015 season, which saw the Thunder's O-line give up the fifth fewest sacks in the AFL (19).

"Retaining a coach with the experience, both as a player and a coach, that Clay has is a big step in the right direction for our organization," Olson stated. "He has made a great name for himself in this league, and his passion for winning is something our team can thrive off of."

Harrell first entered the coaching ranks with the Spokane Shock in 2012, serving as an assistant to Olson. Olson also coached Clay with the Shock in 2011.

Harrell was originally hired by the Thunder on December 19, 2013, and has served in the role of line coach for each of Portland's first two seasons. Clay began his Arena Football career as a defensive lineman for the af2's Everett Hawks in 2006, where he earned Second Team All-af2 honors. Harrell made the jump to the AFL in 2007 with the Nashville Kats. A year later, Harrell switched to the offensive line, catching seven passes, for 79 yards, and four touchdowns as the tight end for the Los Angeles Avengers.

The former Northern State (SD) Wolf switched positions yet again when he joined the Shock in 2010, starting at fullback for Spokane each of the next two seasons, including the Shock's ArenaBowl XXIII victory. After spending a season coaching with Olson in 2012, Harrell returned for one more season on the field, playing in seven games for the Cleveland Gladiators in 2013 before accepting his position with the Thunder later that year.




Images from this story

Portland Thunder Line Coach Clay Harrell
Portland Thunder Line Coach Clay Harrell
 Portland Thunder Line Coach Clay Harrell at Work
Portland Thunder Line Coach Clay Harrell at Work
  



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