Website Article On Import Players:

The Swarco Raiders introduce new import players at the Hilton Innsbruck At the notably well attended press conference in the Hilton, the reigning Eurobowl Champions introduced their North American players. The offense will be strengthened by the dangerous US-Combo of Quarterback Jason Johnson and Receiver Matt Epperson. On the defensive side they are relying on Canadian Power from stout defesive lineman Nick Comly, and the quick as a quiver Defensive Back Alexander Hoad.

Less Imports, more Youth Program

After the collective decision made by the league as well as the teams themselves to reduce the amount of import players from six down to four, the importance of developing homegrown players becomes even more important. With 49 players on the roster being homegrown, the Swarco Raiders consist of 92% locally developed players. With 8 of these players being Juniors, the average age on the team is 24.3 years old.

Head Coach Santos carefully selected his 4 imports keeping in mind the needs of the team, as well as european football experience.

30 year old QB Jason Johnson played last season together with WR Matt Epperson for the Catania Elephants in the Italian Football League. Jason Johnson started at the University of Arizona (PAC-10), spent a season with the NFL's Buffalo Bills and three additional seasons with the CFL Team the Edmonton Eskimos, where in 2005 they won a Grey Cup (Canadian Cuper Bowl). WR Matt Epperson (26) started at Hardin-Simmons University and played his last two seasons in Europe. Initially in Finnland with the Kouvola Indians and then this past season he was in Catania.

Defensive Lineman Nick Comly (29) played at Acadia University in Canada and was under contract as a free agent with the CFL's Winnipeg Bluebombers. In 2005 he played in Italy for the Lazio Marines and last season he played in Serbia. Rounding out the imports is dual citizen Alexander Hoad (25), who was born in England, but grew up in Toronto. He started at the University of Ottawa and last played in the Arena 2 Football League with the Quad City Steamwheelers.

Photo, from left: Nick Comly, Alexander Hoad, Santos Carrill, Matt Epperson, Jason Johnson