Orlando Predators game notes
March 8, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
GAME DETAILS
Orlando Predators (4-2) at Arizona Rattlers (2-4)
Date: Friday, March 10
Toe-To-Leather Time: 9 p.m.
Site: US Airways Center (16,321)
Officials: Referee: Tom McCabe; Umpire: Al Granado;
Head Linesman: Brent Durbin; Line Judge: Bob
McElwee; Back Judge: Keith Washington
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson)
TV: AFL Net
Series Streak: Preds have won one in a row.
Series Record: Preds lead all-time series, 8-6.
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 68-39, .636);
Arizona: Gene Nudo (1st season, 2-4, .333)
ONE OF ARENA FOOTBALL'S CLASSIC RIVALRIES RESUMES AS PREDATORS TAKE ON RATTLERS
Throughout the early and mid 1990s, the Orlando Predators and Arizona Rattlers engaged in a rivalry that was as intense as any in the Arena Football League. From 1992-98, the teams met 11 times, with the Predators winning six times. While league expansion and conference play has cooled the rivalry in recent years, the series resumes on Friday when the Predators (4-2) travel to Phoenix to take on the Rattlers (2-4).
"Over the years we have engaged the Rattlers in some outstanding games," Assistant Head Coach Les Moss said. "The two teams have a lot of respect for each other."
The Predators will need a win Friday to keep pace in the Southern Division, which features four teams with records of .500 or better. The Rattlers, which got off to a 1-4 start, are coming off a huge 51-49 upset of the Nashville Kats behind Damien Groce's game-winning touchdown reception with 11 seconds remaining. The win lifted the Rattlers to 2-4 on the season, good for a four-way, first-place tie in the Western Division. "It's an important game for both teams," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "We need to play with the same intensity as we did last week against the Avengers." The game is available on AFL Net and can also be heard locally on WQTM, 740 AM with Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson on the call.
Orlando Predators (4-2-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 28 At Georgia L 31-48
Feb. 3 KANSAS CITY W 48-41
Feb. 11 PHILADELPHIA W 47-33
Feb. 19 At Tampa Bay W 67-64 (ot)
Feb. 26 At New York L 35-55
Mar. 5 LOS ANGELES W 59-34
Mar. 10 At Arizona 9 p.m.
Mar. 19 DALLAS 12 Noon
Mar. 25 At Austin 8 p.m.
Apr. 2 CHICAGO 12 Noon
Apr. 9 At Columbus 3 p.m.
Apr. 14 GEORGIA 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 22 TAMPA BAY 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 28 At Colorado 9 p.m.
May 6 At Kansas City 8 p.m.
May 12 AUSTIN 7:30 p.m.
Arizona Rattlers (2-4-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 29 At Los Angeles L 31-40
Feb. 3 AUSTIN L 34-53
Feb. 12 SAN JOSE L 50-58
Feb. 18 UTAH W 45-38
Feb. 24 At Columbus L 26-42
Mar. 4 NASHVILLE W 51-49
Mar. 10 ORLANDO 9 p.m.
Mar. 17 At Las Vegas 10:30 p.m.
Mar. 24 LOS ANGELES 9 p.m.
Apr. 2 At San Jose 6 p.m.
Apr. 7 At Utah 9 p.m.
Apr. 15 CHICAGO 10 p.m.
Apr. 23 At Grand Rapids 2 p.m.
Apr. 29 At Dallas 8 p.m.
May 6 LAS VEGAS 10 p.m.
May 12 At Colorado 9 p.m.
Front Page Quote
"It was as good as I have felt on the football field in three years. I'm finally think I am getting back to my rookie season form."
--FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore, who suffered a devastating knee injury in 2004, on his three TD performance last week.
THE COACHES
PREDS HEAD COACH JAY GRUDEN
Fifteen seasons in the Arena Football League. Fifteen seasons in the playoffs. Seven trips to the ArenaBowl. Six championship rings. An average of 10.8 wins per season. Whether as a head coach, player or offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden's name has been synonymous with success in the Arena Football League.
Gruden began his AFL career as a quarterback with the Tampa Bay Storm in 1991. A two-time All- Arena selection and the 1992 MVP, he led the Storm to six consecutive playoff appearances and an unprecedented four ArenaBowl titles under three different head coaches.
At age 30, he became the youngest head coach in the Arena Football League when the Orlando Predators hired him to replace the legendary Perry Moss - who retired after nearly 50 years in the coaching profession. Gruden's impact on the Predators was immediate. After a 9-5 regular season mark, Gruden guided the Predators to a pair of playoff wins to set up an ArenaBowl match-up with top-seeded Tampa Bay. Although the Storm came into the game with a 14-2 record and were prohibitive 14-point favorites, Gruden delivered Orlando 's first ArenaBowl championship with an incredible 62-31 win over the Storm.
During the next two seasons he would continue to set league history. Gruden became the first AFL coach to take a number eight seed to the ArenaBowl as Orlando recorded stunning road upsets in 1999 over top-seeded Tampa Bay (41-19) and second-seeded Iowa (48-41). The following season, the Predators started 7-0 and finished the 2000 campaign with an 11-3 record, capturing the second seed for the playoffs and winning a second ArenaBowl title.
In one of the most unusual moves in AFL history, Gruden announced his resignation as head coach of the Predators to return to the playing field as Orlando's quarterback after the 2001 season. In two years as Predators quarterback, Gruden compiled an impressive 20-9 record as a starter. Gruden returned to the Predators sideline as Head Coach and Director of Football Operations in July 2003. In his first season back, Gruden directed the Predators to his third 10-win season and upped his career record to 53-30-0 (.639) as an AFL head coach. In 2005, the Predators won 10 games again.
For his AFL career, Gruden has posted some truly remarkable numbers. As a head coach, he is 68-39-0 (including a 4-2 mark in 2006) and ranks in the top 10 overall in coaching wins and winning percentage. He is one of only five AFL coaches with two or more ArenaBowl championships. In the playoffs, his 9-4 mark as a head coach ranks in the top five all-time in victories and winning percentage. As a quarterback, he ranks in the top ten with more than 20,000 passing yards and close to 400 touchdowns. He won 15 of 19 post-season starts with 4,761 passing yards and 77 touchdowns. Gruden was 84-25 (.770) as a starting quarterback. That mark, combined with his 10-5 record as Nashville's offensive coordinator and his 68-39 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 162-70 (.698). As a player, assistant coach or head coach, Gruden has never failed to lead his team to the playoffs.
