Justin Parrish returns to Shark lineup

Thursday June 20, 2013

 JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks announced Thursday that defensive lineman Justin Parrish has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster. Parrish is now set for his second stint with the team in 2013.

Beginning the season as part of the Sharks’ rotation along the defensive line, Parrish saw action in seven of the Sharks’ first 12 games before being reassigned prior to the team’s Week 13 game against Utah. Parrish started the team’s Week 9 game against San Jose, totaling 11.5 tackles (eight solo), 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Parrish notched a sack and a half in the team’s Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Power and recovered a fumble in Week 5 against Iowa. Parrish has also chipped in at fullback, recording two carries for seven yards and a touchdown.

Parrish is in his fourth AFL season, returning to the Sharks after spending a season with the Pittsburgh Power. Parrish played in 16 games with Pittsburgh in 2012, entrenching himself as one of his team’s top pass rushers, ranking second on the team with 7.0 tackles for loss and third with 4.0 sacks. He also notched three quarterback hits, forced a fumble and recovered two more. Parrish returned one of his recovered fumbles 40 yards for a touchdown.

Before heading to Pittsburgh, Parrish spent each of his first two AFL seasons in Jacksonville. As a rookie in 2010, Parrish emerged with three sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. In 2011, Parrish appeared in 17 games as a member of the Sharks’ championship team, making six starts at Mac linebacker and nine starts along the defensive line. That season, he totaled 23.5 tackles (13 solo), and ranked fourth on the team with 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. During the team’s three-game playoff run, Parrish led the way with two tackles for loss and recorded one of Jacksonville’s two postseason sacks.

A native of Landover Hills, Maryland, Parrish spent his collegiate career at Kent State University.

In another Thursday transaction, the Sharks placed quarterback Bernard Morris on injured reserve. Following the moves, the Jacksonville roster remains at the League maximum of 24 active players.

Parrish and the Sharks will host the Cleveland Gladiators on Saturday, June 22. Kickoff from Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena is set for 7:00 p.m.

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 2014 season are now on sale, 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.

About the AFL

Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased its fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire regular season and postseason through the semifinal round. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game will air on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013.