Another Offensive Lineman Joins Power
By Matt Popchock
Pittsburgh Power head coach Chris Siegfried seems pretty satisfied with the way his 2012 training camp roster looks at certain positions. But if Friday's signing is any indication, he wants as much depth up front as he can get his hands on in Arena Football League free agency.
Former NAIA standout Dan Jones became the seventh offensive lineman to join the Power's preseason roster, as announced by the team earlier today. Jones joins a group that includes Penn State alumnus and 2011 starter Mike Lucian, and former Robert Morris star Corey Konycki.
"Dan is a good athlete for a big man and can move his feet well," Siegfried said. "He saw a lot of time at guard in college, but was in a system which asked a lot from its offensive linemen, so I expect him to transition well to the AFL game."
After the Power's offense finished its inaugural season toward the bottom of the league statistically, Siegfried will assuredly welcome any added toughness, which Jones has a reputation of providing.
Jones (6'4", 310 lbs.) was part of a Lindenwood (Mo.) University squad that found great success on a national level. In 2010, as a senior, he helped Lindenwood become the NAIA leader in points and offensive yardage per game.
Here's what the Power's training camp roster looks like so far:*
QB Bill Stull
QB Kyle Rowley
WR Mike Washington
WR Lonnell Dewalt
WR/KR P.J. Berry
WR Carlos Suggs
OL Jason Jones
OL Mike Lucian
OL Mike Byrne
OL Joe Blanks
OL Justin Wells
OL Corey Konycki
OL Dan Jones
DL Terrance Taylor
DL Dominie Pittman
DL Neil Purvis
DL Jada Brown
LB Anthony DeGrate
LB Justin Parrish
DB Bryan Williams
DB Tyrrell Herbert
DB Chris LeFlore
DB Ahmaad Smith
K Taylor Rowan
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*CORRECTION: Despite earlier reports to the contrary, defensive back LaRico Stevenson is not currently under contract with the Power, upon clarification from team sources, which brings the unofficial roster total to 24, not 25. We apologize for the mistake.