HEAD COACHING RECORDS
Coaches, Years Record Pct.
Jay Gruden, 1998-2001, 2004-05 68-39 .636
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684
ARIZONA HEAD COACH GENE NUDO
One of the true pioneers of the Arena Football League, Gene Nudo is in his first season as head coach of the Arizona Rattlers. Nudo began his Arena Football League career in 1986, coaching in the first Arena Football League experimental game. In addition to helping write the rules of the Arena Football League, Nudo was an assistant coach for the Chicago Bruisers from 1987-88. He has worked the last 13 years with the Rattlers in a variety of postions, including Vice President of Administration and Vice President of Operations. Under Nudo's leadership, the Rattlers won five consecutive "Commissioner Awards" as the league's best franchise from 1996-2000.
Most Consecutive Winning Seasons To
Begin AFL Coaching Career
Tim Marcum 13
Jay Gruden 6*
Ed Hodgkiss 4*
John Gregory 3
Lary Kuharich 3
Pat Sperduto 3
Fran Papasedero 2
*Active Streak
Series History and Notes
*Friday's game will mark the 15th contest between
the Predators and Rattlers, with Orlando holding
an all-time series lead, 8-6.
*Counting Friday's game, eight of the 15 games
have been played in Phoenix, including four of the
last five games.
*Orlando is 4-3 in games played in Orlando and
4-3 in games played in Phoenix.
*Six of the 14 games have been decided by a
touchdown or less.
*Four of the games have come in the post-season,
with each team winning twice.
*After losing two games in the 1994 regular season
by a combined 35 points, the Rattlers pulled off one
of the biggest upsets in Arena Football League
history defeating the Predators, 36-31, in
ArenaBowl VIII. Orlando came into that game with
a 14-1 record.
*In one of the greatest games in Predators history,
Orlando rallied from a 17-0 first quarter deficit
and trailed 49-42 when Herkie Walls returned a
kickoff 52 yards for a touchdown with two seconds
left. The Predators elected to go for the win on a
two-point conversion, but Pat O'Hara's pass to
Barry Wagner fell incomplete and the Rattlers
held on for the win to break the Predators 19-game
regular season home winning streak.
*Trailing 29-10 after three quarters in a 1997
game in Orlando, the Predators staged an incredible
rally in the fourth quarter and trailed 32-25, when
Brad Lebo's pass to Barry Wagner richocheted off
the rebound net and was caught by Victor Hall
for a touchdown on the game's final play, but
Charlie Baumann missed the extra point and
Arizona once again escaped with a one-point win.
*The teams engaged in a pair of nail-biters in the
1998 season, as Predators lineman Connell Spain
stopped fullback Terry Samuels at the goal line on
a potential game-tying two-point conversion as the
Predators held on for a 42-40 road win. A few
months later, the teams met in the AFL semifinals
in Phoenix, with the Predators winning 38-33. That
game featured five lead changes and three ties.
The Predators trailed 33-26 and were faced with
a fourth and 10 from their own one-yard line
midway through the fourth quarter. The Predators
gambled and converted on the play and then
scored a touchdown to make it 33-32.
After a defensive stop, the Predators declined
a shot at a field goal with 19-seconds remaining
and converted another fourth down. From
there, O'Hara found Barry Wagner on a game-
winning touchdown pass with eight seconds
left as the Predators won 38-33 to set up
an ArenaBowl match-up with Tampa Bay.
*Orlando would beat the Rattlers in the semi-
finals two years later (2000) on their way to a
second ArenaBowl title.
*The teams have met just twice in the last
six years, with the Rattlers blowing out the
Predators, 62-36, in 2003 and losing a 51-40
decision last year.
*The largest margin of victory in the series has
been 50 points, when the Predators blew-out
the expansion Rattlers, 71-21, in 1992.
*Arizona's largest margin of victory was 26
points in the 2004 win.
*Orlando has outscored the Rattlers, 636-560.
the Predators are averaging 45.5 points per game
compared to 40.0 by the Rattlers.
Predators Lead All-Time Series 8-6-0
Date ORL OPP
July 17, 1992 (H) 71 21
July 16, 1993 (H) 48 34
May 20, 1994 (A) 38 28
August 6, 1994 (H) 46 21
September 2, 1994 (H) 31 36*
July 1, 1995 (H) 48 49
April 27, 1996 (A) 52 55
August 10, 1996 (A) 48 65**
May 10, 1997 (H) 31 32
June 20, 1998 (A) 42 40
Aug. 15, 1998 (A) 38 33***
Aug. 13, 2000 (H) 56 44***
Apr. 6, 2003 (A) 36 62
Feb. 3, 2005 (A) 51 40
*ArenaBowl VIII
**AFL Quarterfinals
***AFL Semifinals
Tale of the Tape
How Arizona stacks up to the Predators in this
Week's league stats:
Category Orlando Arizona
Total Offense 259.8 (15th) 268.3 (13th)
Rushing Yards 38.2 (1st) 9.7 (15th)
Net Passing Yards 221.7 (16th) 258.7 (12th)
Sacks Allowed 4 (T-5th) 4 (T-5th)
3rd Down Con. Pct. 44.7 (11th) 29.3 (18th)
4th Down Con. Pct. 50.0 (T-5th) 33.3 (15th)
Kickoff Return Avg. 16.4 (14th) 18.4 (6th)
Scoring Offense 47.8 (14th) 39.5 (18th)
Rushing TDs 13 (T-2nd) 6 (16th)
Passing TDs 21 (T-16th) 24 (14th)
FG Pct. 50% (T-7th) 41.7 (15th)
Total Defense 320.8 (18th) 254.2 (4th)
Rushing Defense 12.2 (4th) 31.7 (8th)
Passing Defense 308.7 (18th) 222.5 (2nd)
Sacks 8 (T-5th) 5 (T-12th)
Def. 3rd Down Con. 40.8 (4th) 42.9 (7th)
Def. 4th Down Con. 47.1 (9th) 60.0 (13th)
Def. KO Return Avg. 14.1 (1st) 16.3 (6th)
Scoring Defense 45.8 (5th) 46.7 (6th)
Turnover Ratio +1 (T-9th) -6 (T-16th)
How The 2006 Predators Were Built
Veterans Retained From 2005 Season (12): RB/LB Idris Price, K Jay Taylor, FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore, QB Joe Hamilton, WR/LB Jerrian James, DS Kenny McEntyre, OL/DL Justin Cleveland, OS Jimmy Fryzel, OL/DL Greg Krause, OL/DL Doug Miller, OL/DL Reggie Lee, FB/LB Kevin Nagle.
