Thunder Signs Five Players
November 15, 2007 - Intense Football League (Intense)
Frisco Thunder News Release
FRISCO, Tx - The Frisco Thunder have announced the signing of five team leaders from their 2007 playoff team. Under the guidance of new Head Coach Troy Esprit, the Thunder are looking to last year's veterans to build on the future. Frisco is proud to announce the return of four defensive standouts and an imperative piece to last year's most productive IFL offense.
Thunder owner Jake Reed was ecstatic about the return of these veterans. "It's great to have several of the members of the inaugural team coming back for another season. It means a lot to the organization, and even more to the fans because they recognize the players that first made them love the game. These young men were impressive both on and off the field, and their interaction with the fans was outstanding. The fact that we made such an effort to bring them backs speaks volumes about their playing and leadership abilities, which will be vital with a new coach coming on. All of these men can contribute, and their efforts will help this franchise with continued success."
LaMont Finley - DL 6'4" 255 lbs. - A veteran presence last season on the defensive front, Finley turned in a campaign ranking third in the league in sacks with 9.5, including a league high 3.5 in one game against CenTex. Entering his second year with the Thunder, Finley dominated week in and week out, ranking first on the Thunder in tackles for a loss (4th in the IFL), second in sacks, and first in blocked kicks. The Delphi, Louisiana native is "proud to be a part of such a great opportunity. I believe in winning, and the Thunder is a winning franchise."
Courtney Brooks - LB 6'2" 230 lbs. - Brooks, who played his collegiate football at the University of Houston, is "ready to come back and build on the success of last season." Despite missing two games, Brooks was still among the team leaders in tackles (20th in the IFL), 3rd in tackles for a loss (IFL league high 4 against CenTex) and 8th in the league in fumble recoveries. Brooks is a solid combination of size and speed, and the Thunder is counting on his defensive awareness to patrol sideline to sideline in 2008.
D.J. Johnson - DL 6'2" 320 lbs. - Johnson was a massive force in the middle for the Thunder last season. Another former Houston Cougar, Johnson seemed to make himself welcome in the opponents' backfield, finishing among the team leaders in tackles for a loss and finished the season in the Intense Football League's top 10 in sacks. His presence on the line will be vital to the defensive line on the field and in the huddle.
Nathan Jackson - DL 6'3" 230 lbs. - The former Mississippi State Bulldog was nothing short of a menace last season for the Thunder, finishing second in the league with 10.5 sacks, 6th in Tackles For Loss, and in the top 25 in total tackles. In addition to leading the team in quarterback hurries, Jackson's three sack performance against CenTex was tied for the second best individual performance of the season. The Thunder are expecting to rely on Jackson's speed coming off the end to disrupt offenses throughout the league.
Antwon Courington - WR 6'3" 215 lbs. - Courington, the team leader in receptions and the league leader in receiving touchdowns, returns to make a run at his second IFL All Star appearance. The former Southern Mississippi standout made quite an impression on the league last year with a team high 197 receiving yard performance against Katy, as well as an impressive 6 touchdown effort against San Angelo, both league highs last season. The Jasper, Alabama native concluded the season with the teams second highest total in all purpose yard, and is looking to continue to improve the league leader in total offense. "I'm thoroughly excited another season with the Thunder, and I can't wait to contribute all I can to the team," said Courington.
The Thunder will round out their 2008 roster on December 8th during their open tryouts in Frisco, Texas. Please call 972-731-6968 for more details.
About Frisco Thunder
The Frisco Thunder is a professional indoor football team in the Intense Football League. The Intense Football League (IFL) has become nationally recognized for its professional operation and for the development and promotion of players. Beginning in March 2008, the Frisco Thunder franchise will play a 14 game schedule, with 7 home games played at the Deja Blue Arena in the Frisco Dr Pepper StarCenter.
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