Preds Trim Fat And Post Final Roster
February 25, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando - It was not easy. In fact, conversations went on for hours between the coaches of the Orlando Predators, but they made the final decisions on who the 24 survivors of training camp are for the 2008 season. After cutting 11 layers on Friday, the Preds made three more big decisions Saturday by letting go DB Rayshun Reed, WR Javarus Dudley, and DL Chaz Murphy.
The team also placed LB Reggie Cooley, WR Levon Thomas, and DB Jason Perry on recallable waivers. The final move made on Saturday was the release of injured wide receiver Jimmy Fryzel, who tore his ACL the second day of mini-camp.
Reed was part of a log jam at the defensive back position and was let go in favor of Nick Allison. At that position the Preds also have Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre, Damon Mason, and Ahmad Carroll on the active roster.
Dudley was having trouble with a shoulder injury during training camp that held him out for a few days. In 2007, Dudley recorded 106 receptions for 1,512 yards and 29 touchdowns to lead the team in scoring. The Predators who also have Ron Johnson (6'3 227 lbs.) and T.T. Toliver (5'11 185 lbs.) active at that position.
Murphy came into camp as one of the leading candidates to take over for the loss of DL Greg White who recorded 15 sacks for the Preds in 2007. Last season, Murphy recorded three sacks in just seven games; but was beaten out by DL Darrell Campbell in training camp. Campbell has been impressive since day one of mini-camp, often getting to the quarterback from his defensive end position.
Among other active players on the defensive line is veteran B.J. Cohen, who is expected to have a fantastic season rushing the passer. Manning the nose-guard position will be Cleveland Pinkney, who was last on the Preds roster during the 2006 season. Veteran defensive lineman Doug Miller also made the final roster.
At linebacker the Predators feature Marlon Moye-Moore at the "Jack" position. The AFL's new rule allowing the Jack linebacker to move from sideline-to-sideline could definitely help him improve on the three interceptions he posted in 2007. At "Mack" linebacker the Preds brought Stevie Baggs into camp and he has done nothing but impress the coaches since his arrival. Baggs is a local player from Lake Brantley High School and Bethune-Cookman University. He beat out former Florida State linebacker A.J. Nicholson at the Mack position.
On the offensive line, the Preds will return Jim Sodano who is coming off knee surgery in 2007 and Charles Hill, who will also be playing some on the defensive line. Also making the team at the position was Jasper Harvey, Jonathan Clinkscale, and Chris Jahnke. Harvey takes over at center for veteran Justin Cleveland who was released earlier in training camp. Clinkscale and Jahnke will be part of a very solid rotation.
In the backfield the Predators return Quarterbacks Shane Stafford and Jake Eaton. Stafford threw for a franchise record 4,317 yards in 2007; he also posted another franchise record with 76 touchdown passes. Odie Armstrong will be the starting fullback for the Preds this season, following a season where he helped the af2's Tulsa Talons win the ArenaCup.
Kicker John Vaughn will make his Orlando Predators debut Saturday night in Philadelphia. Vaughn impressed the Preds coaches during camp so much that they were left with no choice but to release veteran Jay Taylor last Friday.
The Predators will open the season Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Philadelphia Soul. The game is not televised but can be heard on 540 WFLA with Tom Morgan and Denise Cullen on the call.
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