Game Notes: Destroyers at Sacramento
October 11, 2011 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Virginia Destroyers News Release
Game: 4
Virginia at Sacramento
Hornet Stadium
Saturday, Oct. 15
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (EDT)
Radio: ESPN (94.1 FM)
2011 Destroyers Schedule
Date Opponent Time/Score
9/15 at Omaha W 23-13
9/24 LAS VEGAS W 34-17
BYE
10/7 SACRAMENTO W 28-6
10/15 at Sacramento 7 p.m.
10/21 OMAHA 7 p.m.
10/27 at Las Vegas 10 p.m.
2011 UFL Standings
Team W-L Pct.
Virginia 3-0 1.00
Las Vegas 2-1 .750
Omaha 1-3 .250
Sacramento 0-3 .000
This week's game
10/15 Virginia at Sacramento, 7 p.m
10/15 Las Vegas at Omaha, 8 pm
Last week's game
Virginia 28, Sacramento 6
Las Vegas 30, Omaha 10
THE GAME
The Virginia Destroyers take the United Football League's only unbeaten record into Hornet Stadium on Saturday to face the Sacramento Mountain Lions for the second time in eight days. Comcast SportsNet California (Cox Channel 11) will be broadcasting the game. Grant Napier is doing play-by-play and Jerry Glanville and Mike Pawlawski are providing color. Dan Dibley will be the sideline reporter.
John Castleberry (play-by-play) and William Fuller (color) are the radio broadcast team for Virginia on ESPN Radio 94.1 FM. Tony Cordasco (play-by-play) and Doug Marsh (color) Fox Radio 920 AM will have the call for Sacramento.
If Virginia beats Sacramento and Las Vegas defeats Omaha on Saturday, both teams will have earned a spot in the UFL Championship Game with 4-2 records.
The Destroyers defeated Sacramento 28-6 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex on Oct. 7 to boost their record to 3-0 in the UFL. It was a 7-6 game going into the fourth quarter, before Virginia finished the game with three straight touchdowns. Destroyers running back Dominic Rhodes had one of the best individual games, if not the best, in UFL history, rushing for 217 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.
Defensively, the Virginia linebacker tandem of Tony Taylor and Terrence Melton wreaked havoc on the Mountain Lions. Taylor had six total tackles, two interceptions for 34 yards and a half-tackle for loss, while Melton recorded 1½ sacks and four total tackles.
For Sacramento, wide receiver Aaron Woods had 100 all-purpose yards on a 23-yard touchdown catch, three kickoff returns for 66 yards and an 11-yard punt return. Rookie backup quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw for 160 yards and a score. Safety John Busing picked off two passes, and linebackers Dontarrious Thomas and Michael Tauiliili had 10 total tackles each.
THE SERIES
Virginia leads the series 1-0 after defeating Sacramento 28-6 on Oct. 7.
SCHOTTENHEIMER ADDS TO HIS LEGEND
Virginia's season-opening victory over Omaha marked the UFL debut for Virginia Destroyers head coach Marty Schottenheimer, who brings with him more than 30 years of National Football League coaching experience. Schottenheimer ranks sixth all-time in NFL history with 200 regular-season victories. His NFL head coaching record is 205-139-1 (.596), and he is one of a handful of NFL head coaches to lead at least three different franchises to the playoffs. Schottenheimer's regular-season record is 200-126-1.
Schottenheimer was Head Coach of the San Diego Chargers from 2002-06, guiding the franchise to two AFC West championships and a 47-33 regular-season record. In 2004, Schottenheimer led the Chargers to one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history, taking a team that finished last in the AFC West (4-12) in 2003 and turning it into an AFC West Champion (12-4) in 2004. It was the franchise's first division title since 1994, and the Chargers became the 22nd team in NFL history to go from worst to first since 1967.
The Associated Press, Pro Football Weekly, the Professional Football Writers of America, SportsIllustrated.com, American Football Monthly, The Dallas Morning News, CBS SportsLine.com and the NFL Alumni Association named Schottenheimer NFL Coach of the Year in 2004. He also was chosen as Professional Coach of the Year by the Maxwell Football Club and AFC Coach of the Year by the NFL 101 Committee in Kansas City.
Prior to his time in San Diego, Schottenheimer was the Head Coach of the Washington Redskins during the 2001 season, going 8-8.
For a decade from 1989-98, Schottenheimer was the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, during which time the Chiefs averaged 10 wins a season and made seven playoff appearances. Under Schottenheimer, the Chiefs won the AFC West title three times and finished second in the division six times.
Schottenheimer's combined regular-season and postseason record in Kansas City was 104-65-1 (.615). While with the Chiefs, he was named AFC Coach of the Year by Football News in 1995, and the NFL Coach of the Year (Football Digest) and AFC Coach of the Year (USA Today) in 1997.
Schottenheimer's time as an NFL Head Coach began in the middle of the 1984 season, when he was named by the Browns to replace Sam Rutigliano. After going 4-4 to finish that season, Schottenheimer guided the Browns to four consecutive playoff appearances from 1985-88, including three straight AFC Central Division titles from 1985-87. Cleveland played in the 1986 and 1987 AFC Championship Games.
Schottenheimer, who was 46-31 (.597) combined with the Browns, was named 1986 AFC Coach of the Year by United Press International and Football News.
Marty versus the field
vs. Joe Moglia, OMA 1-0
-September 15, 2011 - VA beat OMA, 23-13
vs. Jim Fassel, LV - 2-2 vs. Fassel
-September 24, 2011 - VA beat LV, 34-17
- October 28, 2001 - WAS beat NYG, 35-21
- October 7, 2001 - WAS lost to NYG, 23-9
- December 20, 1998 - KC lost to NYG, 28-7
vs. Dennis Green, SAC - 3-1 vs. Green
-October 7, 2011 - VA beat SAC, 28-6
- December 31, 2006 - SD beat ARI, 27-20
- November 3, 1996 - KC beat MIN, 21-6
- December 26, 1993 - KC lost to MIN, 30-10
*In the case of Schottenheimer vs. Green, their last NFL head coaching meeting was the last time either one coached in a National Football League regular-season game - December 31, 2006. Schottenheimer's San Diego Chargers defeated Green's Arizona Cardinals, 27-20. The Chargers fell behind 7-0, and then ripped off 27 unanswered points en route to the victory.
* The last time Schottenheimer and Fassel were NFL head coaching adversaries was nearly 10 years ago, on October 28, 2001, when both were in the NFC East - Schottenheimer with the Washington Redskins and Fassel with the New York Giants. On that day, the Redskins topped the Giants, 35-21, thanks to a pair of big plays - an 89-yard punt-return touchdown by Eric Metcalf and a 76-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tony Banks to wide receiver Michael Westbrook.
