Sports stats

Blaze in Kansas City for training camp scrimmage

February 13, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


KANSAS CITY - The Utah Blaze finished their first full day of practice with the Kansas City Brigade at the Kemper Arena today. It was the first opportunity for Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE and the coaching staff to see the 2007 team against an opponent.

"I think it was a very productive day," White said. "It allowed the team to hit somebody else and it gave the coaching staff a chance to see what we really have."

The Blaze will have two practice sessions on Tuesday with the Brigade. The first session begins at 9 a.m. (CT), while the teams are slated to scrimmage at 5 p.m. before returning to Salt Lake City on Wednesday afternoon.

NEW PLAYERS LOOKING SHARP

New line coach RON JAMES had an opportunity to work out key additions FB/LB FRANK CARTER (6-0, 258, MacMurray) and DL STEVE KONOPKA (6-4, 283, Central Connecticut). James, who was head coach for the Las Vegas Gladiators the previous two seasons, said that he sees a lot of potential in this year's line and linebacker play.

"The veterans we have here give us a sound foundation to build from," James said. "I am anxious to see how we will round out over the next couple of weeks."

Returning veterans on the line from last season include: JOHN CULP (6-4, 282, Kansas), ERNEST GRANT (6-5, 322, AR-Pine Bluff), HANS OLSEN (6-4, 306, BYU), LEWIS POWELL (6-3, 288, Utah) and GARRETT SMITH (6-2, 289, Utah).

UNDER CENTER

Veteran signal caller JOE GERMAINE (6-2, 229, Ohio State) comes into camp ready to lead the offense to a Western Division championship. Other quarterbacks in camp include second-year QB JASON GESSER (6-1, 214, Washington State), TRAVIS COLE (6-3, 215, Minnesota) and TALI ENA (6-5, 240, New Mexico).

FIRST CUTS

Before coming to Kansas City, the Blaze waived DB DA'QUAN DAVIS (6-2, 185, Abilene Christian), WR LYNZELL JACKSON (6-2, 193, Weber State), FB/LB BRENDAN SCHAUB (6-4, 250, Colorado) and WR EDWARD SIMMS (6-4, 228, William Penn).

The Blaze currently have 37 players on the active squad and are required to get down to 24 players by February 26. Kicker STEVE VIDETICH (6-2, 224, N.C. State) is expected to report to camp early next week.

ABOUT THE UTAH BLAZE

The Utah Blaze were winners of the 2006 Commissioner's Award, given to the Arena Football League's Organization of the Year, and the Best Support Staff Award. The Blaze open the 2007 season in the EnergySolutions Arena against the New Orleans VooDoo on Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. Season tickets for the 2007 are now available by logging onto www.utahblaze.com or by calling the Blaze ticket office at (801) 257-3111. The Blaze is owned and operated by the Ken Garff Automotive Group - www.kengarff.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 13, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Utah Blaze Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central