Veteran Free Agents Signed (4): DS Jeroid Johnson, WR/LB Clif Dell, OL/DL Kevin Johnson, WR/LB Lamont Moore
Veteran Obtained by Trade (1): OL/DL Henry Taylor
Veteran Activated from NFL Exempt List (1): WR/DB Lin-J Shell.
Rookie Free Agents (8): QB Jake Eaton, WR/DB DeAndrew Rubin, WR/DB Jermaine Mays, OL/DL Jim Sedano, OL/DL Greg White, OL/DL Charles Hill, WR/LB Javarus Dudley, OL/DL Cleveland Pinkey
BY THE NUMBERS...ORLANDO PREDATORS
2006 Overall Record: 4-2-0
National Conference Record: 4-2-0
Against American Conference: 0-0-0
Southern Division Record: 2-1-0
At Hummer Field: 3-0-0
On the road: 1-2-0
When scoring first: 4-1-0
When other Team Scores First: 0-1-0
When leading after one quarter: 3-0-0
When trailing after one quarter: 0-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-1-0
When leading at the Half: 4-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 0-2-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 4-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-2-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0-0
Overtime Games: 1-0-0
When Winning the Coin Toss: 0-1-0
When Losing the Coin Toss: 4-1-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 0-0-0
Friday: 1-0-0
Saturday: 1-1-0
Sunday: 2-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 86-33-0
All-Time Road Record: 70-50-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14
PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS
FRYZEL GONE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES
An already thin and inexperienced Orlando Predators receiving corps underwent another major setback on Tuesday when the team placed leading receiver Jimmy Fryzel on the injured reserve list after the second-year player was diagnosed with diabetes.
The team's offensive specialist, Fryzel caught 78 passes for 1,159 yards and 17 touchdowns in just 10 games played last season -- leading the Arena Football League in receiving yards per game at 115.9. This year, he was still the team's leading receiver with 39 catches for 439 yards and nine touchdowns through six games but was averaging just 70 yards per game. He had just one, 100-yard receiving game this season, compared to eight last year.
In addition to the production drop-off, Fryzel had complained about not feeling right and losing significant weight. Since the season began, he had dropped more than 11 pounds from his ideal playing weight.
"Jimmy mentioned that he just seemed to get tired a lot more quickly than last year and we obviously were concerned about the rapid weight loss," Head Trainer Kevin Mercuri said. "Over the weekend, he mentioned that his family had a history of diabetes and that set off an alarm."
Fryzel underwent diabetic testing on Monday, which proved positive. The Predators immediately placed him on the injured reserve list, meaning he will miss at least the next two games.
"The next step is that Jimmy will meet with a specialist to determine what type of diabetes he has and what course of treatment he will have to follow to stabilize his body," Mercuri added.
The loss of Fryzel is just the latest of a series of injuries to the Predators at the wide receiver position. WR/LB Clif Dell was lost for the season with a torn ACL against Tampa Bay on Feb. 19; while DeAndrew Rubin, Jermaine Mays, Javarus Dudley, Lamont Moore, and Lin-J Shell have missed a total of 12 games with assorted injuries. Rubin is scheduled to return from injured reserve this week, while Dudley, Moore and Shell saw action last week.
"He's a big part of our offense and we'll miss him, but the main thing is for Jimmy to take care of himself and get healthy," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said.
PREDS ADD DAVDISON
To help fill the void left by Fryzel's illness, the Predators signed AFL veteran WR/DB Charlie Davidson on Tuesday.
Davidson, now in his 11th AFL season, began his career with the Orlando Predators in 1996. In limited action, he caught 13 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
He would go on to play for eight different teams over the next nine years. His career stats include 445 receptions for 5,282 yards and 99 touchdowns to go with 352 total tackles with 21 interceptions and 59 pass defenses. With expansion Colorado, he caught 78 passes for 961 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2003 and added 92 catches for 883 yards and 16 touchdowns with expansion Austin in 2004. His 1,792 all-purpose yards in 2004 were a career high.
Davidson went to camp in pre-season with the expansion Kansas City Brigade, where he was waived in the pre-season. He played college football at Mississippi State.
IS IT BETTERTHE SECOND TIME AROUND?
The signing of WR/LB Lamont Moore earlier this season and the acquisition of free agent WR/DB Charlie Davidson marked the 13th and 14th time in Orlando Predators history that a player has returned to the Orlando Predators after being away for at least one year for one reason or another. Davidson, who began his career with the Predators in 1996 and played just one season in Orlando, has stayed away the longest - with a stretch of 11 seasons between his first and second stints with the Predators. But coming home is not limited to the Predators players. Head Coach Jay Gruden (1998-2001, 2004-Present) has served two different stints in that capacity - having taken two years off to return to the playing field. Assistant Head Coach Les Moss is in his third stint on the Predators coaching staff, having served from 1991-2000, 2002-2003, and 2006-Present. Special teams coach Mark Novell is also in his third coaching stint with the Predators, holding that post from 1991-94, 1997-2001 and 2006-Present. Former assistant coach Jim Niblack (1991, 1996-97) also had more than one stint with the Predators, as has Public Relations Director Dan Pearson, 1993-2000, 2002-Present. Here is a list of the players who have spent more than one stint with the Predators:
Player First Second
William Carr 1999 2005
Bernard Clark 1994 1996
Bret Cooper 1998-01 2004-05
Clif Dell 1999-02 2006
Reggie Doster 2002-03 2005
Charlie Davidson 1996 2006
Rick Hamilton 1998-01 2003
Damon Mason 1998-01 2004-05
Connell Maynor 1998-00 2002-05
Rich McKenzie 1998-01 2003
Lamont Moore 2001-03 2006
Lin-J Shell 2004 2006
Chris Wallace 2001 2003
Craig Whelihan 2001-02 2004
WHITE PLACE ON IR
Rookie lineman Greg White was placed on injured reserve on Friday, March 3. White injured his shoulder during the Tampa Bay Storm game on Sunday, Feb. 19. Although MRI and X-Rays were negative, the injury has not responded to treatment was quickly as Predators coaches had hoped. Head Coach Jay Gruden placed White on injured reserve on Friday, meaning the earliest he could return to action would be the Dallas game on March 19. "We decided to go ahead and put Greg on IR," Gruden said. "He'll miss this week's game with Arizona, but with nine days between the Rattler game and our next contest, we're hoping he'll be ready to go against Dallas."