HALL OF FAME CALLING, COACH
Destroyers Coach Marty Schottenheimer is a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2012.
Voting will take place in February, the day before the Super Bowl. The selection committee will choose 25 semifinalists in November. That group of semifinalists will be further reduced by a mail ballot to 15 modern-era finalists and announced in early January.
Between four and seven enshrinees will be announced on Feb. 4, and will be inducted in August at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
UFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
The Destroyers dominated UFL Player of the Week honors last week following their 28-6 pounding of Sacramento. RB Dominic Rhodes won the UFL Offensive Player of the Week honor and LB Tony Taylor took Defensive Player of the Week honors. For both players, it was their second POW award of the young season.
Rhodes received the latest honor after rushing for 217 yards on 18 carries, setting the following UFL single-game marks: most rushing yards, most overall touchdowns and rushing touchdowns, most points scored (18), highest rushing average (12.1) and all-purpose yards (234).
Taylor tied for the team lead in total tackles with six, had two interceptions for 34 yards and added a half-tackle for loss. Taylor is tied with Sacramento Mountain Lions safety John Busing, who also had two picks in the same game, for the league lead in interceptions this season with three.
BROTHERS ON THE FIELD
Defensive volunteer Kurt Schottenheimer has worked for the San Francisco 49ers, and is a former defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins and Detroit. Before coming to the Destroyers, he most recently coached the secondary for the Green Bay Packers. Kurt is the younger brother to head coach Marty Schottenheimer.
OVER THE HILL GANG?
The Destroyers' roster features 11 players age 30. Of those 12 players (running back Dominic Rhodes, quarterback Chris Greisen, wide receivers Cortez Hankton and Huey Whittaker, guards Anthony Davis and Adrien Clarke, linebacker Terrence Melton) were productive players last fall for the Florida Tuskers. Tight end Ronnie Ghent has been a solid player in his two UFL seasons, running back Adrian Peterson played several seasons with the Chicago Bears and quarterback Mike McMahon has played in three different leagues.
All of this is old hat for Schottenheimer. In his final NFL coaching season of 2006 with the San Diego Chargers, six starters were at least 30 years old. That team went 14-2 in the regular season.
TUSKER ROOTS
The Virginia Destroyers are a successor to the Florida Tuskers, who advanced to the 2010 Championship Game. Twenty of the current Destroyers were Tuskers last season. Last year's Tuskers were 2-3 when QB Chris Greisen (now the Destroyers' QB) took over as starter on Week 8, and Florida won its final three games, advancing to its second straight UFL Championship game against the Las Vegas Locomotives. Florida fell in the championship 23-20.
CLEAN START
The Destroyers are 10-of-12 in the red zone through three games.
WHY DESTROYERS?
A destroyer is a small, fast lightly armored but heavily armed warship. The Destroyers' home is the Hampton Roads area in southeastern Virginia, which is notable for its heavy military presence, with each branch of the armed forces represented, including the United State Navy, the Coast Guard, Air Force, NASA, the Marines and Army facilities. Hampton Roads boasts a population of 1.7 million and is the 36th largest metropolitan area in the nation. Hampton Roads is comprised of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Yorktown and Virginia Beach. Also included are the counties of Isle of Wight, James City, Surry and York. Each of these entities shares a close association to the water and the harbor called Hampton Roads.
STRONG ARM
Destroyers QB Chris Greisen has completed 57-of-83 passes for 644 yards and 4 touchdowns this season. He has thrown two interceptions, both against the Sacramento Mountain Lions on Oct. 7.
Greisen is on a roll in the UFL, dating back to his former team, the Florida Tuskers. Greisen (6-0 UFL regular-season record, 0-1 UFL postseason record, 12th professional season) started and won the final three regular-season games for the Tuskers last season, and his 97.5 passer rating would have been No. 1 in the UFL had he had enough passing attempts. He finished 58-for-84 for 664 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions during the regular season, then 24-for-42 for 346 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the UFL Championship Game.
DON'T THROW IT THEIR WAY
The Destroyers picked off three passes in the season opener on Sept. 15 against Omaha. FS Jerome Carter (20-yard return), middle linebacker Tony Taylor (10-yard return) and CB Kyle Whitehurst (21-yard return) each came down with interceptions. Taylor has since added two more picks, both against Sacramento on Oct. 7.
HEY, NEIGHBOR
Destroyers Coach Marty Schottenheimer, head coach of the Washington Redskins, is neighbors with another Redskin legend: Joe Gibbs. Schottenheimer and Gibbs both have homes in Cornelius, N.C., and both are avid golfers. Schottenheimer claims to have a slight edge over Gibbs in that game, but noted, "You can never be too sure with Joe. He's so competitive."
DESTROYER CAPTAINS
QB Chris Greisen, LB Terrence Melton, S Jerome Carter and a special teams player to be decided on a game-by-game basis will be captains for the Destroyers. RB Clifton Smith has been the special teams captain for all the Destroyer games.
HE'S GOT STYLE
DE Stylez G. White was born Gregory Alphonso White, Jr. In 1985 he legally changed his name to Stylez G. White, inspired by the character in the 1985 Michael J. Fox film "Teen Wolf."
LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE FANS
It rained and rained and rained, but that didn't keep 12,167 fans from packing the Sportsplex on Sept. 24 for the team's home opener against the Las Vegas Locos. The Destroyers were also a hot ticket in Omaha, where they opened the season in front of 15,836 fans on Sept. 15. On Oct. 7, Virginia drew 12,617 to the Sportsplex for its matchup versus Sacramento.
Currently, the Virginia fans have a comfortable lead in the fan vote for which team will host the 2011 UFL Championship Game.
CHEERS FOR THE CHEERLEADERS
The Virginia Destroyers held tryouts in February and welcome 29 women hailing from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton and Carrollton. Kimberly Vaughn, an 8-year veteran of the Washington Redskins' cheerleading team, is dance team director. Vaughn was with the Redskins in 1998 and from 2000 to 2007 and a Pro Bowl representative in 2007. In early August, Vaughn's husband, Aaron, a Navy SEAL, was among 30 American service members who died when their helicopter was shot down by insurgents in Afghanistan. The crash, which also took the lives of eight Afghans, was the deadliest single loss for American forces in the war in Afghanistan.
RIGHT ON, BAND!
The Right On Band is the official band of the Virginia Destroyers. The Virginia Beach band, which bills itself as the world's greatest '70s show band, is a 10-piece show band with a full horn section. Known for its outlandish '70s costumes, the band has performed all over the world and for three United States presidents.
