Pred players report Monday
Published on February 1, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando, Fla. (Feb. 1) - The 2007 Arena Football League season gets under way unofficially on Monday for the Orlando Predators when Head Coach Jay Gruden welcomes 37 players for the start of training camp.
Players will be issued equipment, be given physicals and have their head shots taken on Monday. On Tuesday through Thursday, the players will participate in a three-day mini-camp (shorts and helmets) as Predators coaches will install their offensive and defensive schemes and terminology.
Two-a-day practices begin on Friday. As has been the case since Gruden became head coach in 1998, the team will run their two-a-day practices in back-to-back fashion - rather than conducting the traditional morning and afternoon workouts. The team will hit the field at about 9 a.m., practice for about 90 minutes, take a short 20 minute break and conclude with another 90 minute workout - getting off the field at about 12:30 p.m.
"I like the way Jay runs training camp," wide receiver Jimmy Fryzel said. "It always seems like when you do a morning workout and then try to come back in the afternoon you are always stiff. This way, we get our work done by 1 p.m. and have time to rest for the next day."
The 2007 season will mark a year of change. The implementation of free substitution will have a major effect on both roster composition and coaching strategies.
"It's going to be different, but whether its going to be a positive or negative for the game remains to be seen," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "With a 20-man roster limit, I believe 'Ironman' football is far from dead. Teams that try to specialize too much are going to be in trouble when they have injuries. You are still going to need players that can go both ways."
The most notable difference is the rule change will allow for roster spots for players who may have been outstanding on one side of the ball but were unable to adapt to the other side. "For the most part two athletes that were proficient but not great on both sides of the ball may be replaced with one great offensive player and one great defensive player," Gruden said. "But we're still going to have lineman that can play both ways and guys who can play both wide receiver and defensive back."
Gruden will welcome 16 returning veterans, along with three AFL veteran free agents and 17 rookies to camp. The Predators must pair the 37-man pre-season roster down to a maximum of 24 players by Feb. 25, but Gruden says that salary cap issues will likely keep his final roster in the "20 to 21 player range."
"This could very well be our most competitive camp ever," Gruden said. "Although we will have 17 AFL rookies in camp, a lot of those players have NFL playing experience. That factor, combined with us probably carrying less than 24 players in the regular season, should lead to some intense competition."
Quarterback and kicker are the lone exception. The team signed highly coveted free agent Shane Stafford in the off-season and re-signed back-up Jake Eaton. Those are the only two quarterbacks the Predators will bring to camp, ensuring both will make the roster. In addition, Jay Taylor is the only kicker on the roster.
That will leave 34 players to fight for the remaining 17 or 18 roster spots. The team's biggest concern is at defensive back. Gone are three-time AFL Defensive Player of the Year Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre (trade-Kansas City) and starter Khalil Carter (Other League Exempt - CFL) - leaving just Lin-J Shell as the only experienced veteran. Gruden signed AFL free agents Chris Pointer, Ryan Bowers and Floyd Young -- as well as five other rookies to compete for roster spots at defensive backs.
Former San Francisco 49er and NFL-Europe standout Rayshun Reed and NIFL standout Nick Allison (27 interceptions in two seasons) head the promising list of newcomers. "Obviously defensive back was our biggest need so we signed more players at that position than any other," Gruden added. "It is critically important that we find four good players at this position."
The fullbacks and linebackers are two positions that Gruden still believes will feature a lot of "Ironman" play. Marlon Moye-Moore and Kevin Nagle return and both players were solid on both offense and defense last year. Newcomer Lance Mitchell, a linebacker in both the NFL and college, was an All-America running back in high school and Chaz Murphy was an "af2" star who has shown versatility as both a fullback, linebacker and down lineman.
At wide receiver, the Predators return Jimmy Fryzel, Javarus Dudley, Jerrian James and DeAndrew Rubin. Those four accounted for 92 percent of the yards and touchdowns from the wide receiver position last year. Clif Dell will attempt to return from a serious knee injury; while NFL veteran Micah Ross and "af2" standout Torrey Day will also compete for roster spots.
At "jack" linebacker, coaches will take a good look at James, former Michigan All-American Ernest Shazor and Dell at that position. Shazor was a tall, physical safety in college and could become a trendsetter at "jack."
On the offensive line, the Predators return starting center Justin Cleveland. Rookie John Miller will compete with veteran Delanio Taylor for the back-up spot. Dwayne Carswell, a 12-year NFL veteran and a former Pro Bowler, will battle for the starting tight end spot. Second-year player Jim Sodano and 10-year veteran Reggie Lee also return on the offensive line. Cleveland and Sodano could also see action on the defensive line.
On the defensive side of the line, the Predators bring an interesting mix of rookies and returning veterans. Greg White had a monster rookie season and the Predators went 11-3 with him in the starting line-up. His impact should be greater in 2007 as he should line up on almost all defensive snaps. White could also be used at tight end on offense. Former NFL player Charles Hill returns as a seasoned nose-tackle.
Greg Jefferson, who played six year in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, will attempt a comeback after being out of football for five seasons. Former Tampa Bay Bucs player Andrew Williams, former Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eddie Freeman, Marcus Waters, and Lorenzo Davis will also compete for spots on the defensive line.
In terms of NFL playing time, this is the most experienced Predators team ever. The current 37-player roster features 10 players with a total of 342 NFL games played.
"We have a lot of rookies that are rookies only in terms of AFL experience," Gruden added. "It will be interesting to see how these guys handle the indoor game."
Orlando training camp runs through Feb. 24. The team will travel to Tampa for a scrimmage on Friday, Feb. 16. The team's final day of training camp coincides with their season ticket pick-up party on Feb. 24. All Orlando Predators practices are open to the public and media.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 1, 2007
- Desperados open training camp Monday, February 5 - Dallas Desperados
- BM Publishing Wants To Send You To Arenabowl XXI - OSC Original by Bob Garcia
- Pred players report Monday - Orlando Predators
- Rampage to Unveil New Uniforms Wednesday - Grand Rapids Rampage
- SaberCats begin camp Sunday - San Jose SaberCats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
