Predators looking for next "Invincible" at tryout camp
Published on September 21, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2006) -- In the runaway hit movie "Invincible," actor Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale, a bartender and substitute teacher who earned a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1970s after attending an open tryout.
The Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League are hoping to find their own version of Papale next weekend when they hold a free agent open tryout camp on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Florida Citrus Bowl Complex.
"Without question, it really is like the movie," Player Personnel Director Les Moss said. "We'll have hundreds of people show up, most of them won't have a chance of making the team, but you never know."
Moss points to last year's tryout as an example of dreams coming true. "Javarus Dudley showed up last year and impressed us with his ability to run routes and catch the ball. We invited him to camp and he not only makes the team - but goes on to earn All-Rookie honors. The guy had some college credentials but we really didn't know a lot about him."
While Dudley was a star in college at Fordham University, other players have earned contracts with the Predators while coming from less than stellar backgrounds. A few years ago, a wide receiver named Rodney Brown was working at a car wash when he impressed Head Coach Jay Gruden at an open tryout. Anthony Bright is another player who played for Orlando after attending an open tryout. He came to the tryout with no college experience.
"The bottom line is you never know what you'll find at a tryout camp," Moss added. "You may have a talented athlete who never had an opportunity to play college football. Open tryouts are the only avenue those guys have for pursuing their dreams and that is why we take them seriously."
The Orlando Predators Open Tryout consists of timing players in the 40-yard dash and short shuttle. They then participate in a variety of individual and team non-contract drills. The tryout generally lasts three hours and is attended by coaches from several "arenafootball2" teams, as well as the Predators coaching staff.
Additional information and registration information for the open tryout can be found at www.orlandopredators.com or by calling 407-44-PREDS.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 21, 2006
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- Simply: The Rules Have Changed - OSC Original by John Hahn
- Gladiators to hold open tryout October 21 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Predators looking for next "Invincible" at tryout camp - Orlando Predators
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