May 24, 2005

GALAXY WIN AS QUARSHIE CONTINUES LEARNING IN NFL EUROPE
by Sean Leahy

Michael Quarshie is developing a routine of weekly improvement in NFL Europe, just as his teammates on the Frankfurt Galaxy are hitting a winning stride.  The defensive lineman and Finnish native helped the Galaxy defeat the host Rhein Fire 20-13 on Saturday to raise their record to 3-5.

“I’m seeing more things on the field and getting used to the speed of the game,” Quarshie said about his development in NFL Europe. “I’m definitely getting more comfortable.”

Michael Quarshie stops a ball carrier for the Frankfurt Galaxy.

PHOTO: Norbert Schneider

The defensive lineman, who also participated in graduation ceremonies at Columbia University last week, had identified the speed of the game in Europe as a major difference from the Ivy League schedule he played last year.  He said the education he is getting from coaches and players and the practice and game experience he is receiving are helping acclimate him to
professional football.

Quarshie has earned a spot in the regular rotation of Galaxy defensive linemen during the games, and said his technique is improving with each week.  “I had a couple of really good pass rushes” against Rhein, Quarshie said, although Fire quarterback Scott McBrien eventually eluded him.  “I’m learning how to get to the quarterback a lot quicker.”

With more hard work in the final two weeks of the NFL Europe season, Quarshie hopes his skills will improve to the point that he is attractive to NFL teams for the upcoming season.  “I’m improving,” he said, “but I still need to work hard.”

Watch Michael Quarshie and the Frankfurt Galaxy host the Berlin Thunder Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT on the NFL Network.