The Uppsala 86ers, Swedish championship finalists in 2016, have obviously discovered there is a rich vein of American football talent in Australia. For the second year in a row, the team has signed an Australian national team member, this time receiver Blake Marklew.
Last season, the 86ers brought in Australia’s Team Outback quarterback Jared Stegman and receiver Chiam James. Although neither player could return, Uppsala feels that Marklew is an outstanding replacement.
Per Nilsen, Uppsala Sports Director:
“We were aware of Blake last year and extremely happy that we were able to sign him for the 2017 season.”
The 24 year old Marklew (6’3″, 205 lb) was a key in Australia’s fifth place finish in the 2015 World Championships in Canton, Ohio. In Australia, Marklew plays for the Brisbane Rhinos, finalists in this year’s Gridiron Queensland Sun Bowl. He was superb in the Rhinos run to the title game scoring 20 touchdowns in 10 games. The Rhinos dropped a 28-21 decision to the Gold Coast Stingrays in the championship game.
Australia has 70 senior teams in seven different series with over 3000 players.
Marklew is hoping to help Uppsala capture the title that eluded them in 2016.
“I have heard great things about the 86ers and also the city of Uppsala city from my teammates Chiam James and Jared Stegman. I am really looking forward to playing in Sweden and in Uppsala.”
Check out Blake Marklew’s highlights
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