DUDLEY COMES ALIVE
Rookie Javarus Dudley from Fordham University had has his best game as a pro Sunday against the Los Angeles Avengers. Dudley led the Predators with four catches for 52 yards and also tied for the rushing lead with six carries for 29 yards. He scored a touchdown on a one-yard run on the final play of the 3rd quarter, which pushed the Predators lead to 52-27. Dudley was also impressive on defense, recording 1.5 tackles and batting down a pass while playing both "jack" linebacker and cornerback. "Javarus is a high-energy player who is really just lacking experience," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "I think he has a real opportunity to become an outstanding player in the Arena Football League." In three games played, Dudley has nine receptions for 124 yards.
SOUTHERN DIVISION TOUGHEST?
For the past couple of years, the Southern Division of National Conference - which the Orlando Predators are a member of -- was arguably the toughest division in the Arena Football League - compiling the best overall record against non-division opponent. The same argument could be made this year, as Southern Division teams have compiled a .667 winning percentage (8-4) against non-division opponents. Here is how the divisions rank against non-division opponents this season:
Division W-L Pct.
Southern 8-4 .667
Central 9-5 .642
Eastern 11-7 .611
Western 2-14 .143
LOSING RECORD AND THE PLAYOFFS
With six teams from each conference qualifying for the playoffs and a shot at the ArenaBowl XX title, things could become very interesting if current trends continue. As it stands now, nine teams from the National Conference - all with .500 records or better - would be fighting for just six playoff spots. In the American Conference, there are currently just three teams with .500 record or better - leaving three playoff spots for teams that currently have losing records.
PREDS SIGN CLEVELAND PINKNEY
Looking to add quality depth to its defensive line, the Orlando Predators signed NFL veteran Cleveland Pinkney last Tuesday. Pinkney, 6-1, 300, spent a total of five seasons in the NFL. He began his career as an undrafted free agent of the Indianapolis Colts in 2001. He played the 2002 season with the Berlin Thunder of NFL-Europe, recording 24 tackles. Pinkney then went to camp with the San Francisco in 2002. After being waived in the pre-season, Pinkney signed and spent the entire 2003 season with the Tampa Bay Bucs. Spending 13 weeks on the active roster, he played in four games for the Bucs and recorded four tackles with one quarterback sack. He was waived in the 2004 pre-season and signed by the Carolina Panthers, where he would play in five games and be credited with five solo tackles. Pinkney went to camp with the Seattle Seahawks this past year. "I've been waiting to get Cleveland Pinkney in a Predators uniform for about four years," Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "He has a great work ethic and an outstanding motor. In addition, Cleveland has been coached by one of the best line coaches in the NFL in Tampa's Rod Marinelli. I think he has the ability to step in and help our team immediately."
Pinkney played college football at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, before transferring to South Carolina (1999-2000). In two seasons with the Gamecocks, Pinkney started 21 games, recording 85 tackles with two forced fumbles, 3.5 quarterback sacks, an interception, and fumble recovery. To other roster moves, the Predators activated Kevin Johnson from injured reserve and then released him and also released WR/LB Scott Cloman.
PREDS WIN 8th STRAIGHT AT HOME
With a victory over Los Angeles last week, the Predators extended their regular season home winning streak to eight games, the longest active streak in the Arena Football League. To date, the Predators (3-0) join Nashville (3-0), Colorado (3-0) and Austin (1-0) as the only teams that have not lost at home this season. The eight-game home winning streak is the second longest in club history. Here is how current regular season home winning streak ranks in Predators history:
Year(s) Streak* Ended
1992-95 19 vs. Arizona, 48-49
2005-06 8 Active
1999-2000 5 Grand Rapids, 34-46
1998-99 4 vs. New England, 46-57
1995-95 4 vs. Iowa, 50-59
2001 4 vs. Milwaukee, 42-45
*Regular season games only
RUBIN SCHEDULED TO RETURN
Rookie WR/LB DeAndrew Rubin, who has missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury, is scheduled to return to action this week against the Arizona Rattlers. Rubin is the third leading receiver on the Predators team with 14 catches for 219 yards and three touchdowns in four games played.
TAYLOR STILL SACK LEADERS
Although he had a sack disallowed by a penalty last week against the Avengers, Orlando Predators lineman Henry Taylor still ranks first in the Arena Football League in quarterback sacks with 4.5.
GRUDEN WINNINGEST COACH IN PREDS HISTORY
With last Sunday's win over Los Angeles, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden became the winningest head coach in Orlando Predators history. Now in his seventh season as head coach, Gruden's 68 total victories is one more than Predators coaching legend Perry Moss. The first head coach and general manager of the Orlando Predators, Moss recorded a 67-31-0 record in seven seasons as the Predators head coach from 1991-97. The Moss/Gruden comparison:
Category Moss Gruden
Seasons 7 6+
Wins 67 68
Regular Season Wins 59 59
Playoff Wins 8 9
AFL Championships 0 2
Overall Winning Pct. .684 .636
GRUDEN CREEPING UP ON GREGORY
In surpassing Moss, Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden continues to creep up on former Iowa Barnstormers/New York Dragons Head Coach John Gregory for eighth place on the AFL's list of winningest coaches. Gregory recorded a 73-57 record in 10 AFL seasons. Gruden is now just five wins behind Gregory in his seventh AFL season.
TAYLOR TOPS IN LEAGUE IN EXTRA POINT PERCENTAGE
With a perfect eight for eight night on extra points, Orlando Predators kicker Jay Taylor took over the AFL league lead in extra point accuracy (min. 20 attempts), with a 97.1% success rate (33/34). The 2005 AFL Kicker of the Year, Taylor is the most accurate kicker in Predators history in both field goal and extra point percentage. Taylor is 27 of 45 on field goals in his career, with 11 of his 18 career misses coming from outside of 40 yards.
