Large Turnout in Open Tryouts for Colonials
Published on June 4, 2011 under United Football League (UFL 1)
Hartford Colonials News Release
MIDDLETOWN, CT - The weather was near perfect as a group of 231 players, some hailing from states as far away as California and Washington, participated in the third and final open tryout for the Hartford Colonials today at Middletown High School's Rosek-Skubel Field.
Colonials owner Bill Mayer was among the spectators who watched the largest turnout of players at any of the three tryouts conducted by the Hartford coaching staff. At the previous two workout camps, 119 players attended the May 14 tryouts in Houston and there were 200 players on May 21 in Tyrone, Ga.
In addition to the West Coast states, there were players from Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, Kansas and Maryland as well as one player from Canada who made the trip to Connecticut. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania were also represented.
"We just had a lot of good talent here. There were extremely good athletes everywhere," said Jerry Glanville, Colonials head coach and general manager. "We don't have enough spots for as many players that were here today. We've got more players than we have spots."
Some of the more recognizable names were former Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli and former Florida running back Emmanuel Moody. Moody began his college career at Southern California and was pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated along with Trojan teammates C.J. Gable and Chauncey Washington.
Three former UConn players - linebacker Greg Robinson, long snapper Derek Chard and fullback Bret Manning - were also present, as was former Central Connecticut State quarterback Aubrey Norris.
Players were timed in the 40-yard dash and participated in position and individual drills. Colonials quarterbacks Colt Brennan and Jerrod Johnson took part in a drill, throwing passes to wide receivers.
"We had the best tight ends that you could ever have in one place. We had five tight ends," Glanville said, adding he would probably sign at least two. "It was a great day."
Glanville was extremely impressed with the facility at Middletown High.
"It was first class," Glanville marveled. "You can't go many places and see high school football that is important with that kind of facilities. It was as nice as it gets."
The Colonials begin training camp in July with a 70-man roster. The 2011 United Football League season starts in August. For more information, please visit www.hartfordcolonials.com.
United Football League Stories from June 4, 2011
- Large Turnout in Open Tryouts for Colonials - Hartford Colonials
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