2005 Dragons Take the Field
January 4, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
After Monday's introductory meetings, the Dragons got down to business on Tuesday by hitting the turf at the Dragons Practice Facility Mitchel Field for the first time as a team in 2005.
Key veteran additions to the team this season are WR/LB Mike Horacek, lineman Stacy Evans, FB/LB Kevin Clemens and kicker Rob Bironas. In total there are 24 new faces, all of whom must get acquainted with their new teammates and coaches.
One position to keep an eye on is receiver. OS Kevin Swayne returns for his third season and will once again be a big target for All-Arena QB Aaron Garcia. WR/DB Will Holder and WR/LB Chris Anthony are back for their second seasons and the duo are Garcia's most reliable receivers. The addition of Horacek gives the team one of the best receiving corps in the league this year.
While the wide receivers might be the most exciting to watch in camp, the defensive specialist position could be the most interesting. Jerald Brown is the only true DS to return from last season as Corey Johnson, who re-signed before the team's first practice on Tuesday, is listed as a WR/DB. Chris Angel was claimed off waivers from Columbus and John Barnes, Nate Coggins and Billy Parker were signed to free agent contracts. Training camp competition will decide which players get the nod.
Meanwhile, Clemens enters camp replacing one of the most popular Dragons in their first four seasons, FB/LB Rodney Filer. But with the switch, the team got younger and more explosive and fans will grow to love the true Ironman player. Chin Achebe returns for his sixth season with the team while Josh White returns for his second. Rookies Rashon Burns and Laurence Nolen round out the position.
Last but not least, QB Aaron Garcia will attempt to break more records in a Dragons uniform this season. Returning single caller Chris Boden and af2 standout Kane Claunch will duel it out for the understudy role.
Stay tuned to www.newyorkdragons.com for more news and stories throughout the Dragons 2005 training camp.
The Dragons kickoff their portion of the 2005 season at home on Super Bowl Sunday, February 6, 2005, at 1:00 pm against the Dallas Desperados. Season, flex pack, individual and group tickets are now available for the 2005 Dragons season. Call 1-866-AFL-TIXX or visit the ticket section on NewYorkDragons.com for more information.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 4, 2005
- Crush to open training camp Wednesday, January 5 - Colorado Crush
- Orlando Predators 2005 Preseason Prospectus - Orlando Predators
- Georgia Force open training camp Thursday - Georgia Force
- 2005 Dragons Take the Field - New York Dragons
- VooDoo to open training camp Tuesday, January 4th - New Orleans VooDoo
- Storm open training camp Wednesday - Tampa Bay Storm
- Chicago Rush individual game tickets on sale Thursday - Chicago Rush
- 2005 AFL Preview magazine hits newsstands today - AFL I
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