Thunder Ink First Player from 2015 Open Tryouts

Friday January 23, 2015

 PORTLAND – The Portland Thunder have been assigned defensive back Osagie Odiase, head coach Mike Hohensee announced on Friday

Odiase (6-1, 180, Sacramento State) is the first of this off-season’s open tryout participants to be offered a contract. In total, 99 athletes from nine states auditioned over the two events. Odiase attended last Monday’s proceedings.

“The coaches took everyone in, treated them well, and provided a positive atmosphere,” Osagie said, when asked about his tryout experience. “I’m feeling great, and I’m excited to be a part of things in Portland because of that.”

"The competition level today was high, and made for some intense match-ups,” Hohensee said of the tryouts that took place on January 19, 2015. “There was talent at every position."

Osagie (pron. Oh-Sah-Gee) will enter his first season in the AFL, and his first in a Thunder uniform. A four year starter at Sacramento State, Odiase led the Hornets in interceptions and passes defended in both his junior and senior seasons (2012-13). The Santa Fe Springs, California native was also a second team Big Sky selection in 2012.

“As a staff, we could see that it was important for him (Osagie) to show us what he could do,” defensive coordinator Ernesto Purnsley stated. “We were equally impressed by his movement and attentiveness throughout the tryout.”

Three players, including LB Brandon Tett and OL Brandon Lockheart, made significant impacts during the 2014 season following their successful participation in last season’s tryouts.

About the Portland Thunder
The Portland Thunder kickoff the 2015 AFL season March 27th against the LA KISS at the Moda Center! Tickets and sponsorships for the 2015 season are now available. For more information, email us at info@portlandthunder.com or call 503-773-4235. For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@pdxthunder).