Career Totals
Player FG-FGA Pct. XP-XPA Pct.
Taylor 27-45 60.0 122-130 93.8
SHARP ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION
Arizona Rattler lineman Jerry Sharp - a former Predators player - remains the answer to one of the all-time great trivia questions in AFL history. Jerry Sharp is the answer to the question "Name the only player in Arena Football League history to be traded for a head coach?" Here are the details: The year was 1997 and the Orlando Predators Head Coach Search Committee had focused on Nashville Kats Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden as their top candidate. But Nashville ownership was not excited about parting with Gruden, who had two years remaining on his contract. In the end, the issue was settled when the Predators agreed to send Sharp -- along with an undisclosed amount of cash - to Nashville in exchange for allowing Gruden out of his contract.
HAMILTON FIVE SHORT OF HAMILTON
With one rushing touchdown against Los Angeles, QB Joe Hamilton now has 20 career rushing touchdowns and has moved to within five touchdowns of Rick Hamilton for third place on the all-time Predators list. Joe Hamilton now has five rushing touchdowns this season in six games and is on pace to score 13 rushing touchdowns this season. His career high is eight rushing touchdowns during his rookie season.
Predators All-Time Rushing Touchdowns
Player Seasons Rush TD
Barry Wagner 8 69
Rick Hamilton 5 25
Joe Hamilton 3 20*
Connell Maynor 7 18
Tommy Dorsey 5 17
Michael McClenton 2 16
*Through six games
PREDS RUN THE ROCK
The Predators rushed for a season-high 83 yards against Los Angeles last week on just 16 carries, taking over first place in the Arena Football League in rushing offense at 38.2 yards per game. The 83 yards rushing was the 5th best total in Predators history. As the chart below indicates, Orlando's top ranking in running the ball is nothing new, as the Predators have finished in the top three in the AFL in rushing for 11 of the previous 15 seasons.
Predators Top Regular Season Rushing Games
Year Opponent Yards
1996 Florida 114
1997 Portland 113
1996 Arizona 93
1999 Albany 89
2006 Los Angeles 83
1994 Tampa Bay 78
2003 Los Angeles 77
2005 Chicago 75
Predators Rank In League Rushing 1991-2006
Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2006 229 38.2 13 1st*
2005 528 33.0 35 2nd
2004 606 37.9 29 1st
2003 367 22.9 25 3rd
2002 215 15.4 16 11th
2001 194 14.1 14 15th
2000 551 36.8 24 2nd
1999 430 30.7 12 2nd
1998 433 35.7 18 3rd
1997 655 46.8 27 1st
1996 606 42.9 37 2nd
1995 406 35.8 26 3rd
1994 503 45.6 24 2nd
1993 447 37.2 15 3rd
1992 413 41.3 12 4th
1991 303 30.3 14 6th
JEROID JOHNSON ALSO LEADS IN FORCED FUMBLES
Jeroid Johnson also leads the Arena Football League in forced fumbles with four. That total already ranks as the fourth best single season total in Orlando Predators history.
Predators Single Season Forced Fumbles
Player Year FF
EJ Burt 2003 8
Barry Wagner 1996 6
EJ Burt 2005 5
Jeroid Johnson 2006 4*
Seven Players Tied 3
*Through six games
JAMES SIXTH IN ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
Through Week 6 of the Arena Football League season, Orlando Predators WR/LB Jerrian James ranks sixth in the league in all-purpose yards with 842. James needs 142 all-purpose yards this week against Arizona to hit the 1,000-yard mark. At his current pace, James is on target to accumulate 2,272 all-purpose yards, which would rank as the 4th best total in Orlando Predators history.
League Leaders: All-Purpose Yards
Siaha Burley, Utah 1113
Will Pettis, Dallas 1090
Timon Marshall, Grand Rapids 1056
Willis Marshall, Colorado 1004
Kevin Ingram, Los Angeles 873
Jerrian James, Orlando 852
JOHNSON ON RECORD BREAKING PACE
With 17 pass break-ups in his first six games, Orlando Predators defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson is on pace to shatter the Predators single season record for pass break-ups held by Chris Barber. In the 1997 season, Barber batted down 26 passes. With two pass knockdowns last week, Johnson is now tied with Damon Mason for ninth place on the Predators all-time single season list. With 17 pass defenses this season, Johnson currently ranks first in the Arena Football League by a wide margin - leading Arizona's David Todd by five. Orlando's all-time leaders in single season pass-defenses:
Player Year PD
Chris Barber 1997 26
Chris Barber 1998 22
Durwood Roquemore 1993 21
Kenny McEntyre 2001 21
Kenny McEntyre 2002 21
Damon Mason 2001 20
Kenny McEntyre 2003 19
Kenny McEntyre 2000 18
Jeroid Johnson 2006 17$
Damon Mason 1999 17
Kenny McEntyre 1999 15
*Excludes interceptions
$Through six games
2006 AFL Leaders in Pass Defenses
Players Team PD
Jeroid Johnson Orlando 17
David Todd Arizona 12
Donvetis Franklin Austin 10
Jonathan Ordway Tampa Bay 10
Nate Coggins Georgia 9
LOS ANGELES GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
The Good: The Predators dominated the game from start to finish, grabbing a 14-7 lead at the 5:55 mark and never trailed after that point...Orlando, which has had a recent tendency of struggling after building a big lead, never had that problem on Sunday, as LA could never get closer than 17 points in the second half...the Predators were able to run the ball, gaining a season-high 83 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground - keeping the heat off of quarterback Joe Hamilton...the Predators offense was extremely efficient, putting 52 offensive points on the board on just 34 offensive plays...Orlando's pass rush was solid, recording one sack and forcing two turnovers...Orlando's offense did not turn the ball over and put points on the board on nine of 10 offensive possessions. The Bad : Really tough to think about anything bad here, as the offensive, defensive, and special teams all preformed well - without anyone getting injured. About the best we can come up with is that fact that Orlando fell to 1-5 on coin tosses this year. The Ugly: The Preds tied a season-high for penalties (6) and had the second highest amount of penalty yardage (42) of the season.
