SaberCats reach 24-man Roster limit
January 27, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (January 27, 2003) - In preparation for their February 2nd season opener in Arizona in a re-match of last year's ArenaBowl, the World Champion San Jose SaberCats today trimmed their roster to the league-mandated 24-man limit by releasing seven players.
Released from the team's training camp roster were: WR/LB James Battle, OL/DL Akaba DeLaney, DS Hamin Milligan, WR/DB Brandon Nash, WR/DB Larry Thompson, FB/LB Mawuko Tugbenyoh and QB Johnny Turman.
The SaberCats also placed WR/LB Shalon Baker (thumb), OS Aaron Bailey (groin), FB/LB James Williams (knee), OL/DL Frank Beede (knee), OL/DL Devin Wyman (ankle) and OL/DL George Williams (shoulder) on injured reserve.
The team's 24-man roster includes six rookies and 16 players who played for the team last year. Of those 16 players, 11 competed in San Jose's 52-14 ArenaBowl XVI win over Arizona last August. Of the six rookies on the roster, three have spent time on the SaberCats practice squad in the past. WR/DB Rashied Davis and FB/LB Kevin Buck each spent time on the team's practice squad last year, while FB/LB Keala Keanaaina was on the practice squad in 2001.
Here is the 2003 roster breakdown:
Quarterback (2) - Mark Grieb, Bob Bees.
Fullback/Linebacker (3) - Matt Kinsinger, Kevin Buck, Keala Keanaaina.
Receiver/Defensive Back (3) - Rashied Davis, Barry Wagner, Anthony Cobbs.
Receiver/Linebacker (2) - James Roe, Kevin McKenzie.
Offensive Specialist (1) - James Hundon.
Defensive Specialist (3) - Clevan Thomas, Wendell Davis, Gana Joseph.
Linemen (9) - Chuck Reed, Sam Hernandez, Joe Jacobs, Darrin Kenney, Brian Johnson, Dan Loney, Albrey Battle, Brian Lytle, Cedric Pittman.
Kicker (1) - Daron Alcorn.
The SaberCats begin defense of their World Championship when they travel to Arizona for an ArenaBowl XVI re-match with the Rattlers on February 2. The game will be regionally televised by NBC.
San Jose plays its first home game against former quarterback and ArenaBowl XVI MVP John Dutton and the expansion Colorado Crush on February 22.
Individual game tickets are available and can be purchased at all TicketMaster outlets and the HP Pavilion at San Jose ticket office. Season tickets for all eight regular season games played in HP Pavilion are on sale and can be purchased by calling a ticket representative at (408) 573-5577.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 27, 2003
- Crush Announces Practice Roster - Colorado Crush
- San Jose at Arizona Game Notes - San Jose SaberCats
- 'Birds Squad Set For Season Opener In Detroit - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Firebirds News and Notes - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Rampage News & Notes - Grand Rapids Rampage
- SaberCats reach 24-man Roster limit - San Jose SaberCats
- Desperados Finalize Roster - Dallas Desperados
- Rampage Open 2003 Season on Saturday - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Buffalo Sets Roster For Season Opener - Buffalo Destroyers
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