Frantz 'Tackles' Kicks With SaberCats
Published on June 16, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
San Jose, CA- With wedding plans on the horizon, first things first for Dan Frantz, the outstanding rookie kicker for the San Jose SaberCats, as they prepare for ArenaBowl XVIII against the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix, Sunday, June 27.
Not only did no team have a kickoff return against the SaberCats and Frantz, but the 6-foot-1 former Portland State University kicker led all booters in the league in tackles. What's unbecoming of a kicker, Frantz had 12 solo hits and two assisted grabs, nearly as many as he had field goal attempts (15). That was two tackles more than Los Angeles' Remy Hamilton's 10 and 2.
"He's dedicated to learning the kicking game in this league," said special teams/fullback-linebackers coach Anthony Ross. "We really didn't tell him to go make tackles, he just kind of did it on his own."
Frantz is not your typical kicker. He's been an all-round athlete throughout high school. He even came to Portland State with the idea he would play another position. "I quickly gave up that thought when I realized I didn't have to attend meetings," he said. "I knew my bread and butter was going to be kicking, so that's where I put my effort."
The former Columbia River High School (Vancouver, Wash.) player was 8th in the AFL in kick scoring (127 points) this season. He was 106 of 127 on extra points (.862) and seven of 15 on field goals (.467). "Early on, I was missing some extra kicks because I was getting to the ball too quick," Frantz said. "I was going at the outdoor speed. My timing got better as we went."
It's the tackling that Frantz enjoys. He explains the kicker is supposed to be the "runback guys" last chance. "You are supposed to be a safety," he said. "I think some of the coaches think I haven't bought into that. My idea is that if I'm going to tackle him, I'm going to tackle him. Why should I wait till he's three-quarters of the way downfield. I'm not going to be on someone's highlight film."
Frantz said he is patient about being on the coverage. "I look at myself as a pretty good athlete. I attempt to get to the hole I see the runner going to and go to that area, using the wall to my advantage."
Frantz' teammates at Portland State were receiver-defensive back Orshawante Bryant of the Arizona Rattlers and defensive specialist Rashad Floyd of the Colorado Crush. In fact, Bryant and Frantz were roommates at Portland State. "I tried to make him my holder, but every time I came to strike the ball, he moved it in the other direction," said Frantz.
His marriage to Shelby Rush of Portland, Ore., is only 27 days after ArenaBowl. Bryant will be one of the grooms for Frantz and Floyd will be in attendance.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 16, 2004
- Frantz 'Tackles' Kicks With SaberCats - San Jose SaberCats
- Marcus Nash named Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Year - AFL I
- Marcus Nash named AFL Offensive Player of the Year - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Rattlers get ready for ArenaBowl by visiting Phoenix Children's Hospital - Arizona Rattlers
- SaberCats, Rattlers renew 10-year rivalry - San Jose SaberCats
- Rush QB Philyaw suffers torn ACL - Chicago Rush
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