New Orleans VooDoo Feature: Unfinished Business in the Graveyard
March 23, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (March 23, 2012) - Of the seven returning players on the VooDoo roster for this "Out of the Ashes" season, wide receiver Carlese Franklin and jack linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson are both optimistic about having a comeback year with New Orleans.
AFL veteran and Kentwood native Carlese Franklin looks forward to his second year with the New Orleans VooDoo, as he prepares to bring leadership to an almost entirely new roster this year.
In regards to showing the new players the skills he has learned in his past years in the AFL, Franklin said, "I'm trying to get the younger guys to understand the game like how to read coverage and how to run routes. The team is coming along real well; people are paying attention and doing what they're supposed to do."
Franklin's action between the walls was limited in 2011 when he was put on the physically unable to perform list after sustaining an injury to his foot during a touchdown catch in a preseason game against Dallas in February of last year.
"Last year I missed seven games. I really learned from being hurt, and I want to become a better player. This year, I am setting my goals really high, and I want to be one of the team's top receivers," said Franklin.
After Franklin's doctor put a screw in his foot, Franklin played 11, finishing the season second on the team in all-purpose yards with 895, while also catching 67 passes for a total of 855 yards and 12 touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jackson was only one of three VooDoo players in 2011 to play in all 18 games. He led the VooDoo defense with 89 total tackles, 75 solo tackles, 28 assist tackles, and 8 interceptions, while also recording 7 pass breakups, and 3 interception returns for touchdowns.
After being out of action in 2010 due to an injury, Jackson came to the New Orleans VooDoo where he is still searching for his opportunity to have a winning season. With the VooDoo's revamped roster, Jackson may have found his chance to win in 2012.
"I try to create turnovers, make big plays, and be an inspiration to the defense. Last year, I was in the top category in my position, and I didn't even get to smell the all-arena vote. So, that motivates me more to get it," said Jackson.
Even though last year's prominent players' performances may have been neglected and clouded by the team's overall losing record of 3-15, this year looks totally different for the success of New Orleans arena football. The returning players are focused on helping New Orleans find wins, and both Franklin and Jackson believe that with a rebuilt roster and new head coach Pat O'Hara, this 2012 "Out of the Ashes" season will revive the VooDoo from its previous misfortunes.
Jackson said, "O'Hara is a great coach and I enjoy working with him. The guy knows how to make the offense score touchdowns. I think he will be able to help us win this year."
"Coach O'Hara is probably one of the best coaches I've been around in a long time. He's down-to-earth, he doesn't fuss a lot, he lets you play, and he understands the game," said Franklin.
"We're all professionals, and he shouldn't have to teach us that much. He critiques us on the little things like route running. I really like his system, it's simple not hard."
According to Franklin, the VooDoo is a solid team with much more camaraderie and guidance than last year's squad.
"Everything we have this year is like leadership bonding, teammates talking to each other, no fussing, no gripe, and people picking up each other. I've never been to a training camp or a game where a team didn't fight and that just goes to show you how much character we have. It's all about making each other better," said Franklin.
So this season, VooDoo fans can expect a lot more out of their favorite arena football team other than new uniforms. Anticipate to see several new names and faces on offense, defense, and on the coaching staff. All this sprucing up of the squad could very well lead to more explosive and entertaining games, as well as more wins for VooDoo football.
Don't forget to look out for Carlese Franklin and Alvin Ray Jackson between the walls as they bring back everything you love about the New Orleans VooDoo!
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