Palmer, McGee in tryouts

By John Bassetti

YOUNGSTOWN — Former YSU kicker Brian Palmer and Mahoning Valley Thunder defensive lineman Frashon McGee are involved in NFL tryouts this week.

McGee, who has been a mainstay as defensive end and plenty of other positions in af2, was re-acclimating himself to the outdoor game in anticipation of a workout with the Buffalo Bills. McGee didn’t play for the Thunder in last week’s loss to Albany and may not be active again this week.

McGee played the last 10 games for Mahoning Valley, recording 9.5 tackles, two sacks, 1.5 pass deflections and a blocked kick. He’s played along the defensive line, at the Mac and Jack linebacker positions, tight end, fullback and even wide receiver. His two pass receptions were for touchdowns.

Palmer was invited to the Elite Combine in Indianapolis this weekend.

The 23-year-old Palmer was anticipating being in a Thunder uniform for Friday’s game against Manchester, but had to inform Mahoning Valley coach Chris MacKeown of his invitation to the combine for NFL, CFL and arena teams.

Palmer said he graded high in an Elite Combine Series regional in Baltimore last month, but was just notified of his invitation to the national combine. In a qualifying range of 8.5 to 10.0, Palmer said his score was 9.33.

Palmer was expected to be Mahoning Valley’s kicker Friday because the team’s regular kicker, Derek Schorejs won’t be available. The Thunder should sign a kicker by today.

Palmer said he expects to graduate from YSU next May with a degree in education.