Players Continue to Impress Coaches with Three Days Left
March 13, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (March 13, 2013) - The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, continue to put in hard work during practice at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia. The Soul players understand the importance of playing with a sense of urgency in the last few days of camp.
The players continue to put forth the effort of executing plays and not stopping until they hear the whistle. Each player knows the importance of showing the coaching staff what they are capable of. Meanwhile, the coaching staff is still busy implementing the 2013 playbook into their systems.
Tomorrow, the Soul will continue with practice. There are three days left for the 2013 training camp. Saturday, the Soul will have a scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Power at the NovaCare Complex from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: DB LARICO STEVENSON (5'10, 205, West Georgia): Veteran DB LaRico Stevenson, entering his fourth season, returned to the Soul during the offseason. In 2012, Stevenson played the last six games of the season with the Soul, recording 20 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. His prior experience includes playing with the Tulsa Talons, New Orleans VooDoo and Pittsburgh Power. Stevenson has 161 tackles and seven interceptions in his career.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I look at it as it's my role on the team," said Rayshaun Kizer when asked about being a leader on the defense. "I try to help and mentor the younger guys. I try to be a positive role model by doing the right thing both on and off the field." When asked about this season, Kizer replied, "Aside from winning the championship, I want to break my own record. I want 18 or more interceptions." Kizer's response when asked about the upcoming March Madness, he said, "I don't follow college basketball, but if I had to choose, I'd go with Michigan."
IT STARTS AT THE LINE: The Philadelphia Soul had the best scoring offense, with the best rushing offense and No.7 passing offense. These rankings help explain the Soul's 15-3 season and ArenaBowl appearance in 2012. However, one factor that often is overlooked is the offensive line.
The success of the offensive line allowed the Soul to score on the ground and in the air. The Soul's offense outscored the second best team, San Jose SaberCats, by 85 points. The Soul's run offense out-ran the No.2 run offense by 161 yards. As far as protection for the quarterback, the Soul's offensive line led the AFL with the sacks allowed by giving up five sacks on the season. The next runner up was the Arizona Rattlers who allowed nine sacks.
The returners from last season's AFL-best offensive line include Christian Johnson (6'4, 320, Kentucky) and Brennen Carvalho (6'1, 320, Portland St.). During the offseason, the team acquired veteran Jason Jones (6'4, 340, Idaho) and rookie Sioeli Fakalata (6'3, 330, New Mexico St.) who will have a lot to live up to as members of the Soul's offensive line.
For this season's Soul to have an explosive season as they did in 2012, the line will need to protect QB Dan Raudabaugh and make the holes for FB Derrick Ross. For the offense to succeed, it all starts at the line.
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Arena Football League Stories from March 13, 2013
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- Players Continue to Impress Coaches with Three Days Left - Philadelphia Soul
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