The Coventry Jets have announced the latest in a string of signings for their 2012 season in the shape of tight end Matthew Penrice. The 23 year old Theatre Arts graduate will link up with former Derby Braves team mate Joe Brammer at the Jets after the two recently completed their season in the British University American Football League.
A Rugby convert, Penrice is looking forward to getting started at the Jets “I’d played Rugby since I was eight and only stopped when I took up American Football at the University of Derby” said the Newcastle native “I'm really looking forward to starting my Jets journey, I've heard much about the Jets and hope to contribute to the revamped team. This will be my first season in the senior league and I hope to get some serious playing time. It will be very exciting to compete with some of the best out there and hopefully go on to the post season and a championship. I hope this is the beginning of a long career at the Jets.”
Penrice will make his debut away to the Nottingham Caesars on the 15th of April and will be looking to add to the trophies that he won in his Rugby days. During his time in Northumberland, Penrice won both the County Plate and County Cup with Ponteland RFC. Apart from playing at the University of Derby he has also begun his coaching career with the Braves. “Matthew’s a very intelligent young man” said Head Coach Paul Rickhuss of his latest addition.
“He reads the game very well and his addition instantly makes us a better team. He blocks well, has great hands and brings more athleticism than you’d expect from the tight end position. He’ll create match up problems for most linebackers and I expect him and Joe to benefit greatly from already having a University season together.”
Penrice said of his time with Brammer “Joe’s a great young quarterback and throws the ball not only quickly but very accurately. He brings a wealth of knowledge with him from his time in the states and I believe that truly benefited the Braves this year. He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve seen in the University league and coaching him has been a pleasure, his passion for the game is unrivalled. I'm looking forward to his progression, he’ll go on to great things, I have no doubt about that.” If you’d like to join Matthew and the Jets visit their new website.