2011 Training Camp Roster Breakdown: Quarterbacks
January 28, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tri-Cities Fever News Release
The countdown to the start of the training camp for the Tri-Cities Fever is down to less than three weeks. And while coach Adam Shackleford puts a few finishing touches on his roster in the next couple of weeks, he is as excited as anyone to get started for the 2011 season.
One reason is that he loves football and competition. The other is that he will finally get to see the near 45 players that he recruited step on the field for the first time.
"I think we have a pretty good group of guys," the second-year Fever coach said. "But I have yet to see most of them play. And that's what I am excited about; to get these guys in here and get to work."
The beginning of training camp, which is expected to start on Feb. 13 with a preseason game to follow on Feb. 17 at the Toyota Center against new Indoor Football League foe Wenatchee, will mark the end of a busy off season in which Shackleford combed the country in hopes bringing in players that can compete for an IFL championship this season.
To get better acquainted with the nearly 45 players that are expected to arrive in town sometime in the next two weeks, we are breaking down the roster over the next 21/2 weeks position-by-postion, and giving the fans a chance to become a little more familiar with a roster full of new faces.
We will start our countdown to training camp by looking at the three quarterbacks Shackleford has signed so far.
Houston Lillard (6-foot-2, 205 pounds). College: Southeast Missouri State.
IFL Experience: 11 games.
After starting 2010 as a back-up to Andy Collins, Houston got his opportunity after Collins went down with a shoulder injury after seven games.
He step in and was a big part of the Fever's second-half turnaround last season, leading the team into the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Lillard played in 11 games, starting nine and posted a 6-3 record in those starts. He completed 130 of 203 passes for 1,286 yards and 33 touchdowns. He won his first start on May 1, 2010, a 56-48 win over the Alaska Wild in which he threw six touchdowns. Two of his three losses as a starter came against IFL champion Billings, including a first-round playoff loss.
Shack's Take: "I know that we will see things happen for Houston much quicker this year.
His ability to make all the throws and fight for that tough yard makes him a great fit in our system."
Theo Scott (6-foot-2, 215 pounds). College: Ohio University.
IFL Experience: None.
Scott is the Ohio's all-time leading passer and led the team to a 10-3 regular-season record and a spot in the Little Caesars Bowl against Marshall in 2009. In 14 games, he completed 199-of-344 passes for 2,369 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Scott transferred from Louisiana Southwest College, and entered the 2008 season as the team's starter before suffering a broken collar bone in the second game of the season at Ohio State.
Shack's Take: "Theo has unique combination of size and speed that will be very effective in the IFL.
Buying time with his feet and throwing on the move make him a season threat for any defense."
Antwon Young (6-foot-3, 225 pounds). College: Villanova.
IFL Experience: None.
Young he played a limited role for Villanova in 2007 and 2008. He started six games as a junior in 2007 and played in 10 games as a senior in 2008, making three starts. He completed 67-of-112 passes for 806 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed the ball 47 times for 120 yards and three scores.
Shack's Take: "Antwon displays a strong live arm.
He is extremely accurate and can pull the ball down and make plays with his feet as well. He is a smart decision-maker and a pure athlete."
Overall Assessment: "What stands out to me about all three of these guys and maybe the most important thing in looking for a quarterback is the have great character, leadership abilities and they are all proven winners."
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Indoor Football League Stories from January 28, 2011
- Storm Adds Experienced New Faces to the 2011 Team - Sioux Falls Storm
- 2011 Training Camp Roster Breakdown: Quarterbacks - Tri-Cities Fever
- "X" and Four More Spartans Return for 2011 - La Crosse Spartans
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