Portland Steel add three to bolster roster

Thursday April 28, 2016

 Former Oregon standout Darron Thomas and Utah lineman Junior Salt; acquire lineman Duke Robinson

Portland, Ore. - The Portland Steel have added three members to their roster. They have signed quarterback Darron Thomas, offensive/defensive lineman Junior Salt and acquired offensive lineman Duke Robinson in a trade with the Jacksonville Sharks, general manager and head coach Ron James announced today.

Thomas (6-3, 215) in his third AFL season out of the University of Oregon. Appearing in 22 games with Portland, he has completed 114 of 217 passes for 1,237 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has added 46 rushing attempts into 94 yards and 11 touchdowns.

At Oregon, the Houston, Texas product compiled a 24-3 record as a starter leading the Ducks to two consecutive Pac 12 championships including an appearance at the 2011 BCS National Championship game and a victory in the 2012 Rose Bowl Game.

“We are excited to add Darron to our team,” said Steel head coach James. “Darron possesses a unique skill set at the quarterback position. He has played at a high level in college and is intent on becoming a consistent quarterback. The addition of Junior Salt and Duke Robinson can really add to our front four on both sides of the ball.”

Salt (6-3, 340, Utah) is in his rookie season in the AFL. He played three seasons at the University of Utah where he appeared in 37 games with 33 starts at offensive guard.

Robinson (6-6, 335, Oklahoma) was acquired from the Jacksonville Sharks for WR Jamar Howard. Now in his fourth campaign in the league, Robinson has seen action in 14 games with; the Utah Blaze (2013), the Spokane Shock (2014) and the San Jose Sabercats (2014-15).

The Steel return to action this Saturday against the Arizona Rattlers at Talking Stick Arena in Phoenix, Ari. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Portland returns to Moda Center next Saturday, May 7 against the LA Kiss kickoff is set for 7 p.m. For information on tickets and the latest PDX Steel news, please visit www.pdxsteel.com