Raidersââ¬â¢ Training Camp Roster Filling Out
Published on February 5, 2013 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
With the start of training camp less than three weeks away, spots on the Richmond Raiders' roster are becoming more and more valuable. Two of those spots have been claimed by quarterbacks who will compete for the starting job, and three more have been filled by defenders "" including one versatile Raider veteran.
Warren Smith (Maine) led the Black Bears to the NCAA national quarterfinals in 2011 while setting a single-season school record with 3,122 passing yards. He spent a season in the German football league, where he threw for 28 touchdowns and only eight interceptions in 14 games. He also rushed for 11 touchdowns and led his team to the league semifinals. Back stateside, he worked out for the Utah Blaze of the AFL before catching the eye of Raider head coach James Fuller. "We are very pleased to have Warren," Fuller said. "He has played a number of snaps on a high level overseas and in college, and has a high football IQ which should help him pick up the game quickly."
Austin Faulkner (Randolph-Macon) started at QB for three years with the Yellow Jackets. The Fredericksburg native racked up 4860 passing yards and 45 touchdowns, and led R-MC to the 2008 ODAC conference championship. He participated in Raiders' training camp in 2012, and Coach Fuller is "looking for him to add depth to the QB spot after having a year under his belt. He already has a grasp of the offense and is familiar with the game."
Smith and Faulkner will vie to become the Raiders' opening day starter following the departure of PIFL MVP Antwon Young to the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League. Young takes with him not only the accolades earned after leading the Raiders to an 11-3 record and a spot in the league championship game, but familiarity with Coach Fuller's offense and chemistry with his offensive line and receivers, which will be greatly missed. Like all players, Young dreams of playing at the highest level and took this opportunity to advance his career. The Raiders are proud of Antwon and all his accomplishments and wish him well. At the same time, the coaches are very confident that Smith and Faulkner will push each other to a high level of play in training camp, and that the winner of the quarterback derby will be ready to pick up where Young left off.
Preston Hines (Norfolk State) will return for his second season with the Raiders. A versatile defender who can play in space as the mac linebacker, or put a hand down and contribute along the defensive line, Hines was a key ingredient in the Raiders' defense last year. He "brings high energy and some power to our defense," Fuller said.
A second-team All-PIFL linebacker in 2012, Hines was second on the team with 6.5 sacks, had two fumble recoveries, which tied him for most in the league, and blocked two kicks (one PAT and one field goal). One of his fumble recoveries was for a touchdown in the May 19 matchup with Columbus. Hines also had 5.5 tackles for a loss. Coach Fuller is counting on Hines to be an anchor of the Raiders' defense this year. "After a big season last year we look for even better things from him this season. We will need him to be a leader in 2013," he said.
Kevin Crawford (California-PA) was a two year starter on the defensive line after transferring from Virginia. He registered 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss, and recovered four fumbles in his Vulcan career. "He's another talented defensive lineman to add to our depth at that position," Fuller said. "He has speed and power which should help us put pressure on the QB."
Jaquan Bryant (Marist) was a first-team All-Pioneer League selection his senior year, after leading the team in solo tackles (41), interceptions (four) and pass break-ups (five). He also returned kickoffs and punts, and figures to be in the mix in the Raiders' return game. He tallied 11 interceptions and broke up 18 passes in his career with the Red Foxes. He was invited to Oakland Raiders rookie minicamp following his senior season.
The Raiders' 2013 season will start March 16 when the Raiders take on the Alabama Hammers at the Richmond Coliseum. To order season or group tickets, visit www.RichmondRaidersProFootball.com or call the Raider office at (804) 780-0430.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from February 5, 2013
- Hammers Announce 2013 Promotional Schedule - Alabama Hammers
- Former Nighthawk Ryan McDaniel Signs with Philadelphia Soul of the AFL - Knoxville NightHawks
- Raidersââ¬â¢ Training Camp Roster Filling Out - Richmond Raiders
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