Coaches Pleased With Players Performances

Published on February 8, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze met at the Spence Eccles Field House on the campus of the University of Utah and at Sportsplex in Kaysville for their second day of training camp practices.

"Aside from Orshawante's [achilles tendon] injury, we had another solid day of training camp," said head coach and general manager DANNY WHITE. "I would expect nothing less than great practices, and that is what I've seen so far."

DEFENSE HIGHLIGHTS DAY TWO

During the offseason, the Blaze saw the acquisition of many talented offensive and defensive linemen. DL DWAYNE MISSOURI (6-5, 280, Northwestern), OL DEVIN WYMAN (6-8, 350, Kentucky State), DL ROB SCHROEDER (6-4, 285, Buffalo) and DL E.J. BURT (6-2, 265, West Liberty State) coupled with the likes of returning players such as OL MYNIYA SMITH (6-5, 350, Southern) and DL CHRIS JANEK (6-3, 315, Wisconsin) will make for a strong line front for the Blaze in 2008.

"We saw a lot of energy in the one-on-one drills today," said OL/DL coach RON JAMES. "These guys are really getting after it, and that is what us coaches like to see."

DRILLS, DRILLS, DRILLS

Aside from the regular one-on-one's and team drills, players will also been measured on their individual speed and strength. Yesterday, players were timed in the 40-yard sprint, today they were timed in the shuttle run, and tomorrow, they will be tested in the bench press.

ROSTER MOVES

The Blaze also announce the signing of OL WALLY SONNIE (6-4, 310, Ashland University) and FB ALVERTIS GATLIN (6-2, 255, Harding University). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed due to team policy.

In his fourth season of af2, Sonnie started in six games with the Mahoning Valley Thunder after being signed mid-season. From 2004-06, Sonnie played for the Tulsa Talons as center and guard.

At Ashland University, Sonnie earned All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Second Team honors in 2003 as a standout offensive lineman.

Gatlin spent his rookie season with the Rio Grande Valley Dorados (af2). He played at Harding University in Seary, AR from 2002-03.

K STEVE VIDETICH (6-2, 224, North Carolina State) was placed on the Refuse to Report list.

WR ORSHAWANTE BRYANT (6'0, 191, Portland State) was placed on injured reserve today after rupturing his achilles tendon during the first session of practice.

LOOKING AHEAD TO DAY THREE

The first week of training camp will conclude tomorrow. The Blaze will practice from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Sportsplex in Kaysville, UT.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 8, 2008


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.

OurSports Central