Portland Thunder add local talent in Portland State's Marquis Jackson and Western Oregon's Bryce Peila
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/02/portland_thunder_adding_local.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
PORTLAND, OR – Portland State’s Marquis Jackson and Western Oregon’s Bryce Peila will bring more local flavor to the Portland Thunder roster in 2014.
“Marquis is a no-quit type of player. He’s strong, fast, and knows how to get after the quarterback,” said Head Coach Matthew Sauk. “Bryce came into our private workouts in December and proved himself there. We’re looking forward to him contributing to our defensive backfield.”
Jackson (6-4, 265) was the top junior college defender in California’s College of the Canyons (12 sacks), a two-time All-SWAC pick at Texas Southern (36 tackles for loss, 14 sacks in 2010-2011), and then came to Portland State in his senior season and racked up 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in his lone season as a Viking.
Peila (5-11, 202), a graduate of Crater High School in Eagle Point, Ore., redshirted his first season at Western Oregon. His junior season the DB was a unanimous first team All-GNAC selection at safety and tied for first in NCAA Division II with nine interceptions. He ranks second on the GNAC all-time list with 15 career interceptions and registered 58 tackles, including 31 solo stops his final season with Western.
The Portland Thunder will kick off its inaugural season at the Moda Center on Monday, March 17th when they take on the San Jose SaberCats. Season tickets are available for purchase starting as low as $99 by calling 503-773-4AFL or by visiting http://www.portlandthunder.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
