Routines develp at day three of Lions camp
Published on February 7, 2007 under World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA, February 7 -- On only the third day of fifteen in preseason camp, the Columbus Lions appear to have settled into routines that fall a little bit into the "good news, bad news" category, in the opinion of Head Coach Jason Gibson.
"The tempo was faster tonight, guys are learning what we want them to know. On the other hand, some are getting comfortable, and that's not a good thing. You combat that by bringing in new players, and we'll be doing that sooner than later. We weren't altogether sharp tonight," said Gibson.
Reviewing where his team stands by position, Gibson likes his quarterback situation. "All three threw well. Andrew McKay (Georgia and Liberty University) throws the corner route beautifully and understands the indoor game better, Chinedu Okoro (Tuskegee) continues to impress, and Davon Brown (second-year pro out of Middle Tennessee State) knows our system.
At receiver, Gibson laments that "we're so thin right now, but I'm not discouraged, because I like the ones we have" (referring to Juval Winston, Tirone Morris and Chris Porch). "It's good that they're getting so many repetitions, but it's killing their legs. Then again, like the military, we've got to break down the rookies till there's nothing left. They're young and strong and will recover by the next day."
Substantial help has arrived in WR Jarwarski Pollock, all-time leading receiver at North Carolina, who's fresh off a look by the Arena Football League Austin Wranglers.
Gibson paused to look ahead to next week when his 1,100-pound offensive line arrives in camp, featuring Brandon Hall (6'3", 335, former Philadelphia Eagles camp), Troy Bennett (6'3", 365, "a reliable three-year veteran") and huge Steve Davis (6'6", 400, "bench-presses 225 pounds 42 times"). The Lions head coach emphasized that while he guarantees they make up the biggest line in the World Indoor Football League, "they all can run". He can't wait to see them block for 5'8" running back Eugene Goodman, who "might be the fastest man on the team."
As for the defensive line, Gibson says former Washington Redskin Jauron Dailey might be headed to the AFL Dallas Desperados, leaving veteran Musa Nash to go with rookies Ian Kinsey, DeAngelo Ziegler, Michael Stewart and Schuyler Weaver. That's assuming former Georgia Tech star Omar Billy sticks with the AFL Colorado Crush.
At linebacker, Gibson insists he's going with the "two best athletes, regardless of experience there. The LB's need to be a force, they're the key to the defense, making a big difference in pass coverage". Some may emerge from the talented group of defensive backs currently in camp, including Mahlon Carey, Damian Daniels, Roshard Gilyard, Jason McBeath, Ramone Nickerson, Eddie Ravenell and Cedric Ware.
FEATURED LION: Ramone Nickerson, 5'10", 190-lb. DB from Tuskegee, is a soft-spoken and polite native of Phenix City, largely responsible for the pipeline of talent from his high school and college now being funneled to the Columbus Lions. He played defensive back and returned kicks for South Girard Middle School, then Central High before starting all four years at Tuskegee.
A second-year pro, Nickerson played five games last year with the af2 South Georgia Wildcats in Albany. His impressions of arena football? "It was real fast-paced, full of emotion and lots of adrenaline," he said.
Nickerson's happy to play at home in front of friends and family, which includes a sister who's married to an FBI agent and lives in Japan. He hasn't gotten to visit her yet, but continues working toward a dual degree in engineering and physics, while practicing in the evenings at Memorial Stadium. Nickerson's proud of his college team's 3-1 record in Memorial Stadium's annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Classics, where he's recorded several interceptions and blocked kicks.
Ramone says he's "had the NFL dream since I was a kid. But I play football for the passion of it. I enjoy the lessons learned from hard work and dedication. If I don't make it to the next level, I could see myself playing in Columbus for some time. I've got great teammates, we've got a good organization with a strong nucleus. It's great to be part of something new and successful".
Nickerson considers his strengths as follows: "I'm very physical, strong and quick at changing directions. A lot of us from Division 2 schools can compete well with Division 1 players." Nickerson led the way in getting fellow Tuskegee players Schuyler Weaver, Chinedu Okoro and Juval Winston signed by the Lions. He worked closely with Lions defensive coordinator Norbert Sullivan while at Central, and says he's proud to work out with players at his alma maters and participate in community events as a way to give back to the schools he attended.
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from February 7, 2007
- Routines develp at day three of Lions camp - Columbus Lions
- WIFL Week One Game Notes - WIFL 2
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