Camp Notes - Day Two

March 16, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm kicked off day two of training camp at Skyway Park in Tampa, FL. looking to polish the mistakes from the day before. The team did just that.

During Monday's practice, quarterbacks' Brett Dietz and Drew Weatherford struggled with the exchange from center, fumbling the ball on several occasions as they had to get acquainted with new centers. On Tuesday, both quarterbacks looked more comfortable under center.

As the defensive line practiced swim and punch moves on heavy bags, receivers challenged defensive backs during live one-on-one drills. Dietz seemed to find a new target in rookie wide out Reggie Gray. Gray, a member of the Chicago Rush's practice squad in 2008, was picked up by the Peorla Pirates (af2) for the final two games that season. Gray proved to be an immediate impact for the Pirates in 2008, racking up 189 receiving yards on 18 catches and recording two touchdowns.

Wide receivers' Hank Edwards and Tyrone Timmons also performed well during practice as they look to have another impressive year with the team.

The defense was dominant as they recorded another sharp day. Defensive end Jermaine Smith continually annoyed all three quarterbacks with his pass rush. Smith, no newcomer to arena football, is the Georgia Force all-time sack leader.

Coaches were also impressed with rookie linebacker Eric Ortiz. Ortiz, who participated in New Orleans Saints rookie mini-camp in 2009, recorded two interceptions on the day.

The storyline of the day, however, seemed to key in on the players fighting for roster spots. B.J. Hall and Drew Weatherford battled at quarterback for the backup job. Splitting reps, Hall was the most accurate of the two, although, Weatherford shined connecting with wide receivers Tyrone Timmons and Reggie Gray on back-to-back deep skinny post routes.

The competition at fullback/linebacker was heated between Dusty Bear and Cole Mason.

"Cole is a little bit quieter while Dusty is more vocal," said Director of Player Personnel Dave Ewart. "Both have something to prove."

During the team's inside period, Mason bounced a handoff outside, gaining a chunk of yards. Later, the competitors met head to head during the goal line period. Bear, who was playing linebacker, stopped Mason with a big goal line stand. When the Storm entered the team period, Bear was on the field first. Eager to get more reps, Bear tried to immediately jump to linebacker after a couple reps at fullback. Seeing this, Mason ran in at defensive end. Earlier, Mason had also lined up on the defensive line to make a stop against Bear.

The Storm will resume camp tomorrow starting at 8:00 A.M. The team practices at Skyway Park in Tampa, FL. Practices are open to the public.

Weekly Schedule

Day Location Times

Wednesday, March 17 Skyway Park 8:00am-9:30am, 10:00am-11:30 am

Thursday, March 18 Skyway Park 8:00am-9:30am, 10:00am-11:30 am

Friday, March 19 Skyway Park 8:00am-9:30am, 10:00am-11:30 am

Saturday, March 20 TBD 8:00am-9:30am, 10:00am-11:30 am

Sunday, March 21 TBD 8:00am-9:30am, 10:00am-11:30 am

Monday, March 22 Skyway Park 8:00am-9:30am, 10:00am-11:30 am

Tickets

The Storm kickoff the 2010 season on Saturday, April 3 when they invade Tulsa and take on the Talons. The Storm return home to the confines of the St. Pete Times Forum for its home opener Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Season Tickets start as low as $50! To be a part of all the hard-hitting action call 813.301.6600 (season tickets), 813.301.6900 (group tickets) or visit www.tampabaystorm.com.



Arena Football League Stories from March 16, 2010


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