2005 ROSTER MOVES
1/12 Waived OL/DL Derek Kennard
1/15 Announced FB/LB Bam Morris was leaving
camp.
1/19 Waived FB/LB Shurron Pierson, WR/LB
Manwell Talbert, DS Randee Drew, DS
Marcus Floyd, WR/LB Marquise Walker,
DS Levy Brown, OL/DL Derrick Crawford,
OL/DL Claude Harriot
1/21 Waived OL/DL Ron Warner and OL/DL
Delanio Taylor.
1/23 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Sean Guthrie and OL/DL Kevin Johnson.
1/25 Placed on injured reserve WR/LB Javarus
Dudley, WR/LB Clif Dell, FB/LB Kevin
Nagle.
1/27 Inactivated for Week 1 OL/DL Charles Hill.
2/6 Placed OL/DL Sean Guthrie on waivers.
2/8 Signed WR/DB Lamont Moore. Signed OL/DL Delanio Taylor to practice squad
2/9 Activated from injured reserve WR/LB Javarus Dudley, WR/LB Clif Dell, FB/LB Kevin Nagle. Placed on injured reserve: OL/DL Doug Miller, WR/LB Scott Cloman, WR/DB Lin-J Shell, WR/LB Lamont Moore.
2/24 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB Jermaine Mays, WR/LB Clif Dell, WR/DB DeAndrew Rubin. Activated from IR: OL/DL Doug Miller, WR/DB Lin-J Shell, WR/LB Scott Cloman, OL/DL Doug Miller.
2/28 Declared OL/DL Greg White inactive for
Week 5.
3/2 Activated OL/DL Kevin Johnson from IR and released him.
3/3 Released WR/LB Scott Cloman, Signed OL/DL Cleveland Pinkney
3/4 Activated WR/LB Lamont Moore from the
injured reserve list.
3/7 Placed OS Jimmy Fryzel and WR/LB
Lamont Moore on injured reserve.
Signed WR/DB Charlie Davidson. Activated
WR/LB DeAndrew Rubin from injured
Reserve.
2006 US ARMY IRONMAN / OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME / ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE GAME (selected by media):
After each Arena Football League game, media in attendance select the "US Army Ironman of the Game" as well as the "ADT Defensive Player of the Game" and the "Offensive Player of the Game." For Week 6, the Predators swept the awards.
Week Opp. Player
1 Georgia Ironman: Derek Lee (G)Offensive: Chris Jackson (G)Defensive: Kevin Aldridge (G)
2 Kansas City Ironman: DeAndrew Rubin (O)Defensive: Jeroid Johnson (O)Offensive: Andy Kelly (KC)
3 Philadel-phia Ironman: Clif Dell (O)Defensive: Jermaine Mays (O)Offensive: Jerrian James (O)
4 Tampa Bay Ironman: DeAndrew Rubin (O)Defensive: Jeroid Johnson (O)Offensive: Jimmy Fryzel (O)
5 New York Ironman: DeShane Dennis (NY)Defensive: Dahnel Springfield (NY)Offensive: Mike Horacek (NY)
6 Los Angeles Ironman: Jerian James (O)Defensive: Henry Taylor (O)Offensive: Marlon Moye-Moore (O)
PINNACLE FINANCIAL SIGNS NEW THREE YEAR AGREEMENT WITH PREDATORS
Pinnacle Financial Corporation, one of the nation's largest independently-owned mortgage lenders, has signed a new three-year marketing and promotional agreement with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League. The agreement replaces an earlier sponsorship signed prior to the 2005 season.
The new partnership will cover the 2006-2008 seasons and will give Pinnacle Financial print, broadcast and promotional exposure both inside and outside of the TD Waterhouse Centre during the Orlando Predators season. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"Pinnacle Financial is a national company with local roots," Doug Long, CEO said. "As we grow, we believe it is important to stay connected to the Central Florida community. The extension of our partnership with the Predators will allow us to meet this goal and will also give our company and its products exposure to the thousands of Arena Football League fans in Central Florida."
Among the more notable elements of the agreement is signage that will cover the entire width of the end zone. It is the first time that the Predators have sold the entire end zone to a single sponsor. The popular "Pinnacle Financial Kick To Win" promotion, where a fan will be chosen at each Predators home game and be given a chance to kick a field goal from midfield at the 25-yard-line for a $100,000 down payment towards a new home will continue under the new agreement.
"We are thrilled to have Pinnacle Financial extend and enhance their corporate partnership with the Orlando Predators," Predators President Brett Bouchy said. "They are one of the top companies based in Central Florida and remain a valuable partner to our team."
In addition to the new end zone signage, advertising aspects of the revised agreement include a sideline dasherboard and signage on the top of both sideline dasherboards running the full length of the playing field. In addition to the signage elements, the company will also sponsor monthly networking luncheons.
Pinnacle Financial offers residential mortgages through its branch network and Tampa-based call center. As a direct lender, Pinnacle Financial uses its own resources to process, underwrite and fund its own loans. With total control and decision making abilities at each of its offices, Pinnacle Financial is able to provide fast, efficient and affordable financing to its customers.
PREDS 20 GREATEST JERSEYS AVAILABLE AT AUCTION
In conjunction with the Arena Football League's 20th anniversary, the Orlando Predators Foundation is sponsoring a jersey auction featuring the 20 most significant Predators in franchise history.
Fans can bid on jerseys of the 20 most significant Predators on www.orlandopredators.com. The team announced its list of most significant players - one per week - in the 20 weeks leading up to the 2006 season.
The jerseys are the authentic Orlando Predators replica jerseys by NIKE. They will feature the last name of the player and the number he wore during his Orlando Predator career. The jerseys of former head coaches Perry Moss and Fran Papasedero will feature the #1. Only one jersey of each player and coach will be produced and sold.
When possible, the jersey will be signed by the player or coach. The successful bidders will also receive two tickets to the Orlando Predators game against the Chicago Rush on April 2, where they will have the opportunity to pick up their jersey.
Minimum bids on all jerseys start at $100, with all net proceeds benefiting the Orlando Predators Foundation. Now in its third year, the Foundation has assisted hundreds of Central Florida charities.
"These are unique, one of a kind items - most of which will be autographed by the player honored," Orlando Predators Foundation director Sylvia Bova said. "Auction participants are really bidding on a piece of our team's history."
