The Pittsburgh Power have named Jordan Jefferson their starting quarterback for the 2013 season. After a spirited training camp battle with fellow quarterback Shane Austin, Jordan was given the nod by Head Coach Derek Stingley.
The 6'5", 225-pound Jefferson was a standout at LSU, throwing for 4,733 yards and scoring 34 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He was the Tigers starting quarterback in the 2012 BCS National Championship game against Alabama. He also holds the LSU school record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,018. Jefferson signed with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent and was with the team for a brief stint. He then signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL for the 2012 season.
"I'm excited about Jordan Jefferson being the starter. He has shown the ability to make plays during training camp" said Coach Stingley. "He's been a sponge throughout camp, soaking in all the knowledge about the QB position in this league. There's still a lot of room for improvement, but Jordan can make a negative play into a positive, he's an exciting player. He's an athlete that happens to be a QB," Stingley exclaimed.
The Power will practice at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex on Pittsburgh's Southside (3200 S. Water Street) this evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday at the same time. The team will have a formal walkthrough at CONSOL Energy Center Friday at 5:00 p.m. Media wishing to interview Power players and coaches can do so from 5:15-5:45 p.m. at practice on Wednesday and Thursday and from 6:00-6:30 p.m. on Friday. Please contact Rob Goodman if you plan to attend either the practice or walkthrough.
The Power open their third Arena Football League season this Saturday against the Utah Blaze. Kickoff at Pittsburgh's CONSOL Energy Center will be at 6:00 p.m.