Sports stats

Scorching Weather Greets Tuskers As Camp Opens

August 16, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Florida Tuskers News Release


ORLANDO, FL - MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 -Although temperatures climbed to 95 and the heat index easily reached triple digits, the Florida Tuskers successfully opened their 2010 training camp on Monday with a spirited three-hour workout at the Florida Citrus Bowl Complex.

First-year head coach Jay Gruden has his team on the field before the scheduled 9 a.m. starting time, hoping to beat the heat a little. "Starting our practices early in the morning not only helps us beat the heat, but the afternoon thunderstorms that are common in Florida," Gruden said.

The first half of the workout was geared towards position work as the team split into their respective position groups. Quarterbacks Brooks Bollinger and Matt Grothe shared the reps, throwing to a plethora of talented receivers who were working against some tough competition at cornerback in one-on-one drills.

First day timing issues kept both quarterbacks and receivers from looking too sharp, but the speed and talent was on display from all receivers and corners.

The heat may have factored into a few shoving matches between players. Gruden said he liked the spirit but reminded the players they are on the same team and all contact has to end on the whistle.

During the second half of the workout, wide receiver Bennie Brazell provided the highlight of the day as he made a sensational catch deep downfield and capped it by leaping over the defender into the end zone. Brazell is a former Olympic sprinter and track athlete at Louisiana State University.

Cornerback Corey Small recorded an interception in the period as he made a beautiful break on the football. Small is a rookie from Florida Atlantic University where he recorded 103 tackles as a senior.

The battle for the starting spot at running back started today and will continue throughout camp. Dominic Rhodes and Tatum Bell are the favorites to get the starting spot. While Monday's drills were all non-contact both backs were able to find running room behind solid blocking from the offensive line.

The toughest thing to tell on a day where the players practice in helmets and shorts is the defender's ability to tackle. On most plays the defense was in position to make the play on the ball-carrier, but when the players pad-up later in camp we will be able to supply a better report on this aspect. "We expect to get better every day we have a lot of talent and veterans that know our system for a year or two I think that's going to be an advantage for us," Gruden said. "Last year we didn't have that because we came in brand new. We had a bunch of new guys trying to teach a system in a short period of time. This year we have about 25-30 veterans back who know the system and the rookies we brought in are veteran type guys. We expect great things from each individual along with this team."

MONDAY NOTES: Among the notable absences from the first day of training camp was second-year cornerback FAKHIR BROWN, who was requested and granted permission to report late to take care of some personal business...also missing was last year's back-up quarterback CHRIS GREISEN, who just finished his first season as quarterback of the Milwaukee Iron of the Arena Football League...Greisen completed 24 of 31 passes (77.4%) for 235 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in a 60-57 loss to Spokane in the Western Conference finals of the AFL playoffs on Saturday night...Greisen had a sensational season, hitting 67.9% of his passes for 5,139 yards and 107 touchdowns in 16 games for the Iron...Greisen is expected to report later this week...WR CHAS GESSNER appears fully recovered after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last year...visitors to practice Monday included former NFL scout and long-time coach JIM GRUDEN, the father of head coach Jay Gruden...Jacksonville Sharks (AFL) head coach LES MOSS and former Orlando Predators QB and current high school football coach TERRY KARG also stopped by to watch practice...The Tuskers will practice tomorrow (Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. -UFL- Florida Tuskers: About The Tuskers: Now in their second season, the Florida Tuskers will play an eight-game schedule in the 2010 season. All four of Florida's 2010 home games will be played in the Florida Citrus Bowl, including a Sept. 30 home opener against the Las Vegas Locomotives. Other home games include Oct. 21 (Sacramento), Nov. 5 (Omaha) and Nov. 11 (Hartford). For ticket and information, call 407-545-8123.



United Football League Stories from August 16, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Florida Tuskers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central