Moving on Up
Published on October 25, 2004 under Intense Football League (Intense)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
Odessa, Texas. The Odessa Roughnecks are pleased to announced that the first Odessa player has been signed at the next level. John McDermott has been offered a contract to play with the Arena Football League's New York Dragons. McDermott played an outstanding season as OL/DL and was a valuable asset to the team. Born in Altanta, The 6'5" and 295lbs lineman played his college ball for Clemson University. "This is a feather in the cap of not only the Roughnecks but also the IFL," stated head coach Chris Williams, "I feel that he and several other players will make an impact at the next level."
He may face former teammates on national television in the 2005 season as Roughneck players Jermaine Blakely and Heyward Skipper are also being courted by AFL teams. Blakely will be joining Coach Williams in Austin for a chance with the Wranglers and Skipper has received an invitation for a private tryout with the Georgia Force.
In efforts to fill these turf shoes, the Odessa Roughnecks begin the exhaustive search for the best players in Texas and the country! "One of the most rewarding aspects of this business is being instrumental in a player getting closer to the NFL," beamed Head Coach Chris Williams. Even though we spend most of the year selecting these players, training, coaching, and working with them; there is nothing like seeing them move up the ladder. Scouts from the NFL, CFL, and AFL are always on the lookout and Coach Williams works tirelessly to promote his players and gain them an opportunity to advance. There have been scouts at many Roughnecks and IFL games, but Coach Williams goes above and beyond by helping players produce quality player bios, sending tapes, making phone calls, traveling to upper echelon tryouts, and befriending key figures in other teams. Recent efforts include Coach Williams, Coach Keaton and Coach Welch traveling to Austin for the Austin Wranglers tryouts. Wranglers Head Coach Skip Foster, who is a close friend of Coach Williams, invited the Roughnecks staff to help in the AFL tryout with running clinics. "This unique opportunity will allow Coach Williams access to a talented pool of players and give players a chance to get to know us," said Coach Keaton.
Player announcements are likely to begin in the coming weeks along with information regarding expansion and other league issues. The team's season ticket base continues to grow rapidly and interested fans and businesses are encouraged to contact the team as soon as possible to ensure the best seats at (432) 332-PASS (7277).
Intense Football League Stories from October 25, 2004
- Moving on Up - West Texas Roughnecks
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