Sharks Add All-Arena Kicker Julian Rauch

Friday April 10, 2015

 Jacksonville also brings on rookie pass rusher Jimmy Gordon

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks announced Friday that kicker Julian Rauch and Mac linebacker Jimmy Gordon have been assigned to the Jacksonville roster. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The 29-year-old Rauch (5’11”, 175) enters his third season in the Arena Football League after beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Power. Rauch is a reigning Second Team All-Arena selection, as he connected on 126 of his 142 point-after attempts during the 2014 season, a conversion rate of 88.7%. Rauch also hit all five of his attempted field goals a season ago, including a career-long 49-yarder in Pittsburgh’s season opener against Cleveland. For his career, Rauch has hit 86 percent of his point-after attempts.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Rauch attended Appalachian State University, playing with the Mountaineers from 2004-07. Rauch is perhaps best known for kicking a game-winning field goal in the final minute as Appalachian State upset then-No. 5 Michigan, 34-32, on September 1, 2007. Rauch was part of three Division I-AA National Championship teams during his time at Appalachian State.

Rauch is a native of Gastonia, North Carolina.

The 23-year-old Gordon (6’4”, 275) is new to the AFL, heading to Jacksonville after playing tight end during his collegiate career at the University at Buffalo. A three-year starter for the Bulls, Gordon caught a total of 36 passes for 468 yards and three touchdowns while also serving as a fixture on multiple special teams units.

A native of Patchogue, New York, Gordon starred at Patchogue-Medford High School. A two-way player at tight end and defensive end, he was named All-State and All-Long Island during his senior season in 2008.

The Sharks also announced Friday that the team has traded wide receiver Chris Summers to the Arizona Rattlers in exchange for future considerations. In addition, Jacksonville has placed Mac linebacker Pierre Turner on inactive reserve. Following the moves, the Jacksonville roster remains at the League maximum of 24 active players.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and four-time 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 2015 season are now available, two tickets as low as $99. 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.