The Storm took care of an injury in the defensive secondary Wednesday by adding an AFL veteran LaRoche Jackson. Prounounce Lah-ROW-shay, Jackson will help try and get the Storm to 5-1 this Saturday when Washington comes to Amalie Arena.
Last week already without an injured starter Cortez Stubbs, Tampa Bay saw Arthur Hobbs hurt on the opening possession. He was wearing a sling on his arm. Linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson was forced into the secondary while receiver Mike Lindsey was forced into his sometime role as emergency DB.
Here's the press release from the team. (Photo of QB Randy Hippeard and Lamark Brown also, courtesy of the Storm).
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce that it has acquired six-year veteran defensive back LaRoche Jackson. The team also reacquired fullback John Brown.
“Jackson brings depth and leadership to our backfield,” said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. “We’re looking forward to seeing him get out there and compete on the field.”
Jackson (5-foot-11, 205 lbs., Clark) enters his first season with the Storm. The six-year veteran began his AFL career in 2011 with the Jacksonville Sharks, when he helped lead the team to an ArenaBowl Championship. Jackson split time between the Sharks (2011-12; 2015-16) and the Cleveland Gladiators (2013-14). Last season, Jackson started in 12-of-14 games for the Sharks and recorded 77.0 tackles, 10 pass breakups and six interceptions.
For his career, Jackson has recorded 542.5 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 27 interceptions, 59 pass breakups,10 fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles.
The Irwinton, GA native has several years of experience with various indoor football leagues. He would also spend the 2010 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.
The team reacquired fullback John Brown. The former Lakeland High star defensive lineman, converted to fullback this season with Tampa Bay, appeared in two games for the Storm this season.
The team placed defensive lineman Max Nacewicz on inactive reserve and defensive back Arthur Hobbs on injured reserve.