Sharks Bolster Roster With Marcorelle, Graham
Sunday November 18, 2012
Veteran lineman, versatile rookie latest to join team
JACKSONVILLE – The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks closed the week with a pair of additions, announcing that defensive lineman Matt Marcorelle and wide receiver/defensive back Dorian Graham have been assigned to the team’s roster. Marcorelle has agreed to a two-year contract, while Graham will join the Sharks on a one-year rookie deal. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
The 25-year-old Marcorelle made his Arena Football League debut with the Georgia Force in 2012, playing in 14 games for the team. He finished the season with 29.5 total tackles (24 solo) and ranked tied for third on his team with 3.5 sacks. He also recorded 3.5 tackles for loss, both forced and recovered a fumble and blocked a kick. Marcorelle made an early impact, notching a pair of sacks in Georgia’s second game of the season against the Tampa Bay Storm.
“Matt played for the Georgia Force last year and caused havoc for quarterbacks around the league,” Sharks Head Coach Les Moss said. “He played very well against us and we’re excited to have him here in Jacksonville.”
Before heading to the Arena Football League, Marcorelle signed with the NFL’s Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft. Marcorelle graduated from the University of Delaware, where he was a second-team All-Colonial Athletic Association selection as a junior in 2008, before battling injuries over his final two years at the school. During that junior season, he collected 32 tackles (15 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks that season. The previous year, Marcorelle was selected as a co-captain, becoming the first sophomore in school history to earn that honor. Marcorelle is a Florida native who attended John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce.
Graham, 23, is set for his first season in the AFL and becomes the first rookie to be assigned to the Sharks’ 2013 roster. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft and made it to the final round of training camp cuts before being released by the team.
“Dorian is a great young player who is a three-way threat on offense, on defense and on special teams as a return man,” Moss said. “We are looking forward to seeing his ability in action.”
Prior to beginning his pro career, Graham attended Syracuse University, where he showed his versatility as a senior in 2011. During that season, Graham was the team’s fifth-leading receiver and third-leading rusher, as he caught 24 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 91 yards and a score on just eight carries. Graham also made an impact on special teams, returning 16 kickoffs for 392 yards and a touchdown.
Graham actually began his collegiate career as a safety before transitioning to offense. He played in every game as a freshman in 2008, one of just eight true freshmen to see action for the Orange that year. Like Marcorelle, Graham hails from the state of Florida, as he attended St. Thomas Aquinas School in Broward County.
About the Jacksonville Sharks
The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and back-to-back-to-back South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2013 season are now available, two tickets as low as $185. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.
