SaberCats training camp continues
Published on January 6, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The two-time ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats had their second day of training camp today and all the players were excited to be back on the field.
Three players who were members of the SaberCats' 2004 championship team have returned this year after spending the 2005 season elsewhere.
Charles Pauley (Chicago), Fred Coleman (Nashville) and Brian Johnson (NFL Europe) are all on the SaberCats' training camp roster.
A star in his college days at San Jose State, Pauley was selected by the Chicago Rush in the 2005 Expansion Draft and spent last winter playing in frigid Chicago. "What brings me back to San Jose is the organization, being at home, and the weather," he said. "I am from California so this is where I should be."
Coleman signed a free agent contract with Nashville following the 2004 campaign and was the Kats' leading receiver in 2005. He rejoins the team after being acquired in a trade. "I am excited about being back here this year. We have a lot of talent and I think we have a chance to be good."
A major component in the SaberCats title season, Coleman relishes the opportunity to play in San Jose again. "When you get a coach that knows you, knows what you can do and believes in you that is always a plus for a player," said Coleman. "The coaches here respect what I do and know that I can play so I am excited about being here."
"It's good to be back," said Johnson about returning to the SaberCats after playing last season with the Berlin thunder in NFL Europe.
"2004 was a great year," he said. Johnson made the transition from lineman to FB/LB that season and was on the field for the final play in San Jose's ArenaBowl win at Arizona.
"The SaberCats are a great organization, the Arena Football League is a league of opportunity and that's what makes the Arena League so special because it gives guys the chance to play football again."
LEWIS ADJUSTING TO THE NEW GAME
After being a quarterback for the Stanford Cardinal from 1999-2003 ending his career in the top 10 in several of the school's career passing categories, Chris Lewis is experiencing an extremely different game than the one on the big field.
"It's a lot different than I am use to," Lewis said. "It's been a lot of fun, a lot of learning and I am just trying to get a feel of what this game is all about."
When asked what the biggest difference is between the indoor and outdoor games, the California native said, "Field size. It speeds everything up. You don't have as much time as you think you do to decide what you want to do because the real estate runs out pretty fast."
During his playing days as a Cardinal Lewis was coached by 7-year San Jose SaberCats veteran QB Mark Grieb. Now Lewis has the opportunity to play with him as a teammate as opposed to being his student. "Grieb is a teammate and a coach still to me," Lewis said. "After every play I am over there in his ear asking him all sorts of questions and trying to get feedback and advice."
CAMP SCHEDULE
All practice sessions are open to the media and public. Times are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather practice sites may vary. Players and coaches will be made available for interviews following the early practice session. Contact the SaberCats media relations department for up-to-date practice information (408) 573-5587.
Day, Date Early Session Late Session
Saturday, January 7 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Sunday, January 8 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Monday, January 9 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Tuesday, January 10 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Wednesday, January 11 Off Day
Thursday, January 12 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Friday, January 13 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Saturday, January 14 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Sunday, January 15 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Monday, January 16 9:00 am - 11:00 am (joint practice with Grand Rapids)
Tuesday, January 17 Scrimmage with Grand Rapids at HP Pavilion, 5:00 pm
(Closed to the public)
Wednesday, January 18 Off Day
Thursday, January 19 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Friday, January 20 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Saturday, January 21 Roster Cut Down Day
ROSTER MOVES
The club placed four players, OL/DL Sam Hernandez, WR/LB Adam Herzing and DS's Tremain Mack and Omarr Smith on Refused to Report.
ROSTER BREAKDOWN (by position)
QUARTERBACK (2): Mark Grieb, Chris Lewis.
OFFENSIVE SPECIALIST (1): Atnaf Harris.
RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK (3): Marquis Floyd, Charles Pauley, Rodney Wright.
RECEIVER/LINEBACKER (6): Yardon Brantley, Fred Coleman, Terrance Metcalf, Ben Nelson, James Roe, Kenny Solomon.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST (3): Rufus Brown, Terrance Joseph, Clevan Thomas.
FULLBACK/LINEBACKER (4): Kevin Buck, Phil Glover, Brian Johnson, Ja'Mar Toombs.
LINEMAN (13): Nikia Adderson, Karl Bates, Albrey Battle, Julius Gant, Alan Harper, Joe Jacobs, Dan Loney, Chuck Reed, Gabe Reininger, Rex Richards, Jeff Ruffin, Terry Wagner, George Williams.
KICKER (1): Brian Schmitz.
REFUSED TO REPORT (4): Sam Hernandez, Adam Herzing, Tremain Mack, Omarr Smith
TICKETS
The SaberCats open their 12th season in the Arena Football League on Saturday, January 28 when they host the expansion Utah Blaze. Season and group tickets for the 2006 season are available by contacting a sales representative at (408) 573-5577. Individual game tickets range in price from $15 to $50 and can be purchased through any Northern California Ticketmaster outlet, online at ticketmaster.com or at the HP Pavilion box office. More information is also available at http://www.sanjosesabercats.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 6, 2006
- SaberCats training camp continues - San Jose SaberCats
- Soul make training camp moves - Philadelphia Soul
- Blaze single-game tickets on sale January 7th - Utah Blaze
- Ditka Watches As Rush Opens Camp - Chicago Rush
- Rattlers Announce Training Camp Schedule - Arizona Rattlers
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