France’s Thonon Black Panthers sign Alpha Jalloh

AFI | American Football | 11/21/2017

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The Thonon-les-bains Black Panthers, runners up in France in 2017, have announced the signing of wider receiver/safety Alpha Jalloh for the 2018 season.

The 6’2″. 205 lb native of Anapolis, Maryland was a two-year starter at Liberty (NCAA Div. I, FCS) and earned All Big South honors in 2016. Over the course of his three seasons he recorded 100 tackles and in his first year, 2014, he had over 400 yards in kick off returns.

Jalloh’s career highlights at Liberty included:

All Big South Defensive Back (2016)
Led safeties in interceptions (2015)
Led team in KOR yards (2014)

Key plays at Liberty:

Touchdown against Virginia Tech (ACC) (2016)
Didn’t allow a completion vs. West Virginia (Big 12) (2015)
ESPN top plays -interception vs So. Illinois (2015)
70 Yard kick-off return vs Villanova in FCS playoffs (2014)
Interception vs North Carolina (ACC)(2014)

He spent the 2017 season playing with the Swedish champion Carlstad Crusaders where he helped the team win its eighth consecutive Swedish championship, scoring two touchdowns in the title game.

According to Jalloh, his French speaking background was a factor:

“My family is from Sierra Leone and French is the second language so I speak French. Also, after speaking with the defensive coordinator of the Black Panthers, Max C Dupay, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this program, it seems to be run very professionally and very organized, and very close to work any Division I athlete could relate to as far as playing in Europe. I’ve been in touch with teams offering more money, but the Black Panthers was the right fit. And and as I mentioned, French is my 2nd language”

The Thonon Black Panthers returned to prominence in France in 2017 following a dismal 2016 season. The two-time French champions (2013, 2014) reached the title game and won the European Football League championship.

Highlights from 2017 season with Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders

Senior highlights at Liberty

Career highlights at Liberty

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