SaberCats Defensive Specialists More than Special
January 21, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2004) The Rich Getting Richer typically is an unpopular phrase in American Society, but when it comes to San Joses defensive backfield, the words are music to fans ears. And the SaberCats have gotten richer and deeper by adding Omarr Smith to a talented defensive secondary.
Already featuring two-time Arena Football League Defensive Player of the Year Clevan Thomas, physical third-year veteran Wendell Davis and rising second-year vet Rashied Davis, the SaberCats bolstered their unit further by bringing back ArenaBowl XVI Ironman Smith after a one-year stint with the Tampa Bay Storm. According to defensive coordinator Michael Church, claims of San Jose having the most talented defense in Arena Football are not unfounded.
I would say thats true, Church said. You have two guys one was voted Defensive Player of the Year (Thomas) and the other finished second (Smith). I believe Wendell (Davis) is underrated as a defensive player. You have Rashied (Davis), who was a real good player last year before he got hurt. Combined with those players and some new guys, you should be one of the best in the League.
No player has had more of an impact, in as short a period of time as Thomas. The third-year star set an AFL-record with 13 interceptions in 2003, three of which he returned for touchdowns. His 18 career picks already rank him second all-time in team history. Despite two record-setting seasons as a defensive specialist and kick returner, Thomas keeps his expectations for 2004 simple.
Just trying to stay healthy, Thomas explained. I feel as long as I stay healthy, then everything else will work out fine. I know people will come in and be gunning for San Jose, but it will all work out. We expect it and that will only make us better.
Improving on 2003s performance would be a tall order. The SaberCats defense posted a league-leading 28 interceptions last season, despite a long list of injuries that ate at San Joses depth for much of the year. With the return of Smith and a healthy Rashied Davis, Wendell Davis says the backfields depth will pay huge dividends in 2004.
Its always good to have depth, especially experienced depth, Davis said. We know Rashied can step in and play any position in the secondary that makes us more comfortable because we know if were banged up, we can rest players this year. Last year, we had to play some players that werent experienced in the Arena Football League. This year, we got a mean secondary. Its going to be wonderful, I cant wait to get this together.
With the AFLs top two vote getters for Defensive Player of the Year, improved depth and a healthy roster, San Joses secondary has set lofty goals for the 2004 season.
I feel were definitely the best in Arena Football, Davis continued. Were experienced and we all bring something different to the table. Once we get on the same page, we expect big things this year.
I think we can only be as good as our weakest link, added Thomas. We have to have guys out here everyday competing. Even though we might be sore or banged up, we have to grind it out and focus on the big picture of winning a championship.
The SaberCats kickoff their 10th AFL season at Detroit on Thursday, February 5th. The home opener is set for Saturday, February 28th against the Grand Rapids Rampage at HP Pavilion. Single game tickets for all home games can be purchased at all Northern California TicketMaster outlets, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the HP Pavilion box office. For season or group ticket information call the SaberCats at (408) 573-5577 or visit the teams official website at www.sanjosesabercats.com.
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