Thunder Shuffles Roster
April 16, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mahoning Valley Thunder News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio - The Mahoning Valley Thunder, in conjunction with the arenafootball2 League Offices, are pleased to announce that Wide Receiver Clenton Rafe (5'11, 185) and Defensive Back Melvin Matlock (5'11, 195) have been assigned to the team by the League Offices. Matlock enters his first season in the af2, Rafe is in his second season.
Rafe was acquired in a trade from the South Georgia Wildcats for future considerations. The former Albany State University product did not see any game action with the Wildcats through their first three games. He spent the 2006 season with the af2's Macon Knights. In his lone season as a Knight, Rafe caught six passes for 119 yards and a score.
In the defensive backfield is Melvin Matlock, a first year af2 player who spent time in training camp with the AFL's Utah Blaze earlier this year. Matlock joins the Thunder after a successful college career that commenced at Minnesota State-Mankato. In his senior season, Matlock was regarded as one of the most dangerous return men in the conference. He recorded 30 kickoff returns for 1,014 yards and a score. As a defensive back, Melvin notched 46 tackles. As a junior at Mount San Antonio College, Matlock led the nation averaging 38 yards per kick return.
THUNDER HEAD COACH MIKE HOLD:
"Anytime you have the opportunity to bring guys in with arena experience it helps. We've had some injuries offensively, so bringing in a guy like Clenton helps us fill that void. Both of these guys bring a lot of speed to the field, and in this league speed kills. Melvin should be able to come in and give our secondary a boost and eventually compete for a starting spot. We're definitely a better football team with these two additions."
The Mahoning Valley Thunder opened the season at home Saturday March 29th on Cortland Banks Field inside the Chevrolet Centre with a 59-33 win over Albany. Be a part of all the action in 2008 as the Thunder continues their climb towards the ArenaCup9 Championship. Individual tickets are on sale now starting at just $12. 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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