Fire QB Battle Heats Up

Published on March 22, 2006 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


Louisville, KY - As training camp rolls on for the Louisville Fire arena football team, the quarterback competition is tighter than expected. Camp will officially end on Saturday and a starter is expected to be named on Sunday. The Fire will play there first game on Friday March 29 at Wilkes-Barr/Scranton.

Joel Steele came into camp with the early advantage because he knew the Fire's system after serving as the back-up last season. Steele saw action in three games in 2005 with the Fire.

Brett Dietz who served time on the practice with the Tampa Bay Storm earlier this season is no stranger to competing with Steele. While Steele was at Anderson University, Dietz was the starter at Hanover College. The two battled for conference player of the year honors for three straight seasons.

The third player in the mix is Derek Crudup from Miami (FL.). Crudup is no stranger to competition for a starting spot, having gone through a battle with Brock Berlin at Miami two seasons ago.

"All three fit our system and they all do different things very well," commented Fire Assistant Head Coach Adam Shackleford. "It is going to come down to who we feel can be the best leader and take this team to the playoffs."

Camp Notes:

The defensive specialist position was very young coming into training camp however Charles Ealy (5'11, 205, UNLV) has really impressed the coaching staff in practice.

The line has been very impressive so far in camp. Ike Hilton, (6'4, 270, Hampton) who spent time with the L.A. Avengers of the AFL this year, is making strides in protection on the offensive side.

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