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Countdown 'Til Ignition, Day 12

January 18, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Arena Football League will be announcing the 20 Greatest Players in AFL history, as chosen by the 20th Season Historical Committee, live on ESPNews at approximately 2:20 p.m. MT today. The announcement will include an interview with the player voted to be the greatest in AFL history.

One of the people sure to be in the running for top player honors will be Utah Blaze offensive coordinator, HUNKIE COOPER. The future Hall of Famer was the AFL's MVP during his rookie season in 1993 and won the prestigious Ironman of the Year award twice (1999 and 2000) during his 13-year career as wide receiver/linebacker for the Arizona Rattlers.

Cooper is the AFL's all-time all-purpose yards leader (20,587) and still owns numerous league and Arizona team records.

BLAZE HAVE DEPTH

One of the interesting areas to keep an eye on this training camp has been the wide receiver/linebacker spot. Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE has the benefit of leaning on one of the AFL's bests with veteran TOM PACE leading the pack. Veteran JUSTIN SKAGGS has added his solid play and impressed the coaching staff with his versatility. Veteran RYAN DENNARD, rookie SALE KEY and former Utah State standout, EMMETT WHITE, round out one of the Blaze's deepest positions on the roster.

"I am very pleased at what I have seen so far from that group," White said. "Today's scrimmage with Nashville (Kats) and Georgia (Force) will help answer a lot of questions and I expect all of our guys to put their best foot forward to earn a spot on this team."

DON'T MISS OUT!

The Blaze anticipate tickets for the home opener against the Dallas Desperados and the February 11 game against the New York Dragons to sell fast. All fans are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to get the best seats for these games.

Single-game tickets for all eight home games are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.utahblaze.com, the Delta Center box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (801) 325-SEAT or at all Ticketmaster outlets.

LOOKING AHEAD TO DAY 13

The Blaze will be at the Delta Center on Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m. and will finish training camp on Friday. Coach White is expected to announce the final roster this weekend before the January 23 deadline.

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE**

Wednesday, January 18

Joint scrimmage (Nashville Kats and Georgia Force)

Tennessee Titans Practice Bubble

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Travel Day

Return to Salt Lake City, UT

Thursday, January 19

Delta Center

Practice: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

Friday, January 20

Delta Center

Practice: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

TRAINING CAMP ENDS

**All times subject to change



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 18, 2006


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