Among the players' jersey available at auction include popular players Cory Fleming (12), Herkie Walls (22), Ben Bennett (5), Barry Wagner (82), Paul McGowan (44), Jerry Odom (34), Webbie Burnett (78), Pat O'Hara (17) and Jay Gruden (7).
For more information or to bid on a jersey, visit the auction site at www.Orlando Predators.com. Bidding ends on Wednesday, March 29.
PREDATORS PLAYERS BIOS NOT INCLUDED IN 2006 MEDIA GUIDE
#11
CHARLIE DAVIDSON
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 195
DOB: 1.19.72 Mississippi State
11th AFL Season
AFL Acquisition
Originally signed by the Orlando Predators as a free agent in 1996...reacquired by Predators as a free agent on March 7, 2006.
AFL Notes
Savvy AFL veteran, entering his 11th season of play...probably holds the record as being selected in the most expansion drafts, having played for five expansion teams in his career...enters 2006 season with 445 career receptions for 5,282 yards and 99 touchdown receptions...has added three rushing touchdowns on 19 carries (48 yards)...defensively had 342 career tackles to go with 21 interceptions, 59 pass defenses, seven forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries...has added more than 1900 return yards in his career to account for more than 7,200 career all-purpose yards.
2005
Appeared in 14 games for Austin Wranglers, catching 44 balls for 438 yards and seven touchdowns...posted 37 tackles with an interception and one pass break-up.
2004
Amassed career-highs in all-purpose yards (1,792), return yards (821), kickoff returns (45) and receptions (92), playing in 15 games for Austin Wranglers...had outstanding game vs. Predators, accounting for 210 all-purpose yards, including 13 receptions for 151 yards and a pair of touchdowns...posted 37.5 tackles with three interceptions and eight pass defenses.
2003
Played and excelled for expansion Colorado, grabbing 78 passes for 961 yards and a career-high 21 touchdowns...had four, 100-yard receiving games for Crush, and scored his first career defensive touchdown.
2002
Had a career high 60 tackles as a two-way player for Phantoms, adding 36 receptions for 458 yards and four touchdowns.
2001
Selected by Toronto in dispersal draft of New England players...caught 35 passes for 507 yards and 13 touchdowns...Had 39 tackles with three interceptions at corner.
2000
Solid all-around season for New England Sea Wolves...caught 40 passes for 527 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense to go with 32 tackles and two interceptions on defense...selected as the team's "Ironman of the Year" for a second time.
1999
Selected by the New England Sea Wolves in 1998 dispersal draft of New York CityHawk players...played in 14 games at WR/DB, registering a career high four interceptions...posted 57 receptions for 829 yards and 12 touchdowns.
1998
Played for New York CityHawks, totaling 20 receptions for 262 yards.
1997
Split time between Albany and Nashville...totaled 30 receptions for 294 yards and eight touchdowns...spent majority of season with Albany, playing in just one game with Nashville...totaled 29 tackles with three interceptions for season.
1996
Spent majority of rookie season with Orlando Predators...was released late in year and signed by Albany Firebirds...totaled 13 receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown with Preds to go with 223 yards on 13 KO Returns...played in just one game with Firebirds, recording one tackle.
#19
LAMONT MOORE
Wide Receiver / Linebacker
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195
DOB: 4.4.75 Baylor
6th AFL Season
AFL Acquisition
Originally signed by the Predators as a free agent prior to 2001 season...selected by the New Orleans VooDoo in 2003 expansion draft...signed by Brigade as free agent on Oct. 14, 2005...released by Brigade in pre-season...inked by Predators to one-year contract on February 8, 2006.
2005 Season
*Appeared in 12 games for New Orleans VooDoo...Caught 46 passes for 366 yards and 9 touchdowns...Returned 3 kick 16 yards...Totaled 29 tackles including 26 solo and 6 assists...Recorded one interception for 19 yards...Recorded 3 pass breakups and forced 2 fumbles... Recorded 7 receptions for 85 yards with 2 touchdowns vs. Grand Rapids Rampage on Apr. 23...Moore holds the distinction of having played in four different indoor professional football leagues (IPF, PIFL, af2, and AFL).
2004: Appeared in all 16 regular season games and one postseason game for New Orleans, setting career-highs in all offensive and defensive categories. Caught 61 passes for 624 yards with five touchdowns, finishing as the team's second-leading receiver. Defensively, had 31.5 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions and four passes defensed. Finished the season tied for eighth in the AFL and tied for the team lead with Monty Montgomery in defensive fumble recoveries (3). Had three receptions for 30 yards and one solo tackle at Philadelphia, 2/8. Recorded one fumble recovery at Georgia, 2/22. Won Defensive Player of the Game and AFL Defensive Player of the Week honors in his effort vs. Tampa Bay, 3/7, when he had one assisted tackle, two interceptions for 28 yards with two touchdowns, two passes defensed, one recovered onside kick and two receptions for 13 yards. Recorded five solo tackles and one tackle for a one-yard loss at Orlando, 4/9. Had three receptions for 26 yards, three solo tackles and one pass defense vs. Columbus, 4/18, prior to leaving game in fourth quarter with right calf injury. Had seven receptions for 72 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown, three solo tackles and one tackle for a two-yard loss at Austin, 4/25. Had five receptions for 51 yards, two solo tackles and one assisted tackle at San Jose, 5/1. Had eight receptions for 103 yards with a career-long 37-yard touchdown, two solo tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery vs. Orlando, 5/9. Had five receptions for 36 yards vs. Georgia, 5/15. Had six receptions for 64 yards with one touchdown, two solo tackles, two assisted tackles and one pass defense at Tampa Bay, 5/23. Was named Offensive Player of the Game vs. Austin, 5/30, when he recorded eight receptions for 95 yards with two touchdowns, a one-yard touchdown run and one solo tackle. In quarterfinal playoff vs. Colorado, 6/6, recorded 10 receptions for 100 yards with two touchdowns and five solo tackles, as he captured Ironman of the Game honors.
2003: Appeared in 11 games for Orlando, rushing two times for 12 yards with two touchdowns, catching 16 balls for 189 yards and four touchdowns, while posting 10.5 tackles and one tackle for a loss on the defensive side. In two playoff games, Moore had one rush for two yards, four receptions for 72 yards with one touchdown and four tackles (three solo).
