SaberCats Training Camp Notes
April 5, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
The SaberCats continue practice leading up to their final preseason game on April 12 at Georgia and the regular season opener vs. Arizona on April 20. San Jose defeated Carolina 66-64 on March 29 in the exhibition opener with the coaching staff getting a good look at the squad in game action. The SaberCats resumed two-a-day practices on Friday and will practice again on Saturday before taking Sunday (April 7) off.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS: Of the four defensive specialists listed on the SaberCats' camp roster only one, Anthony Cobbs, has played in a regular season Arena Football League game. Clevan Thomas and Wendell Davis are both AFL rookies and Frank Primus played in one preseason game last year before sustaining a torn Achilles tendon. "I'm really pleased with Clevan," said SaberCats defensive coordinator Michael Church. "I think he might be the best guy (DS) we've ever had." "Wendell (Davis) is doing really well, I'm pleased with him along the wall. He's real competitive." Church also noted that there is strong competition at all secondary spots. Two years ago under the direction of Church the SaberCats had one of the best defensive units in the AFL leading the league in turnover margin and quarterback sacks. "I thought I had a pretty good group two years ago," said Church. "This group is better."
QUARTERBACKS: During training camp most teams will carry three or even four quarterbacks. The SaberCats have two. Veterans Mark Grieb and John Dutton are the only QBs on the team's camp roster. A problem? Not according to Grieb. "I feel good about it (having only two QBs) because I get a lot of reps," said Grieb. "We are as solid a one and two as any team in the league so if we can use that roster spot to bring in some other guys and solidify ourselves in other positions it makes sense from a team standpoint."
UPCOMING AT GEORGIA: Coach Darren Arbet on the SaberCats final preseason game at Georgia Force on Friday, April 12. "We (coaching staff) are going to let a lot of people play and see who can play. We have some tough decisions to make as far as who is going to make the team. We have to let the guys come to practice and let the guys who are on the bubble play."
Rookie DS Clevan Thomas became the first SaberCat player to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a game (pre-season, regular season and postseason) and he did it in his first career AFL game. His thoughts on the indoor game: "It's a real experience, especially playing cornerback. You can only better your skills."
On the difference between the indoor and outdoor game: "Discipline." "You have to watch the receiver because if you look in the backfield at the quarterback it's a touchdown."
CAMP SCHEDULE
Sat., Apr. 6 8:45 am to 11:15 am 3:45 pm to 5:35 pm
Sun., Apr 7 OFF
Mon., Apr 8 8:45 am to 11:15 am 3:45 pm to 5:35 pm
Tue., Apr 9 8:45 am to 11:15 am 3:45 pm to 5:35 pm
Wed., Apr 10 10:00 am to 11:30 am
All practice sessions are open to the public and media. SaberCats coaches and players will be made available following each practice session for interviews. Contact the SaberCats media relations department for updated camp information and to arrange interviews.
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