NAL Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Veteran Quarterback Highlights First Steelhawks 2017 Signings

Published on August 22, 2016 under National Arena League (NAL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Allentown, PA-With the Arena Developmental League's free agent signing period underway, the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks are excited to announce that veteran quarterback, Warren Smith Jr. (Maine, 6'0, 200) will be in the 'Hawks Black and Vegas gold for the 2017 season.

Smith joined the Steelhawks for their playoff run last season and already is familiar with the team's offense. He also brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position after playing in the Arena Football League, PIFL, and overseas. Smith finished the 2016 season in Tampa Bay (AFL) and spent the entire 2015 AFL season in Spokane where he started seven games for the Shock. A New Jersey native, he also played against the Steelhawks for two years as a member of the Richmond Raiders and Trenton Freedom. He was named PIFL MVP in 2014. An athlete under center, Smith is a threat in and out of the pocket.

Head Coach Chris Thompson is thrilled to be able to work with Smith. "Warren is a winner, game changer, and proven veteran QB in the arena game and we are very excited to have him for the start of the 2017 season," stated Thompson. "We have made five straight post season appearances and have had a ton of success over the years with some great rookie Quarterbacks, but Warren is that proven veteran we have been looking for to hopefully bring a Championship home to our awesome 9th man fan base. We are committed more than ever to bring a league title to the Lehigh Valley in 2017 and Warren is a great start along with all of the other newcomers and returners that will be announced in the coming weeks."

Being counted on to protect Smith is local product Orlando Colon (6'3, 305) out of Wingate. The 2009 graduate of Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA started his career at Nassau Community College before heading to Wingate College where he was a two-year starter along the offensive line. He graduated in 2016 and was invited to play in the Dream Bowl Classic for Division I and II All-Stars as a senior.

Lehigh Valley has also signed the following players to 2017 ADL Contracts for the 2017 season:

DB James Pitts (2016 Steelhawk, 30.5 tackles, 5 INTs, 1TD)

DB Rodney Hall (6'1", 185lb, Benedict College)

LB Joe Koonce (6'4", 245lb, Monclair State)

OL Brannon Pate (6'4", 320 LB, Clarion)

OL Joe Leaks (6'4", 270lb, Hofstra)

FB/OL Josh Kamenas (6'4", 295lb, None)

WR Matthew Tralli (5'10", 195lb, Marist)

The team will host their first open tryout for the upcoming season on September 10th at The Rink at Lehigh Valley. Pre-registration is available online now at www.LVSteelhawks.com.

Steelhawks 2017 season tickets are also now on sale, with packages starting as low as $48. All Steelhawks games are played on Embassy Bank Field inside the PPL Center.

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National Arena League Stories from August 22, 2016


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