Training Camp 2023 Look Ahead

JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Sharks will open 2023’s Training Camp this Saturday, March 18th with equipment fittings, pre-practice, and conditioning tests. This will be the first Training Camp under Head Coach Jason Gibson. There are 35 players battling for 24 spots over the course of two weeks as the Sharks prepare for the 2023 season. “This is some of the best talent at certain positions.” Gibson said, “From a competition standpoint, this will be the greatest I’ve ever seen.” 

The Sharks have some impressive talent on both sides of the ball.

Offensive/Defensive Line

Arguably the most improved group over the offseason, the Sharks’ line has had several key signings including returning veterans.

Center Gibril Ghee (6’3, 310)  returns to the Sharks for another year and looks to be a leader on the front lines. “He’s not a guy that’s just going to sit there and say yes to everything you say,” Gibson said. “He wants to win.”

Justin Renfrow (6’6, 320), a new signee, brings NFL experience to the Sharks front five. A former NFC Champion with the Seattle Seahawks, Renfrow adds depth and size to an already impressive line.

The Sharks also re-signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and NFL undrafted free agent Kelby Johnson (6’7, 285). Before going pro, Johnson played at the University of Louisville. 

On the defensive side, Jeremiah Price, the 2017 NAL Championship MVP, returns to the Sharks. One of the most decorated defensive players in the NAL, Price is sure to make an immediate impact. 

Quarterbacks

Graham Kelly and Eddie Brill Jr look to battle it out for the starting quarterback position as camp gets underway.

Kelly (6’7, 245) comes to the Sharks from Ontario, Canada. He last signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in 2021. Prior to that, he played in Mexico for the CFL affiliated development league with the Naucalpan Raptors in 2020. 

Brill Jr (6’3, 200) was one of the top quarterbacks in the state of Florida during his time at Miami Senior Beach High School. 

Coach Gibson thinks both quarterbacks have the intangibles needed to be a successful arena football quarterback.

Wide Receivers

The wide receiver core for the Sharks has more new faces than any other position group. There are seven receivers on the roster heading into camp as players look to separate themselves from the pack. 

Leading the group this season is Kamrin Solomon (6’1, 205), an experienced player and returning fan favorite. 

“He’s a vet who’s been in this league for a while,” Coach Gibson said. “He’s the type of guy who is gonna lead this team and be a mainstay for the Sharks.”

Defensive Backs

There are several new and returning players in the defensive backfield for the 2023 season.

Marvin Ross (5’10, 190) returns to the Sharks after spending time with Coach Gibson and the Columbus Lions. Ross, the 2021 NAL Defensive Player of the Year, spent 2017 and 2018 with the Sharks where he was First-Team All-NAL both years. 

“He’s the best defensive back in the league,” Gibson said. “I definitely wouldn’t want to face him.“

Rookie Aaron Finch (5’10, 170) looks to make a splash in the NAL after a successful career at Wheeling State University where he had 50 solo tackles and six interceptions.

Linebackers

Anthony Johnson (6’3, 262) re-signed with the Sharks after a great 2022 season. Johnson led the defense in sacks with six and recorded 19 tackles and forced two fumbles including one that he returned for a touchdown. On offense, Johnson had the most rushing attempts for any Shark fullback with 30, he gained 89 total rushing yards and scored four rushing touchdowns.

According to Coach Gibson, Johnson is a force on the defensive side of the ball and a key leader for the team.

“When we [Columbus] played against Anthony , I looked at the film and thought ‘I can’t stop this guy.’” Gibson said, “Off the field, I love seeing what he has done in the community, that’s something I really value in a player.”

Kicker

Daniel Justino (5’10, 175) played his rookie season in Orlando last year. Prior to the NAL, he was a redshirt freshman at the University of Florida for three seasons before getting picked up by Northwestern State University his senior year. During Northwestern State’s 2019 season, Justino appeared in 10 games and had a 66.67% FGP. Justino kicked for 14 extra points and made four field goals his senior year. While with the Predator’s he hit five deuces in 10 games. Justino also made two field goals, one of which being from 52 yards. 

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 their home games at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks season tickets for the 2023 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700 or visit https://www.jaxsharks.com/shark-nation-memberships 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/chumsharks.