Preds Expect Large Turnout, Surprises At December 9 Free Agent Tryout Camp
Published on December 8, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 9, 2006) - Whether it was the success it had in signing players at the first tryout camp in September or some other reason, Orlando Predators officials are expecting an unusually large turnout at its second Free Agent Open Tryout Camp slated for the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Open registration for the camp begins at 8 a.m. with the tryout beginning promptly at 9 a.m. Participants will be field-tested in the 40-yard dash and short shuttle and then will participate in a wide variety of non-contact individual and team drills based on position. A $60 tryout fee (cash or money order only) will be charged. Participants should come dressed in t-shirt, shorts and grass cleats, as no equipment will be provided.
As of Friday, more than 50 players have pre-registered for the camp - a surprisingly high total for a second tryout camp. Traditionally attendance falls off at the second tryout camp. "I'm not sure why, but it looks like total attendance will exceed what we had at the first tryout camp," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "We signed a record six players from our first tryout, so perhaps prospective players realize that we take these camps very seriously."
To date, several players with professional experience have signed up for Saturday's camp - including three players that had previously attended NFL training camps. Several other players with "arenafootball2" experience have signed up, as has a prospect that played semi-pro football in Russia. In addition, the team purchased advertising on Spanish radio holding to attract Hispanic candidates. That effort encouraged six players with Hispanic backgrounds to sign up.
"There always seems to be a surprise or two at these free agent camps," Gruden added. "You never know who is going to show up and catch your eye."
PREDS ADD MURPHY
Orlando Predators head coach JAY GRUDEN looked to the "arenafootball2" league today in an effort to beef up his linebacker corps - signing former Tulsa Talon's standout CHAZ MURPHY to a one-year deal.
Murphy had a huge year for Tulsa, finishing fifth in the league in quarterback sacks with 10. He also posted 27.5 tackles with 13.5 tackles-for-loss, an interception, four pass defenses, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in just 13 games played.
A free agent signee of the Washington Redskins in 2001, Murphy also went to training camp with the Detroit Lions in 2002 and 2003. He played for Berlin in NFL-Europe in 2003.
At the University of Kansas, Murphy recorded 90 tackles with nine quarterback sacks and 14 tackles-for-loss in two seasons with the Jayhawks. He had an outstanding two-year career at Garden City Community College, recording 25 quarterback sacks in two seasons.
"Chaz is a big-time playmaker at linebacker, who has the quickness and strength to play defensive end ," Player Personnel Director LES MOSS said. "Given the new substitution rules, I could see us utilizing Chaz in several different positions."
The signing gives the Predators 29 players under contract for the 2007 season, leaving seven vacant roster spots.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 8, 2006
- Preds Expect Large Turnout, Surprises At December 9 Free Agent Tryout Camp - Orlando Predators
- Gladiators sign WR Darrin Chiaverini - Las Vegas Gladiators
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