ThunderBolts Add More Talent to Their 2006 Roster
Published on January 18, 2006 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
LAKELAND-The Lakeland ThunderBolts announced today the signing of seven more players. Jason Johnson, Leo Rumbaugh, Othesse Wells, and Jeff Pillings, plus returning ThunderBolts veterans Jeremy Martin, Michael Peoples, and Arami Haralson.
The competition at quarterback will be fierce, as Coach Keaton has signed three outstanding athletes.
Jeremy Martin (Quarterback, 6'1", 200lbs), returns to the ThunderBolts after an outstanding All-Star 2005 season. Last season Martin threw for over 1,800 yards, 34 touchdowns and led the team to the playoffs. Martin is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University.
Jason Johnson (Quarterback, 6'4", 210lbs), joins the ThunderBolts from the Odessa Roughnecks where he guided the team to a 16-1 record. In 2005, Johnson had 1,703 yards passing, and 450 yards rushing resulting in 42 touchdowns. Johnson attended college at Western Kentucky University.
Michael Peoples (Quarterback, 6'4", 238), is back for his second season with the ThunderBolts. The pressure will be on during training camp to compete for a quarterback slot. Last season Peoples played in 8 games threw for 649 yards and 13 touchdowns. Peoples attended Tennessee Tech.
Aramis Haralson (Defensive Back, 6'3", 195), played in only 8 games last season for the ThunderBolts but had 5 interceptions for 34 yards. Haralson is looking to improve his game going into his second season with the ThunderBolts. Haralson attended Iowa University.
Othesse Wells (Defensive Back, 5'11", 165lbs), comes to the ThunderBolts from the Odessa Roughnecks were he started in all 17 games at left cornerback. He was an anchor that helped the Roughnecks have the #1 defense in the league. Wells lead the defense in tackles with 82 and 2 interceptions. This will be Well's third season in the NIFL. Well's is an alumni of Stillman College. Jeff Pillings (Defensive End, 6'4", 295), joins the ThunderBolts from the Odessa Roughnecks. Pillings, who played in only in 8 games for the Roughnecks had 20 tackles and 2 and a half sacks. Pillings also played guard on the offensive side of the football.
Leo Rumbaugh (Center, 6'2", 335), comes to the ThunderBolts from Rocky Mountain College where he played in almost every game his senior year. As a rookie, Rumbaugh will take on the responsibility at the center position. Rumbaugh is a versatile athlete; he plays both sides of the ball well.
"I am impressed with the talent and competition level of these players," said Head Coach Keaton. "There is going to be tough competition for the various positions, and we are still looking to fill the few spots left for the 2006 roster."
Season Tickets are now available for the ThunderBolts second season of professional indoor football. All home games are played at the Lakeland Center. For more information call 863.688.Thor (8467) or visit our new office at 1628 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803.
National Indoor Football League Stories from January 18, 2006
- ThunderBolts Add More Talent to Their 2006 Roster - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- NIFL heads into league meetings with expansion in mind - NIFL
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