Tampa Bay Storm make roster changes

Friday July 15, 2011

Storm Add QB Matt Grothe, K Greg Gundersen, DL Xzavie Jackson and DBs Colin Nelson and Tavious Polo

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm are pleased to announce the acquisition of quarterback Matt Grothe, kicker Greg Gundersen, defensive lineman Xzavie Jackson and defensive backs Colin Nelson and Tavious Polo.

“We are excited to see what these guys can do,” said head coach Dave Ewart.  “We are looking to finish strong and want to give these guys an opportunity to contribute and make some plays.

“Matt is a guy we have been keeping an eye on.  We want an opportunity to work with him and see him develop.  Xzavie gives us some added depth to the defensive line and more versatility to get after the quarterback.  We needed to find a little more consistency in the kicking game and the defensive backfield that is what we are looking to find from Greg, Tavious and Colin.”

Grothe, (6-foot-0, 205 lbs., South Florida) was a standout quarterback for the USF Bulls and one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Big East Conference history.  He was named Freshman of the Year 2006 and finished his career as the conference’s all-time leader in total offense with 10,875 yards.  Since his collegiate playing time ended he has spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and the Florida Tuskers (UFL).

Gundersen, (6-0, 190, Wayne State) spent time early this season with Utah Blaze prior to joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.  This is his second season kicking in the AFL, as he played with the Tulsa Talons and Alabama Vipers in 2010. Gundersen has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Chicago Rush (AFL).

Jackson, (6-4, 285, Missouri) enters his first season in the AFL.  He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals out of college in 2007 prior to joining the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad that season.  After his release from the Eagles in 2008 he spent 2009-10 with the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL..

Nelson, (5-10, 183, Maryland) enters his rookie season with Tampa Bay.  He played collegiately at the University of Maryland for two seasons after transferring from McDaniel College.  He finishes his career at Maryland with 29 tackles and three interceptions.

Polo, (5-11, 175, Florida Atlantic) was a college teammate of current Storm defensive back Erick McIntosh at FAU.  He appeared in 37 games for the Owls and recorded 108 tackles and nine interceptions.