THE OTHER ADRIAN PETERSON
The Destroyers' No. 29 was a four-time All-American at Georgia Southern, where he rushed for a Division I-AA record 6,559 career yards and won the Walter Payton Award as the nation's top Division I-AA offensive player. Peterson also set Division I-AA records for points in a career (524). His brother, Michael Peterson, plays linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. He is not related to "the other Adrian Peterson," a running back for the Minnesota Vikings.
Through three games, Peterson has rushed for 160 yards on 33 carries with one TD.
Destroyers' UFL experience
Tra Battle - 09 New York, 10 Hartford
McKinley Boykin - 09-10 Florida
Antwon Burton - 10 Florida-Sacramento
Jerome Carter - 09-10 Florida
Adrien Clarke - 10 Florida
Joe Clermond - 10 Florida
Anthony Davis - 09-10 Florida
Jason Davis - 10 Hartford
Maurice Fountain - 09-10, Hartford, 10 Las Vegas
Ronnie Ghent - 09 New York, 10 Hartford
Na'Shan Goddard - 10 Florida
Chris Greisen - 09-10 Florida
Cortez Hankton - 10 Florida
Mike McMahon - 09 California
Terrence Melton - 09-10 Florida
Eric Moore - 10 Florida
Shane Olivea - 10 Florida
Dominic Rhodes - 10 Florida
Aaron Rouse - 10 Omaha
Calvin Russell - 10 Florida
Ryan Senser - 10 Florida
John Standeford - 10 Florida
Tony Taylor - 10 Florida
Darius Vinnett - 09-10 Florida
Kyle Whitehurst - 10 Hartford
Huey Whittaker - 10 Florida
Kyle Young - 10 Florida
DESTROYERS QUICK HITTERS
*WR Aundrae Allison was the first player in East Carolina history to have 1,000 receiving yards in a season (83 catches, 1,024 yards as a junior in 2005). ...Allison loves to cook and can't resist flipping through cooking magazines in grocery stores. Among his specialties: chimi cheesecake, a dessert that includes deep fried taco shells and caramel.
*LB Mike Balogun did not play high school football his junior and senior years at Suitland (Md) High School. After high school, he took a job as a carpenter's assistant to support his family. For two years he played semi-pro ball in the North American Football League and at 23 years old, he enrolled in Lackawanna Junior College in Scanton, Pa. After playing sparingly his first season, he was named a second team All-American his second year. He transferred to Oklahoma as a junior (2008) - the same year the Sooners became the No. 1 team in the nation.
*S Tra Battle, whose mother, Tonya, is an ordained Baptist minister, has collaborated with Athletes for Education to create a foundation titled "Battle for Success," dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the less privileged that is geared toward all age groups in the San Diego community. He has worked in elementary schools and convalescent homes.
*LB Diyral Briggs has two indulgences: Xbox (especially "Call of Duty") and the "Real Housewives" series.
*CB Ahmad Carroll, a first-round draft pick (25th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in 2004, founded the Humble Grind Foundation in Atlanta to help youngsters develop life skills and healthy lifestyles. The foundation partners with business leaders, athletes and entertainers to show youth their potential. The foundation aims to enrich lives with athleticism, health education, academics and career development while implementing life skills that will lead to personal success. ...Carroll was a violinist as a child. He enjoys bowling and coaching the T-ball team his son, Jeremiah, plays for.
*FB Jason Davis and RB Adrian Peterson enjoy singing karaoke together, including songs from Journey, Kool and the Gang and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
*QB Chris Greisen was a two-time All-American at Northwest Missouri State and led the Bearcats to the NCAA Division II National Championship as a senior. He is the all-time leader in school history in passing yards (5,731) and touchdown passes (51). As an All-American, Greisen threw for a school-record 2,937 yards and 25 touchdowns. He runs the "Chris Greisen Quarterback Academy" during the offseason in Green Bay and co-hosts "Talking Football with Chris Greisen," a radio show in the Green Bay/Appleton area. Greisen has four children: Michaela, 7, Hannah, 6, Patrick, 3, and Andrew, 18 months.
Greisen's grandfather, Stan Kramer, played for the Green Bay Packers in 1946. Kramer made sure Chris and his younger brother, Nick, were at every home Green Bay Packers game, and Greisen vividly recalls the first game Brett Favre ever played in. Linebacker Nick Greisen, currently a free agent, was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2002 draft. Nick has also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. The boys are cousins to former Washington Redskins center Casey Rabach.
*P Matt Henry played shooting guard at Cresskill (NJ) High School, where he became the school's all-time leader in points with 1,791.
*DT Orien Harris enjoys working in his parents' Palm Beach (Fla.) bistro when he's not playing football. He's also a cartoon junkie with a passion for Kung Fu movies.
*Linebacker Terrence Melton majored in sports science at Rice University, where he was team captain in 1998. Melton also attended the Harvard Business School. ... In his spare time, Melton loves to tinker with cars. He owns a '73 Buick Centurion convertible that is candy red with a peanut butter top.
*OL Shane Olivea loves to ski, particularly in Aspen. He's a diehard fan of the New York Yankees and lists his all-time favorite player as Babe Ruth. Olivier is the lone player on the roster that played under Coach Marty Schottenheimer in the NFL. He was with the San Diego Chargers from 2004-07.
*RB Dominic Rhodes carried 21 times for 113 yards with one touchdown to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on Feb. 4, 2007. Though Colts QB Peyton Manning won the MVP Award, many considered Rhodes the MVP. He accounted for 143 all-purpose yards and in the second half carried 14 times for 87 yards.
One game day ritual that Rhodes considers a must: Skipping the body lotion. "I never put on lotion before a game," he said.
*Safety Aaron Rouse, a former Green Bay Packer and New York Giant, hails from Virginia Beach, home to the Destroyers. Rouse attended First Colonial High School before going on to star at Virginia Tech. Rouse is one of two Virginia natives on the roster. Cornerback Kyle Whitehurst graduated from Bethel High School before attending Hampton University. Rouse enjoys fishing and his 1968 midnight blue Chevy C10.
LS Ryan Senser was a tight end and outside linebacker until he blew out his knee in high school. Retearing the knee his freshman year of college at Ohio University convinced him to become a long snapper.
OL Kyle Young enjoys skeet shooting and hunting. He raises pigs at his northern San Diego home.
