Copperheads Don't Accept Losing Well
April 20, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Texas Copperheads News Release
HOUSTON - Copperheads head coach Bryan Blake wasn't kidding when he said changes would be made sooner rather than later. Texas (0-2) waived four players on April 18. Receiver Landon Taylor, linebackers Lawrence Taylor, Jr, and Chris Highshaw, and lineman Mike Henry were all released.
The team also announced that lineman Jonathan Golden will not be returning to the team. "Those guys just didn't hate to lose," Blake said. "We want players dedicated and committed to winning for this franchise."
As replacements, Texas inked five players to contracts, including a familiar face in receiver Miquel Toulon. The 6-4 Toulon spent all of training camp with the team before being released two weeks ago. Among the other additions are lineman Treveco Lucas and Iran Hodge, center Jesse Duncan, and linebacker Booker Jenkins. Duncan will take over for Henry at center, Hodge will replace Golden, and Toulon will take Landon Taylor's receiver spot. Jenkins will replace Taylor, who did not show the strength or production necessary for af2 ball, at the MAC linebacker position.
Blake is also looking to add a veteran quarterback to the roster to ease Tony Eckert's transition into the league. Eckert has struggled in his first two games, but Blake likes his arm and feels that a veteran presence will help the SMU grad. "Tony will be a good quarterback in this league but he's just having a hard time adjusting to this style of football right now," Blake said. "A veteran who can show him the ropes will help greatly."
The team also expects lineman Matthew Beeler and receiver Roland Hayes - both veterans of arena ball - back from injury within the next two weeks. "We're not in a state of urgency," Blake said. "But being so early in the season, 0-2 is not where we thought we would be. We're trying to assess where we are and we'll make the necessary changes in personnel. "I've got 14 weeks left, and by no means do I intend to stay on the same course I am now."
Special thanks to Dennis Silva for contributions to this press release.
Copperheads Tickets are available at the Copperheads office and online at ticketmaster.com. Individual tickets start at just $9. Special discounts are available to corporate partners and special groups of 20 or more. To purchase tickets by phone, dial 888-897-FANG.
Copperheads' season tickets are available now by calling or visit texascopperheads.com.
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