Preds place McGriff on recallable waivers
Published on February 28, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb, 28, 2005) -- In a move what may signify a changing of the guard, the Orlando Predators placed offensive specialist Travis McGriff on recallable waivers on Monday, and could trade or release the popular player later this week.
McGriff started the first four games for the Predators, catching 20 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. But as a team, Orlando had struggled offensively in two of the four games including a 42-28 loss to Dallas on Feb. 17, where the Predators managed just 204 passing yards and averaged a season-low nine yards per reception.
Looking to shake things up offensively last week against Chicago, Head Coach Jay Gruden placed McGriff on the inactive list and started former University of Central Florida standout Jimmy Fryzel. Making his first Arena Football League appearance, Fryzel responded with a nine-catch, 133-yard performance that included three touchdown receptions. The 133-yards were the most by a Predators receiver this season.
Ironically, Fryzel's performance matched McGriff's first career game, a six-catch, 116-yard performance that included four touchdown receptions in his 2003 debut. That game also came on the road against Chicago.
McGriff broke onto the scene in 2003, catching 81 passes for 1,216 yards and scoring 25 touchdowns. He also added more than 1,000 kick return yards and added another touchdown to earn AFL Rookie of the Year honors. Last season, he missed the first six games of the regular season with a hamstring injury. He returned to catch 34 passes for 473 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games but tore a thumb ligament in Week 12 against New Orleans and would miss the final five games of the regular season. For his career, he had 135 receptions for 1,910 yards and 41 touchdowns in 23 career games played.
"It was a close battle between Jimmy and Travis all during training camp for the offensive specialist job," Gruden added. "When Jimmy was finally given his shot to play, he performed extremely well and earned the starting job. Travis is a tremendous player and a great competitor and certainly would not be happy in a back-up role with the Predators. This move is being made to allow Travis to explore his options and hopefully allow him an opportunity to play somewhere else this season. We sincerely appreciate all his efforts during the past two-plus seasons and wish him well."
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