Flash de la Courneuve Add More Size to Line
Jawaugn Arnold to join Flash de la Courneuve Offensive Line in 2017
Arnold, a 6’ 5” 290 lb offensive tackle from the University of Charleston (West Virginia, NCAA D-2), will travel to Paris, France in January to play with the Flash de la Courneuve. The Flash play in the top ‘Elite’ division of France’s Fédération Française de Football Américain (FFFA).
From 2012 to 2015 Arnold started 42 games for Charleston and was named 2015 MEC First Team All Conference. The Flash have also brought in center Robert Trudo from Syracuse, so we can expect to see a strong line play out of La Courneuve.
The Flash were nearly unstoppable in France’s top league in the 2000’s, racking up eight titles in eleven years. However they have not won the Casque de Diamant since 2011.
American Football International chatted with Arnold about his signing.
AFI: How did you come to sign with the La Courneuve?
Jawaugn Arnold: I contacted La Courneuve through Europlayers along with a few other teams that I found an interest in. They replied shortly afterwards explaining details of what they offer, and expect from an import. I weighed my options of the other teams that replied to my emails, and decided that the Flash would be the best situation for me.
AFI: Did you know about American football in France or Europe before now?
JA: Before La Courneuve I was apart of the 2016 Orebrö Black Knights in Sweden, so yes. However, before Sweden I had no idea that there were so many American football teams overseas. I don’t think many Americans know about it from the surprise they express when I tell them where I’m headed. I believe it should be promoted more here in America for future athletes.
AFI: What are you looking forward to most about playing in France?
JA: I look forward to experiencing a different culture. My experiences in Sweden were amazing adapting to their way of life, and their social norms. So I look forward to the same experiences in France.
AFI: What do you think you can bring to the Flash in 2017?
JA: I think I can bring versatility to the team. I have been with several team that run different offenses. I am a student of the game, and learn the playbook easily. I am very coachable, and have a little coaching experience from being a player coach for the Black Knights offensive line. I am also a consistent blocker in pass pro, and in the run game. I also, am well composed on the field, but aggressive, and play through the whistle. I feel I am a natural leader through my actions instead of words.
Interested in playing American football in overseas?
Register on Europlayers.com.
Europlayers is the largest online database of American football players, teams and coaches. It is a connector, bringing together and introducing athletes to overseas teams. On the site you can begin researching teams around the world. Once you create a profile, you become searchable by hundreds of American football clubs around the world.
