Fever Camp Preview LB 2012

Thornton and Wilson Lead LB Corps

It’s really no mystery why Tri-Cities Fever coach Adam Shackleford wanted to re-sign linebacker Joseph Thornton.

He is a versatile player who both rushes the passer as well as he drops into coverage, and played a huge role in the Fever’s playoff run last season. In four playoff games, he led the team and the entire IFL with 34 tackles, and added a sack. During the regular season, he finished fourth on the team with 49 tackles. That was in just eight games during season where he battled injuries. “He was a very important part of our defense,” Shackleford said. “We are expecting a lot from him this season. Thornton (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) is one of two linebackers who have re-signed with the Fever for the 2012 season as training camp is on.

Brandon Wilson (6-1, 235) is the other linebacker to re-sign after a solid year in 2011. Wilson played in seven games in his rookie season, recording 25 tackles, one sack, one interception and two forced fumbles. “Brandon is a versatile player that brings a lot to our defense,” said Shackleford. Joining those two at linebacker are:

· Boris Lee (6-foot, 230 pounds) — a player that Shackleford says could be one of the dominant players he has signed in his three years as Fever coach. Lee, who was an undrafted free agent, has had stints with three NFL teams, most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010. He has also been with the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers. At Troy, Lee started 46 straight games, 51 games total, and was named to the first-team all-Sun Belt Conference team three times. In his collegiate career, he amassed 397 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 19 pass break-ups and eight interceptions.

· Allen Walker (6-foot-1, 240 pounds) is a former standout at the University of Mississippi. In four seasons for the Rebels Walker played in 49 games and was among the team leaders in several defensive categories. In his senior season in 2010, Walker was fifth on the team in tackles (75), fourth on the team in tackles-for-loss (7.5), and third on the team in sacks (4). In 2009, he played in all 13 games and had 51 tackles.

The Fever has opened training and begins the 2012 season at home on Feb. 25. For information about Fever tickets contact the Fever office at (509) 222-2215 or visit us on line at www.tricitiesfever.com.