Thunder Add All-Arena Receiver Aaron Lesué
Friday March 6, 2015
Portland also inks veteran QB Danny Southwick prior to the start of camp.
PORTLAND – The Portland Thunder have been assigned veteran wide receiver Aaron Lesué, head coach Mike Hohensee stated late Wednesday evening. The team also announced the return of QB Danny Southwick.
“Aaron is a player that is always willing to work, willing to add to his talent and experience,” said Hohensee. “You have to love that approach to the game. We know that he can do it all, break ankles, run back kicks, block downfield. The staff is excited to have him here, and to see him become a leader on this team.”
Lesué (5-10, 200, Utah State) enters his sixth season in the AFL and his first in a Thunder uniform. A First Team All-Arena selection in 2012, Lesué was limited to just six games with the Pittsburgh Power last season due to injury. He spent the previous four years with the Utah Blaze, where he set an AFL record with 64 receiving touchdowns in the regular season and postseason combined in 2012. For his career, Lesué has logged 372 receptions for 4,313 yards, and 116 touchdowns. He played his college ball at Utah State where he lined up at wide receiver and tailback for the Aggies after transferring from Dixie State in 2006.
Southwick (6-2, 205, Occidental), a four-year veteran of the AFL, played in eight games for the Thunder a season ago, completing 165-of-263 passes for 2,040 yards and 38 touchdowns, by far the best statistical year of his career.
“Danny brings experience to us as well,” Hohensee continued. “He found success in a tough situation last season, and earned the respect of his teammates because of that. We’re happy to give him the opportunity to compete for a job.”
In four Arena Football seasons, Southwick has completed 62.7 percent of his throws for 2,856 yards and 50 scores. He will compete will fellow returning quarterbacks Kyle Rowley and Darron Thomas for the starting job in 2015.
The Thunder will begin the first round of training camp practices tomorrow morning at 8am, at the Oregon Soccer Center.
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
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