Defensive Lineman Derrick Summers Returns to Sharks

Tuesday May 28, 2013

 Pass rusher racked up 11 sacks during rookie season in 2011

JACKSONVILLE – The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced Tuesday that veteran defensive lineman Derrick Summers has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster on a one-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Derrick was a huge part of our team in 2011 and 2012 before getting an opportunity in the CFL,” Sharks head coach Les Moss said. “He's a talented pass rusher with a proven track record in this league, and we expect him to be able to step in and contribute right away. We're excited to have Derrick back here in Jacksonville.”

The 25-year-old Summers rejoins the Sharks after spending time with both the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He signed with Toronto on May 26, 2012, and appeared in eight games with the team, recording 12 tackles and two sacks. Released by the Argonauts on October 18, Summers then signed with the Tiger-Cats on October 23, logging a sack in two games with Hamilton. The Tiger-Cats released Summers on May 15.

Summers is set to begin his third season in the Arena Football League, playing with the Sharks in both 2011 and 2012. Before signing with Toronto, Summers played in six games during the 2012 AFL season, totaling 10.5 tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. Summers also both forced and recovered a fumble.

The previous year, Summers was a breakout star during his rookie season in Jacksonville. Appearing in all 18 games during the 2011 regular-season campaign, Summers racked up team-high totals of 11 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles. He also tied for the team lead with totals of three fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks. Summers’ overall performance earned him a selection to the All-Arena Second Team that season, and his total of 11 sacks stands as the fourth-best individual performance by a rookie in AFL history.

A native of Southfield, Michigan, Summers played collegiately at the University of Toledo from 2006-09. In his four seasons as a Rocket, Summers spent time at linebacker, defensive end and nose tackle, registering a total of 135 tackles and five sacks.

In another Tuesday transaction, the Sharks announced that wide receiver Jarvis Williams has been placed on recallable reassignment. The Jacksonville roster remains at the League maximum of 24 active players.

About the Jacksonville Sharks



The Jacksonville Sharks return home to face the Pittsburgh Power on Saturday, June 1, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. The 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 still available, two tickets as low as $121. 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.