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Dynamic rookie duo stepping up for Firebirds

March 23, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Firebirds have five captains on their team and all of them have at least three years of AFL experience. Brett Bech, in his third season out of LSU, is the most inexperienced in a group that includes Leroy Thompson (9 yrs), Mike Horacek (7 yrs), Chris Snyder (6 yrs) and Evan Hlavacek (5 yrs). One thing that all five of these leaders understand is that in order for the Firebirds to turn their season around they will need the help of some of the promising rookies that suit up along side them each game.

One of those rookies is quarterback Adrian McPherson. McPherson settled an early season quarterback controversy for the Firebirds after he started his first game against Chicago in week four. Since being inserted as the starter he has thrown 17 touchdown passes and run for ten more. The 20-year old has not thrown an interception and has accounted for twelve touchdowns over the past two games.

If his first ever play in the AFL was a sign of things to come, then all of the fans at the Palace at Auburn Hills in Detroit, MI on February 23rd got a sneak preview of what the rest of the league is beginning to find out, this kid can play. After taking his first career snap as a professional football player McPherson faked a handoff, booted around the end and continued up the sidelines in what appeared to be a light jog. The run ended up being a 27-yard scamper, which set up Adrian's first career touchdown two plays later, this one coming in the form of an eight-yard run that featured the quarterback twisting a Fury defender around in his shoes and leaving him on the turf at the five-yard line.

"The first one was a designed run, a bootleg that coach thought I would be able to get outside and make something happen," McPherson said. "The second one was a designed pass play and I just couldn't find anyone open so I took off up the middle. I had to make a move on their linebacker, but after him, I pretty much walked in."

As McPherson becomes an early-season candidate for AFL Rookie of the Year, he realizes that he has had some help from the young guys around him to get the ‘Birds back on course. Anthony Hines, who is also McPherson's roommate, has become a big part of the turnaround offensively. Hines spent the past two seasons in arenafootball2 and was signed as a free-agent by Indiana during the off-season. Last week, Hines filled in for an injured Mike Horacek at offensive specialist and recorded a game-high seven receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown.

"Those two are inseparable off the field," assistant coach Willie Wood said of the two rookies. "They watch film together, eat together, hang out together, everything. I think because they are both young and new to this league they have found some things that they both can relate to and it has helped in their progress on the field."

Hines started the season as a wide receiver/defensive back but an injury to 7-year veteran Kerry Brown forced him to move to wider receiver/linebacker in week three. The move gave Hines an opportunity to return back to the position he began his career playing in 2002 with the Roanoke Steam (af2). That season he recorded 18.0 total tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown playing defense. Last season with the Cape Fear Wildcats Hines was moved to offensive specialist. He would go on to lead the team in receptions (114) and receiving yards (1,575), ranking him 4th and 3rd in the league, respectively. He also chipped in with two kick returns for scores, averaging 21.2 yards per return.

"I definitely would love to be this team's OS, but that's why we have Mike (Horacek)," Hines said. "I am just glad that I get to be a part of this team and I'll play anywhere they want me to. The good thing is I am learning all three positions so I can always help out if we are in injury trouble."

So far this season, Hines has caught 17 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. With Mike Horacek expected to return to the Firebirds lineup next week in Colorado, coach Wilpolt will have an interesting decision to make regarding his offensive lineup. Currently active are WR/DB's Evan Hlavacek, Jordan Younger and Dee Moronkola, along with WR/LB's Bech and Andy McCullough.

"It's a good problem to have," commented head coach Mike Wilpolt. "I would much rather have that decision to make than having nobody healthy and being forced to put people in positions they aren't necessarily comfortable in. The good thing is they are all getting experience at different positions, which will make them better arena football players in the long run."

The Firebirds host the Grand Rapids Rampage Friday night at Conseco Fieldhouse. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM (EST) and the game can be heard in its entirety on ESPN 950 AM or 95.9 FM WIJY beginning with the half-hour pre-game show. Firebirds' single game and group tickets for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 23, 2004


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