2011 VIRGINIA DESTROYERS PRONOUNCIATION GUIDE
GREISEN Chris GRY-son
McKinley BOYKIN BOY-kin
Joe CLERMOND CLAIR-mond
Shane OLIVEA OH-liv-e-a
KEIWAN Ratliff KEY-Whan
Darius VINNETT Va-NET
Ronnie GHENT Jent
TRA Battle Trey
DIYRAL Briggs DIE-Rell
Mike BALOGUN BAL-a-ginn
2011 Destroyers Depth Chart
Offense
QB: 14 Chris Greisen 8 Mike McMahon 3 Derek Devine
FB: 42 Billy Latsko 47 Jason Davis
RB: 33 Dominic Rhodes 29 Adrian Peterson 22 Clifton Smith 25 Wynel Seldon
WR: 16 Aundrae Allison 88 Calvin Russell
LT: 79 Jonathan Palmer 76 Na'Shan Goddard
LG: 66 Anthony Davis
C: 72 Kyle Young 61 Brett Helms
RG: 63 Adrien Clarke
RT: 70 Shane Olivea 73 Clint Oldenburg
TE: 86 Ronnie Ghent 89 Michael Matthews 80 Jamarko Simmons
WR: 81 Cortez Hankton 15 Huey Whittaker 82 John Standeford
Defense:
LDE: 92 Maurice Fountain 96 Eric Moore
LDT: 91 Jay Alford 69 Orien Harris
RDT: 68 McKinley Boykin 93 Antwon Burton
RDE: 58 Joe Clermond 94 Stylez White
LB: 55 Terrance Melton 59 Diyral Briggs
LB: 50 Tony Taylor 53 Mike Balogun
LB: 52 Savion Frazier 51 Darnell Bing
LCB: 28 Ahmad Carroll 35 Kyle Whitehurst
RCB: 24 Darius Vinnett 31 Reggie Jones
FS: 23 Jerome Carter 39 DeAngelo Willingham
SS: 26 Aaron Rouse 36 Tra Battle
Specialists
P: 1 Matt Henry
K: 4 Delbert Alvarado
LS: 49 Ryan Senser
Coaching Staff Notable Information
Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer Professional football coach for 37 years with 205 career wins
Assistant General Manager John Wuehrmann More than 25 years of NFL front office experience (Cleveland, Washington, KC, SD)
Offensive Coordinator Terry Shea Former offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears
Offensive Line Bill Laveroni Six years as offensive line coach and offensive line coach with the Seattle Seahawks
Running Backs Gerald Carr Former wide receivers coach with the Philadelphia Eagles
Wide Receivers Bobby Saunders Assistant for the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills
Defensive Volunteer Kurt Schottenheimer Former Defensive Coordinator for KC Chiefs, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions
Defensive Line John Marshall Earned two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant
Defensive Line Delbert Cowsette Former defensive line coach at Hampton University
Defensive Backs Lionel Washington Former cornerbacks coach Green Bay; Secondary coach Oakland Raiders
Linebackers Johnny Holland Defensive asst. coach/linebackers coach Detroit Lions; LB coach Houston Texans
Special Teams Mike Stock Former special teams coach for the St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers
Strength/Training Chet Fuhrman NFL Strength Coach of the Year (2005) Pittsburgh Steelers
Head Equipment Manager Casey Turley Former equipment manager with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Asst. Equipment Manager Dustin Stover Previous work with Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns
Head Trainer Darrell Turner Former head trainer at Winston-Salem State University
Dir. of Player Personnel Bret Munsey Led the Philadelphia Soul to the Arena Bowl Championship, 2008
#91 DL JAY ALFORD 6-2 280 Penn State
PREVIOUSLY: Pass rusher with a Super Bowl pedigree. Drafted by the NFL's New York Giants in the third round of 2007. Played for the Giants in 2007-08, and for the Raiders in 2010. Missed the 2009 season after knee surgery. Appeared in 36 NFL games, starting three. Made 13 tackles and assisted on five. Had a key sack in the final minutes of Super Bowl XLII to help seal the Giants' victory over undefeated New England. In camp with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year. Four-year starter at Penn State. Third-team All-American (AP) as a senior, All-Big 10 as junior and senior.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 assisted tackle as starting DL.
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 tackles as starting DL.
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 solo tackle, two assists as starting DL, including 1 tackle for loss (-4 yards) and one-half sack (-3)
#16 WR AUNDRAE ALLISON 6-0 198 East Carolina
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the NFL's Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of 2007. Played for the Vikings in 2007-08, appearing in 26 games. He caught 18 passes for 231 yards. He also returned 26 kicks for 674 yards including one touchdown (104 yards), and returned nine punts for 58 yards. Signed with New York Jets but missed 2009 season after knee surgery. At East Carolina, was the first player in school history to have 1,000 receiving yards in a season (83 catches for 1,024 yards as a junior in 2005).
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 4 catches for 103 yards, including a long of 73 yards as starting wide receiver
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 TD catch for 35 yards as starting WR
Game 3 (Sacramento): 2 catches for 18 yards as starting WR
#4 PK DELBERT ALVARADO 6-0 200 South Florida
PREVIOUSLY: UFL rookie. Served as both punter and placekicker at South Florida, where he was successful on 91 or 93 PAT attempts and 26 of 47 field goals. He also averaged 40.3 yards per punt. Longest career field goal at South Florida was 56 yards.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Hit 3 of 4 field goal attempts and 2-of-2 PATs to account for 11 of Virginia's 23 points in opening week win ...the 32-yard miss was blocked
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2-2 FGS (31. 35 yards); 2-2 PATs; 7 kickoff for 431 yards (61.6) average, 1 touchback
Game 3 (Sacramento): 4-4 PATs; 5 kickoffs for 293 yards (58.6 average)
#51 LB MIKE BALOGUN 6-0 251 Oklahoma
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college; signed with the San Francisco 49ers before training camp in 2010 and released during final cuts. Signed to practice squads for the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010). Signed by the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 10, 2010. Played in his first pro game in Week 13. Released in February 2011 and signed by Dallas Cowboys. Released by Dallas during final cuts in 2011.
2011 SEASON:
Games 1 and 2: Joined the Destroyers after these games.
Game 3 (Sacramento): DNP
#36 S TRA BATTLE 5-10 177 Georgia
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played with NFL's San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys in 2008, appearing in six games. He made four tackles and assisted on five. Spent time during 2009 with the NFL's Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions but did not appear in a game. Spent 2009 season with UFL's New York Sentinels, and spent 2010 with UFL's Hartford Colonials. Two-year starter at Georgia. Was third-team All-American as a senior.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Saw time as RS
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 tackles, 2 assists as RS
Game 3 (Sacramento): Saw time as RS
#53 LB DARNELL BING 6-0 240 USC
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round 2006 NFL Draft. Prior to the 2006 season, the Raiders placed him on injured reserve with a neck injury. He was released in July 2007. Spent 2007 with San Francisco 49ers. Signed and waived by New York Jets in 2008. Signed by Detroit Lions in 2008 and spent time on practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on Dec. 8, 2008. Released in Oct. 2009 and signed by the Houston Texans (2010), where he spent time on the practice squad. ... Played on two national championship teams at USC. Named a Jim Thorpe Award finalist as the nation's best defensive back and was an All-American, 2005.
2011 SEASON
Games 1 and 2: Joined the Destroyers Oct. 3
Game 3 (Sacramento): Saw time as LB
#68 DL McKINLEY BOYKIN 6-1 289 Mississippi
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Appeared in three games for the NFL's New Orleans Saints in 2007, making seven tackles and assisting on three. Also played for NFL Europe's Cologne Centurions in 2007. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009 and 2010. Played in 45 games at Ole Miss despite numerous injuries over the course of his career.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 2 tackles, 1 assist as starting DL
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 assist, 1 pass breakup as starting RDT
Game 3 (Sacramento): 2 tackles, 2 assists as starting DL, including 1½ for loss (-6), a half-sack (-4) and a QB hurry.
#59 LB DIYRAL BRIGGS 6-4 230 Bowling Green
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Spent parts of 2009-10 with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos, appearing in 11 games. He was a Green Bay Packer for Super Bowl XLV, won by the Packers in 2010. At Bowling Green set a school record with 26 career sacks.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 tackle as reserve LB
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 tackles, 1 assist as reserve LB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 QB hurry as reserve LB
#93 DL ANTWON BURTON 6-3 310 Temple
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played with the NFL's Denver Broncos in 2006-07, and with the Carolina Panthers in 2009. Appeared in nine games, making four tackles and assisting on one. Played in 2010 for the UFL's Florida Tuskers and Sacramento Mountain Lions.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 tackle as reserve DL
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 assists as reserve DL
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 assist as reserve DL
#28 CB AHMAD CARROLL 5-11 190 Arkansas
PREVIOUSLY: First-round draft pick (25th overall) by the NFL's Green Bay Packers in 2004. Played for the Packers, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Jets from 2004-06 and 2008-09. Appeared in 59 games, starting 28. Intercepted three passes, made 94 tackles and assisted on 10. Spent the 2008 season with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League. At Arkansas, was a sprinter on the Razorbacks track team in addition to playing football. Founded the Humble Grind Foundation in Atlanta to help youngsters develop life skills and healthy lifestyles.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Posted 4 tackles and 1 assist including 2 pass break-ups as starting LCB
Game 2: (Las Vegas): 1 assist, 1 pass breakup as starting LCB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 tackle as starting CB
#23 FS JEROME CARTER 5-11 219 Florida State
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the NFL's St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of 2005. Appeared in 33 games, starting three, for the Rams from 2005-07. He had two interceptions, made 51 tackles and assisted on eight. Spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons with the UFL's Florida Tuskers. Had 257 tackles during his career at Florida State.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 of 4 team captains; 2 tackles, 1 assist and 1 interception (20-yard return) as starting free safety
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 tackles, 5 assists as starting free safety
Game 3 (Sacramento): 4 tackles, 2 assists as starting free safety
#63 OL ADRIEN CLARKE 6-5 330 Ohio State
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round in 2005. Appeared in 14 games, starting four, for the Eagles in 2005, and appeared in 14 games (all starts) for the New York Jets in 2007. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010. Started 43 games at Ohio State and played in the 2004 Senior Bowl.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Started at RG
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Started at RG
Game 3 (Sacramento): Started at RG
#58 DE JOE CLERMOND 6-2 220 Pittsburgh
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Spent time with the Chicago Bears in 2008-09 but never appeared in a game. Played with the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010. Twice named second-team All-Big East at Pitt.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 2 tackles, 1 assist as starting DE
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 fumble recovery, 2 assists, 2 pass breakups as starting DE
Game 3 (Sacramento): 2 tackles, 2 QB hurries as starting DE
#66 OL ANTHONY DAVIS 6-4 322 Virginia Tech
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Signed with NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Played with Tampa Bay from 2004-08, appearing in 47 games and starting 32. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009 and 2010. Before attending Virginia Tech, played high school football at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Started at LG
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Started at LG
Game 3 (Sacramento): Started at LG
#47 FB JASON DAVIS 5-10 245 Illinois
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played with the NFL's Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders in 2008, and the Cleveland Browns in 2009. He appeared in eight games, starting three. He rushed 10 times for 15 yards, and he caught five passes for 17 yards. Played for the UFL's Hartford Colonials in 2010. At Illinois, rushed for 327 yards and one touchdown, and caught 70 passes for 644 yards and five touchdowns.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 catch for 2 yards as a reserve FB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 catch for 1 yard as reserve FB
#3 QB DEREK DEVINE 6-3 222 Marshall
PREVIOUSLY: Strong-armed passer but something of an unknown commodity. Undrafted out of college, but spent time under contract with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins. Played sparingly at Marshall and did not complete a pass there, but has impressed pro scouts with his physical tools during workouts.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Dressed but did not play
Game 3 (Sacramento): Dressed but did not play
#92 DT MAURICE FOUNTAIN 6-4 270 Clemson
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college in 2005, Fountain took time off from football before resurfacing for the Manchester Wolves (AF2). Fountain set a franchise record with the Wolves, recording 13 sacks. Signed with Utah Blaze and named to the AF1 All-Rookie Team in his only season in 2008. Signed by the Miami Dolphins in 2008 but released during final cuts. Signed with the Seattle Seahawks and released on Sept. 3, resigned the following day to the practice squad but released on Sept. 6. Played for the UFL's Hartford Colonials (2009-10) and Las Vegas Locomotives (2011).
2011 SEASON
Games 1 and 2: Signed with the Destroyers after those games
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 tackle and 1 assist as reserve DT, and a half sack (-5) and an assisted tackle for loss (-5)
#52 LB SAVION FRAZIER 6-2 230 Tennessee
PREVIOUSLY: First-year pro was undrafted out of college. Played in 41 games at Tennessee. Grew up in Woodbridge, Va., and attended Gar-Field High School.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 tackles, 1 assist as starting LB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 4 tackles, 1 assist as starting LB
#86 TE RONNIE GHENT 6-2 253 Louisville
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played in eight games for the New Orleans Saints in 2007, mainly on special teams and as a blocking tight end. Also spent three seasons on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. Spent 2009 with the UFL's New York Sentinels, catching 14 passes for 113 yards. Spent 2010 with the UFL's Hartford Colonials, catching 11 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown. At Louisville, started for four years and was the first played ever named first-team All-Conference USA for four straight years. Caught 120 passes for 1,349 yards and 15 touchdowns.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 catch for 12 yards as starting TE; 1 tackle on special teams
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 catches for 20 yards with a long of 17 as starting TE
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 catch for 11 yards as starting TE
#76 OL NA'SHAN GODDARD 6-5 315 South Carolina
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played in two games with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks in 2008, and was on the practice squads of the Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints in 2009. Spent 2010 with the UFL's Florida Tuskers. At South Carolina played in 44 games, starting 37.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Got start at RT
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Reserve LT
Game 3 (Sacramento): Reserve LT
#14 QB CHRIS GREISEN 6-3 220 Northwest Missouri State
PREVIOUSLY: Veteran quarterback led Florida Tuskers to the UFL title game last season. Drafted by the NFL's Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round in 1999, he spent three years as Arizona's third-string quarterback. He appeared in five games, completing 7 of 16 passes for 69 yards and one touchdown. Was placed on the active roster of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys for the final game of the 2010 season. Spent time with the Rhein Fire (NFL Europe), the Green Bay Blizzard (af2) and the Dallas Desperadoes (Arena Football League) before having his breakout season at age 31 for the AFL's Georgia Force in 2007, setting a league record by passing for 117 touchdowns. He spent two years with the Force and one year with the Milwaukee Iron, finishing his Arena Football League career with more than 15,000 passing yards and 324 touchdowns against just 40 interceptions. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009 and 2010. In college, led Northwest Missouri State to the Div. II NCAA title in 1998. Runs the Chris Greisen Quarterback Academy training camp in Wisconsin.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Starting QB. completed 19 of 34 passes for 248 yards, 1 TD (Lasko) with a long of 73 yards
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Starting QB. completed 18 of 23 passes for 202 yards, 2 TDs (Allison, 35 yards; Whittaker, 31 yards)
Game 3 (Sacramento): Starting QB. completed 20 of 26 passes for 192 yards, 1 TD (Simmons, 14 yards), 2 interceptions
#81 WR CORTEZ HANKTON 6-0 200 Texas Southern
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-06. Appeared in 45 games, starting one. Caught 34 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Played for the UFL's New York Sentinels in 2009, catching 11 passes for 144 yards. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010. In college, set school records at Texas Southern for receiving yards in a career (3,400) and in a season (1,270). Scored 30 touchdowns in college.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 4 catches for 103 yards with a long of 12 as starting WR
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 4 catches for 48 with a long of 17 as starting WR
Game 3 (Sacramento): 3 catches for 32 yards with a long of 17 as starting WR
#69 DT ORIEN HARRIS 6-3 300 Miami
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round in 2006. Played for Cleveland Browns in 2006, Cincinnati Bengals in 2008-09. Appeared in 20 NFL games, starting one, making nine tackles and assisting on 12. Signed with Miami after prep All-American career and went on to record 11 sacks and 159 tackles for the Hurricanes. His brother Kwame Harris also played in the NFL.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 2 assists as starting LDT
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 4 assists as starting LDT
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 tackle as reserve DT
#61 OL BRETT HELMS 6-2 278 Louisiana State
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Signed by NFL's Houston Texans but did not appear in a game. Three-year starter at center for LSU.
2011 SEASON:
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Dressed but did not play
Game 3 (Sacramento): Reserve OL
#1 P MATT HENRY 6-1 215 New Hampshire
PREVIOUSLY: In addition to punting at University of New Hampshire, also played wide receiver, catching 16 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Starting punter
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 punts, 83 yards for an average of 41.5 yards
Game 3 (Sacramento): 3 punts for 112 yards for an average of 37.3 yards
#44 LB NEAL HOWEY 6-1 233 Eastern Michigan *
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college but spent time in training camp with NFL's Seattle Seahawks after impressing scouts in workouts. Led Eastern Michigan with 95 tackles in 2010.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 2 tackles as starting OLB
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Reserve LB
Game 3 (Sacramento): On injured reserve
#31 CB REGGIE JONES 6-0 200 Portland State
PREVIOUSLY: Signed as a free agent to the New Orleans Saints practice squad in 2010. Also spent time on the Washington Redskins practice squad in 2010.
2011 SEASON
Games 1, 2 and 3: Signed with the team after these games
#42 FB BILLY LATSKO 5-10 233 Florida
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played in one game for the NFL's San Diego Chargers in 2010. Previoulsy spent time on the rosters of the Carolina Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers but never appeared in a game for them. Played in six games at Florida, catching nine passes for 81 yards and one touchdown.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 3 catches for 13 yards with a long of 7 and 1 TD reception (5 yards) as starting wide receiver
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 assist, starting FB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 catch for 3 yards as starting FB
#99 DE JONATHAN LEWIS 6-1 305 Virginia Tech *
PREVIOUSLY: Starts the 2011 season on injured reserve for the Destroyers. Drafted by the NFL's Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round in 2006. Appeared in four games for the Cardinals in 2006, making three tackles and assisting on one. Also has been on practice squads or on training camp with the Oakland Raiders, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Seattle Seahawks, the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns. Three-year starter at Virginia Tech, finished career with 203 tackles and 15½ sacks. Grew up in Richmond and played at Varina High School.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): On injured reserve
Game 2 (Las Vegas): On injured reserve
Game 3 (Sacramento): On injured reserve
#89 TE MICHAEL MATTHEWS 6-3 265 Georgia Tech
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played in the NFL for the Giants, Patriots and Lions in 2007-08. Appeared in 39 games, starting 11. Caught eight passes for 54 yards. Started for the Giants in Super Bowl XLII in a double-tight end set. Went to training camp with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts this summer. Used primarily as a blocking tight end at Georgia Tech.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 catch for 18 yards; 2 assists on special teams
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Reserve TD
Game 3 (Sacramento): 2 catches for 15 yards as reserve TE
8 QB MIKE McMAHON 6-2 215 Rutgers
PREVIOUSLY: Talented, smart quarterback. Drafted by NFL's Detroit Lions in the fifth round in 2001. Played for Detroit in 2001-04 and Philadelphia in 2005. Appeared in 29 games, starting 14. He completed 229 of 515 passes for 2,867 yards and 15 touchdowns during his NFL career. Played in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Alouettes. Spent the 2009 season with the UFL's California Redwoods.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Dressed but did not play
Game 3 (Sacramento): Saw time as reserve QB
#55 LB TERRENCE MELTON 6-1 235 Rice
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons in 2007, appearing in all 16 games, making 11 tackles and assisting on another. Also played in the Arena Football League with the Houston Thunderbears and in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009 and 2010.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 assist on defense as starting OLB
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 tackles, 2 assist, 1 QB hurry as starting OLB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 3 tackles, 1 assist as starting LB, 1½ sacks (-6 yards), 1½ tackles for loss (-6)
#96 DE ERIC MOORE 6-4 268 Florida State
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Played in 8 games his rookie season, recording five tackles. Made his debut against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 13, 2005. Released by the Giants on Sept. 2, 2006. Signed by the New Orleans Saints. Made four appearances, recording five tackles and waived Nov. 7, 2006. Signed with the St. Louis Rams in 2006. Played in three games; waived by the Rams on Sept. 15, 2007. Resigned four days later and played in seven games, including his career first start against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. Finished the 2007 season with a career-high 9 tackles and his first career sack. In 2008 for the Rams, Moore played in seven games, made 10 tackles and recorded one sack. Placed on IR on Sept. 5, 2009 and released with an injury settlement on Sept. 9, 2009. Signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad on Nov. 17, 2009. Released 2010. Signed with the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010. Signed by the New England Patriots on Dec. 3, 2010. Active for the first time in the Patriots' Week 14 game win over the Chicago Bears, including a strip-sack of Bears QB Jay Cutler. In four games (three starts), Moore had 14 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbled. Cut by the Patriots on Sept. 3 and signed by the Destroyers in Oct. 2011.
2011 SEASON
Games 1, 2, 3: Signed with the team after these games
#73 OL CLINT OLDENBURG 6-5 300 Colorado State
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round in 2007. Played with the Patriots (2007), New York Jets (2007-08), St. Louis Rams (2008), Minnesota Vikings (2009) and Washington Redskins (2010). Appeared in two NFL games
2011 season
Game 1 (Omaha): Oldenburg joined the team after the Omaha game.
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Reserve RT
Game 3 (Sacramento): Reserve RT
#70 OL SHANE OLIVEA 6-3 312 Ohio State
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the NFL's San Diego Chargers in the seventh round in 2004. Played for the Chargers from 2004-07, appearing in 60 games and starting 57. Signed with the New York Giants in 2008 but season ended due to a back injury. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Starting RT
Game 3 (Sacramento): Starting RG
#79 OL JONATHAN PALMER 6-4 336 Auburn
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Has never played in an NFL game, but has been in training camp or on the practice squad with the Eagles, Steelers, Raiders, Giants, Browns, Panthers, Cardinals and Jaguars. Started as a senior for the nationally ranked Auburn team that went 11-2 and beat Nebraska in the Cotton Bowl.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Started at LT
Game 2: (Las Vegas): Started at LT
Game 3 (Sacramento): Started at LT
#29 RB ADRIAN PETERSON 5-10 210 Georgia Southern
PREVIOUSLY: One of the most decorated players in NCAA Div. I-AA history. Drafted by the NFL's Chicago Bears in the sixth round in 2002. Played for the Bears from 2002-09, appearing in 106 games and starting six. Rushed 311 times for 1,283 yards and eight touchdowns. Caught 78 passes for 665 yards, and returned 14 kicks for 203 yards. Four-time All-American at Georgia Southern, where he rushed for a Division I-AA record 6,559 career yards and won the Walter Payton Award as the nation's top Div. I-AA offensive player. Also set NCAA Div. I-AA records for points in a career (524).
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Key reserve who carried 10 times for 45 yards with a long of 12 (4.5 average); 3 catches for 47 yards with a long of 16; 92 all-purpose yards.
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Key reserve who carried 11 times for 61 yards with a long of 18 (5.5 average); 2 receptions, 7 yards with a long of 4; 68 all-purpose yards
Game 3 (Sacramento): Key reserve who carried 12 times for 54 yards with a long of 8 (4.5 average); 1 catch, -1 yards; 53 all-purpose yards
#33 RB DOMINIC RHODES 5-9 205 Midwestern State
PREVIOUSLY: Played for Indianapolis Colts and starred in Super Bowl XLI. As an undrafted rookie in 2001, he took over the starting running back job after Edgerrin James suffered a season-ending injury. Rhodes rushed for 1,104 yards despite starting only nine games. He missed the 2002 season with a knee injury but returned to back up James from 2003-05. He started all 16 games in 2006. He played with Oakland in 2007, then returned to Indianapolis in 2008 and 2010. Rhodes rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI. In his NFL career, he has rushed for 3,286 yards and 26 touchdowns, caught 147 passes for 1,025 yards and four touchdowns, and returned 147 kicks for 3,374 yards and two touchdowns. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010, rushing for 547 yards and 10 touchdowns.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Starting running back who carried 23 times for 77 yards with a long of 9 (average 3.1 yards) and 1 TD (3 yards); 1 catch for 9 yards; 81 all-purpose yards
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Starting running back who carried 20 times for 86 yards with a long of 16 (average 4.0 yards) and 1 TD (1-yard); 6 receptions for 53 yards with a long of 17; 133 all-purpose yards
Game 3 (Sacramento): Starting running back who carried 18 times for 217 yards with a long of 47 (average 12.1) and 3 TDs; 3 catches for 17 yards; 234 all-purpose yards. Set league records for rushing and touchdowns in a single game
#26 S AARON ROUSE 6-4 223 Virginia Tech
PREVIOUSLY: Big, athletic defensive back and hometown boy from Virginia Beach. Drafted by the NFL's Green Bay Packers in the third round in 2007. Played for Green Bay in 2007-09 and for the Giants in 2009. Appeared in 41 games, intercepting four passes and returning one for a 99-yard touchdown against Peyton Manning. Made 146 tackles and assisted on 49. Played in 52 games at Virginia Tech, making 217 tackles and intercepting five passes. Grew up in Virginia Beach and played at First Colonial High School.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Posted 4 tackles and 1 assist as starting strong safety
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 4 tackles, 1 assist as starting strong safety
Game 3 (Sacramento): 3 tackles, 1 assist, 1 QB hurry as starting strong safety
#88 WR CALVIN RUSSELL 6-0 190 Tuskegee
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Spent 2006-07 on the practice squad of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Played for the Columbus Destroyers in the Arena Football League in 2008. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010. At Tuskegee, caught 64 passes for 1,205 yards and seven touchdowns. Was also a sprinter on Tuskegee's track team, a member of the 4x100 relay team that advance to the NCAA championship heat in 2004.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2: (Las Vegas): Reserve WR
Game 3 (Sacramento): Dressed but did not play
#25 RB WYNEL SELDON 5-11 212 Wyoming
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college but signed with the Washington Redskins in 2009. Recorded the best season of any freshman running back in Wyoming school history (871 yards, 2005). Amassed 2,672 yards at Wyoming, No. 3 on the school's all-time rushing list.
2011 SEASON
Games 1 and 2: Joined the team on Oct. 3, 2011
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 rush for 3 yards as reserve RB
#49 LS RYAN SENSER 6-3 242 Ohio
PREVIOUSLY: Long-snapping specialist. Played tight end in high school but found niche on special teams in college after transferring from Arizona State to Ohio. Undrafted out of college but spent time on NFL practice squads with the New Orleans Saints and the Seattle Seahawks. Played for UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Started LS
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 tackle at LS
Game 3 (Sacramento): Started at LS
#80 TE JAMARKO SIMMONS 6-2 240 Western Michigan
PREVIOUSLY: Talented receiver. Undrafted out of college. Played the 2011 Arena Football League season with the champion Jacksonville Sharks, catching three touchdown passes in the title game.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Reserve tight end
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 punt return for 13 yards, 1 block
Game 3 (Sacramento): 4 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown as a reserve TE; 2 special teams tackles
#22 RB CLIFTON SMITH 5-9 190 Fresno State
PREVIOUSLY: Elusive runner who was an All-Pro return man in the NFL. Undrafted out of college. Played in 2008-09 for NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 2010 for Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. Was All-Pro and played in the Pro Bowl as a rookie return specialist. In his NFL career, he has returned 48 punts for 565 yards and one touchdown, and 75 kicks for 2,038 yards and one touchdown.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): One of four captains; 46 yards in kick returns, 12 yards (punt returns) for 58 all-purpose yards; 1 tackle, 1 assist in starting role
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Special teams captain for the second consecutive week; 2 kickoff returns for 48 yards (long of 34), 4 punt returns for 25 yards (long of 17); 1 tackle
Game 3 (Sacramento): 4 punt returns for 34 yards; 1 kick return for 18 yards; 3 rushes for 3 yards; 1 catch for 15 yards; 70 yards of total offense
#82 WR JOHN STANDEFORD 6-4 206 Purdue
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played for the NFL's Detroit Lions from 2008-09. Appeared in 11 games, starting four. Caught 16 passes for 249 yards. Spent three seasons on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad. He left Purdue as the Big 10's all-time leader in receptions (266), most of them coming from Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. The record has since been broken. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010. Two-time first-team Academic All-American.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 2 catches for 10 yards with a long of 7 yards as reserve wide receiver
Game 2: (Las Vegas): 1 catch for 8 yards; 1 kickoff return for 21 yards
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 catch for 28 yards as reserve WR
#50 LB TONY TAYLOR 6-0 237 Georgia
PREVIOUSLY: A good tackler with NFL experience. Undrafted out of college. Played with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons in 2007, appearing in all 16 games. He made 11 tackles and assisted on one. Played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010, making four solo tackles in the league championship game. At Georgia, was named team MVP as a senior and was chosen as MVP of the Chik-Fil-A Bowl after making 10 tackles and intercepting two passes.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): One of four team captains; recorded five tackles as starting middle linebacker, 2 assists and 1 interception (10-yard return)
Game 2 (Las Vegas): One of four captains; recorded 6 tackles, 2 assists, 1 QB hurry as starting middle LB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 5 tackles, 1 assist as starting LB; two interceptions (34 yards in returns), assisted on 1 tackle for loss (-1 yard)
#24 CB DARIUS VINNETT 5-9 180 Arkansas
PREVIOUSLY: Small, quick defensive back. Undrafted out of college. Appeared in eight games for the St. Louis Rams in 2007, making 12 tackles and assisting on one. Played for UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009 and 2010.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Starting RCB
Game 2: (Las Vegas): 1 tackle, 1 pass breakups as starting RCB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 1 tackle, 2 assists as starting CB, 1 tackle for loss (-8 yards)
#94 DE STYLEZ WHITE 6-3 270 Minnesota
PREVIOUSLY: Drafted by the Houston Texans in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Has been on the practice squad of the Texans (2002), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002), the Atlanta Falcons (2002), the Tennessee Titans (2003), New Orleans Saints (2003), the Washington Redskins (2003-04), the Chicago Bears (2005) and the Minnesota Vikings (2011). Signed with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League in 2006-07. In his two years with Orlando, recorded 17 sacks, including an AFL record 15 in 2007. Named the ADT Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. After the Predators were eliminated from the 2007 playoffs, signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and saw his first NFL substantial playing time, including a career game in November 2007 when he sacked Falcons QB Byron Leftwich twice and forced two fumbles.
2011 SEASON
Games 1, 2, 3: Signed with the team after these games
#35 CB KYLE WHITEHURST 6-2 180 Hampton
PREVIOUSLY: Speedster comes to the Destroyers from just up the road, having played high school ball at Bethel High School in Hampton and college ball at Hampton University (after transferring from Marshall). Previously played for the Omaha Beef of the National Indoor Football League in 2007-08 and the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League. Played for the UFL's Hartford Colonials in 2010.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Had 1 interception (21-yard return) as reserve CB
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 2 tackles, 1 assist as reserve CB
Game 3 (Sacramento): 2 tackles as reserve CB
#15 WR HUEY WHITTAKER 6-5 220 South Florida
PREVIOUSLY: Has never played in an NFL game, but has been affiliated with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. Has played in NFL Europe with the Frankfurt Galaxy, and in the Arena Football League with the Utah Blaze and the Spokane Shock. For the Shock in 2010, he caught 144 passes for 1,653 yards and 37 touchdowns. Also played with the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Dressed but did not play
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 1 TD catch for 31 yards
Game 3 (Sacramento): tackle, 1 assist on special teams
#39 CB DeANGELO WILLINGHAM 5-11 211 Tennessee
PREVIOUSLY: Speedy defensive back. Undrafted out of college. Never played in an NFL game, but has been in training camp or on practice squads with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals. Played two seasons at Tennessee after transferring from a junior college. Started 18 games for Tennessee, intercepting three passes.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): 1 tackle, 1 assist as a reserve CB
Game 2 (Las Vegas): 3 tackles, 1 pass break up as a reserve CB
Game 3 (Sacramento): Reserve CB
#72 C KYLE YOUNG 6-4 315 Fresno State
PREVIOUSLY: Undrafted out of college. Played in 2010 with the Arena Football League's Arizona Rattlers. Also played in 2010 for the UFL's Florida Tuskers. At Fresno State, started 47 straight games at center.
2011 SEASON
Game 1 (Omaha): Starting C
Game 2 (Las Vegas): Starting C
Game 3 (Sacramento): Starting C
*Injured Reserve
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