2002: Missed first six games of season after breaking thumb in final pre-season game. Came back to play in eight regular season games and three post-season contests. Finished regular season with 12 receptions for 157 yards and one touchdown, to go with 19.5 total tackles, four pass breakups, one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery on defense. Added five receptions for 55 yards and one score in post-season. Opened season on injured reserve after tearing thumb ligaments in pre-season game at Indiana. Played extensively at corner, making two tackles with a fumble recovery and a pass defense, in first action of season vs. Carolina, 5/31. Had two tackles with one pass breakup in second game back from injury vs. Tampa Bay, 6/9. Caught first passes of 2002 with three grabs for 25 yards on offense against New York, 6/15, adding one tackle with one pass breakup after getting start on defense. Had a solid receiving game vs. Toronto, 6/21, grabbing three passes for 50 yards (16.6 avg.), including along of 27 yards on screen, while leading Predators in total tackles with three and batting down one ball. Started on defense at Carolina, 6/28, but played extensively on both sides of ball, recording four tackles and three receptions for 38 yards with one touchdown on offense. Touchdown came on 27-yard strike from quarterback Jay Gruden that was proceeded by a Carolina turnover to give Predators a 21-13 lead. At Tampa Bay, 7/7, got starting nod at short corner and also saw action at wide receiver in Week 12 win, making key special teams play by knocking loose ball on kickoff return that led to Orlando TD in final seconds of first half, while also adding two tackles on defense. Grabbed three passes for 44 yards and one assisted tackle vs. Georgia, 7/17. Led Predators with five solo tackles in Week 14 win over Dallas, 7/20, also contributing key tackle for a loss, stopping Patrice Alexander for two-yard loss on final Dallas series to stop clock and save timeout. Had outstanding game in opening round of playoffs vs. Buffalo, 7/26. Totals included two tackles with interception and three pass breakups. Pick came in fourth quarter in end zone to save touchdown and preserve 32-27 lead. Caught three passes for 35 yards, including key 10-yard reception on Orlandos next to last possession that gave Predators key first down. In AFL Quarterfinal at New Jersey, 8/3, started game at wide receiver/defensive back, but saw majority of action on defense and had three tackles and one pass break-up. In AFL semifinals at San Jose, 8/10, started on defense, but also saw extensive action on offense and finished game with two receptions for 30 yards, including a 20 yard touchdown pass from Gruden
2001: Saw extensive action in a reserve capacity in first AFL season. Spent first three games on inactive list. Played in a total of eight games. Finished season with 12 catches for 155 yards (12.9 average) and four touchdowns and with 28.5 tackles (27 solo, 3 assists), one interception, two passes defensed and one tackle-for-loss on defense. Had three receptions for 41 yards in road win over San Jose, 5/26&scored first AFL touchdown following week against Toronto, 6/2. Had just one catch the following week, but it went for 22 yards and a touchdown against arch-rival Tampa Bay, 6/10. Scored a touchdown for a third consecutive game, with a three-catch, 32-yard outing against New York, 6/16, that included touchdown grabs of 13 and 8 yards. Last touchdown came with just :30 remaining and broke open a 67-63 game. Activated for playoffs, and caught one ball for 19 yards in season-ending first round loss to Chicago, 7/27.
2000: Went to camp with Nashville Kats.
Other Pro Experience: Played 2000 season with the Augusta Stallions of af2, appearing in seven games. Played the 1999 season with Texas Terminators of the Indoor Professional Football League and the 1998 season with Texas Bullets of the Professional Indoor Football League. Had six interceptions to lead league in 1998...College: Played four seasons at Baylor from 1993-96. Played first two seasons at quarterback before moving to wide receiver for junior year. Caught eight passes for 70 yards in a backup role. Started one game at quarterback as a sophomore, completing nine of 11 passes for 182 yards and one TD. Carried ball 32 times for 82 yards.
Personal: 30-years-old...born 4.4.75...grew up in Waxahachie, TX...was 35-4 as a starting quarterback in high school...Metro Player of Year by Dallas Morning News as a senior...majored in sociology in college.
#62
CLEVELAND PINKNEY
Offensive/Defensive Lineman
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 300
DOB: 9.14.77 South Carolina
Rookie
AFL Acquisition
Signed as a free agent on March 1, 2006.
Other Pro Experience:
Pinkney, 6-1, 300, spent a total of five seasons in the NFL. He began his career as an undrafted free agent of the Indianapolis Colts in 2001. He played the 2002 season with the Berlin Thunder of NFL-Europe, recording 24 tackles. Pinkney went to camp with the San Francisco in 2002.
After being waived in the pre-season, Pinkney signed and spent the entire 2003 season with the Tampa Bay Bucs. Spending 13 weeks on the active roster, he played in four games and recorded four tackles with one quarterback sack. He was waived in the 2004 pre-season and signed by the Carolina Panthers, where he would play in five games and be credited with five solo tackles. Pinkney went to camp with the Seattle Seahawks this past year.
College
Started 21 games at defensive tackle for South Carolina after transferring from Chopiah-Lincoln Junior College...concluded career with 85 total tackles, two forced fumbles, 3l5 sacks, one fumble recovery...started 12 games with 42 total tackles and 2.5 quarterback sacks as a senior...named JuCo All-America squad as a sophomore.
Personal
Named USA Today honorable mention All-America as a senior at Sumter (SC) High...excelled in track, winning state titles in both discus and shot put...named all-state in wrestling, winning state heavyweight as a senior with a 30-0 mark...avid bowler, born Cleveland Pinkney III on September 14, 1977 in Sumter, South Carolina.
PREDATORS TICKET INFORMATION
The Orlando Predators continue to sell season tickets for the 2006 campaign. Six-game packages (remaining six regular season games and first post-season home game) start at $36 (upper bowl end zone) on the low-end and go to $258 (lower bowl sideline). To date, the Predators have sold close to 11,000 season tickets for the 2006 season. Call 407-44-PREDS for more information.
In addition, the team continues to sell 10-game vouchers, group sales, and single game tickets for all remaining contests. Single game tickets priced from $10 to $53 and can be purchased by calling 407-44-PREDS, visiting the TD Centre Box Office, calling or visiting any TICKETMASTER outlet, or by logging on to: www.ticketmaster.com.
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