Jacksonville Signs Three Playmakers to Roster

by Steve Curran

Local Lee General and Trinity Christian Conqueror Among the Three

JACKSONVILLE – The 2019 National Arena League Champion Jacksonville Sharks have announced today the signing of defensive back Jamaal Burgess, defensive lineman Darrell Henderson, and wide receiver Damien McGhee.

Jamaal Burgess (5’10, 180) signed with the Sharks for the 2020 season and has decided to re-sign with Jacksonville for 2021 for his first year with the team and third season of arena football. Burgess spent the 2019 season as a member of the Philadelphia Soul in the AFL. In 2018, Burgess saw more action playing in the IFL where he recorded 10 tackles while playing for the Nebraska Danger. Burgess spent his college career playing for Bethune Cookman University where he played in 19 games racking up 41 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and one interception during his career as a Wildcat. His best game came in 2016 against Tennessee State where he recorded two solo tackles, two assists, and caught an interception that he returned for nine yards. Burgess calls Miami, FL home, and attended Miami Killian Senior High School where he lettered in both football and track & field.

Darrell Henderson (6’1, 295) signed with the Sharks for his rookie year of arena football. Henderson joins Jacksonville after his college career at Alcorn State where he spent five seasons with the Braves and earned the role of team captain on Alcorn State’s defensive line during his redshirt senior year. During his final season with the Braves in 2019 he started in all 13 games at defensive tackle recording 43 tackles, and eight for a loss. Henderson and the defensive line helped Alcorn State lead the nation (Division I FBS) in turnovers gained with 36 including six turnovers in the SWAC Championship game against Southern University. Alcorn State finished the year 9-4 as SWAC Champions and earned a college bowl game invitation to the Celebration Bowl against North Carolina A&T. Alcorn State ended the year ranked 7th in the nation in red zone defense (.689) and Henderson earned the 2019 Most Improved Player Award for the Braves before he graduated. Henderson is a native of Jacksonville, FL where he played on the defensive line for Robert E. Lee High School.

Damien McGhee (6’1, 215) signed with the Sharks for his rookie year of arena football. McGhee finished his college career at Florida Tech at the Division II level where he played 10 games at wide receiver during the 2018 season recording 26 receptions for 302 yards, and three touchdowns for the Panthers. Prior to Florida Tech, McGhee was a wide receiver for Presbyterian College a Division I (FBS) in Clinton, SC he played in 21 games totaling 15 receptions for 224 yards, and two touchdowns with his best playing coming from a 70-yard touchdown reception against Campbell College. McGhee is a native of Jacksonville, FL where he spent two years at Duval Charter Baymeadows before finishing his high school career at Trinity Christian Academy. During his high school career, he amassed four varsity letters as a wide receiver amassing 1,500 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during his high school career. In his senior season alone he recorded 24 receptions for 600 yards and eight touchdowns earning All-State honorable mention and an invitation to the IMG Academy regional 7 on 7.


About the Jacksonville Sharks 

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all of their home games at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Shark Nation Memberships for the 2021 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700 or email info@jaxsharks.com   Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumshark