Haglund, Watson Named To All Rookie Team
June 27, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (June 27, 2007) - San Jose SaberCats' kicker A.J. Haglund and linebacker Steve Watson were selected as members of the 2007 All-Rookie Team the Arena Football League announced today.
Haglund (5-7, 175, Central Oklahoma) played in all 16 games for the SaberCats breaking the AFL single-season record for PATs made and attempted by connecting on 128 of his 138 extra point tries. With 10 made FGs on the season, the 2006 af2 Kicker of the Year posted a league-best 158 kicking points, which is the 3rd highest scoring total for a kicker in AFL history.
"It is a great accomplishment to be on the All-Rookie Team in my first year," said Haglund who also led all kickers with 15.5 total tackles. "Individual awards are nice but we've got a great team and our number one goal right now is to win the ArenaBowl."
Watson (6-3, 250, SW Missouri State) also emerged from the ranks of the af2, where he led the league with 16.0 sacks in 2006. Despite missing four games with a wrist injury this season, Watson accounted for 59.5 tackles - the 3rd highest total in the league by a non-defensive back. He also registered 3 fumble recoveries, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 2 blocked kicks, 1 interceptions and a pass breakup in 2007.
"I'm feeling really blessed right now and I am fortunate to be surrounded with a great group of guys that push you and make you better," admitted Watson. "This team draws the best out of me and I attribute my success to them."
2007 AFL All-Rookie Team
POSITION PLAYER TEAM
Quarterback Brett Dietz Tampa Bay
Fullback James Lynch New Orleans
Center Will Rabatin Columbus
Offensive Lineman Phil Bogle Philadelphia
Offensive Lineman Martin Bibla Philadelphia
Wide Receiver Charles Frederick Kansas City
Wide Receiver Trandon Harvey Arizona
Wide Receiver Kenny Higgins Nashville
Defensive Lineman Bryan Save Philadelphia
Defensive Lineman John Nix New York
Defensive Lineman Rob Schroeder Austin
Mack Linebacker Lance Mitchell Orlando
Jack Linebacker Steve Watson San Jose
Defensive Back Bobby Keyes Dallas
Defensive Back Rayshun Reed Orlando
Defensive Back Keyou Craver Arizona
Kicker A.J. Haglund San Jose
The AFL will announce its All-Arena Teams tomorrow and All-Ironman Team on Friday. Kicker of the Year (July 2), Lineman of the Year (July 3), Rookie of the Year (July 5) and Coach of the Year (July 6) will all be revealed next week.
A premier franchise in the AFL, the San Jose SaberCats have captured two ArenaBowl titles, seven Western Division championships, eight consecutive playoff appearances and own the league's best regular season record this decade. The SaberCats are the top-seed heading into the American Conference playoffs and will host their first postseason game July 7 at 11:50 a.m. on ESPN.
Playoff tickets are available and can be purchased through any Northern California Ticketmaster outlet, by phone at (408) 998-TIXS (8497), online at Ticketmaser.com or by visiting the box office at the HP Pavilion at San Jose.
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