Second Day of Full-Contact Play Completed
Published on March 5, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (March 5, 2013) - The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, have two days of padded practices in the books at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia. Strengths are continuing to show in all players in every position, just in time before first cuts this Friday, March 8.
The veterans, defensive lineman Dustin Barno (6'3", 275, East Stroudsburg) and wide receiver Larry Brackins (6'5", 221, Pearl River C.C.), are helping lead the younger guys in plays. They are introducing them to how the Soul's offense and defense mesh on the field. The leadership roles from the veterans show how the players can lead and guide one another to be successful.
As the week is nearing its end towards first cuts, players stepping up to their roles are proving they're here to stay. Two recent competitors, Soul veteran linebacker Brandon Perkins (6'1", 245, Kansas) and previous Jacksonville Jaguar defensive back David Richardson (6'2", 205, Cal Poly), stepped onto the field for the first time this afternoon. Forced into the swing of things, they picked up quickly with the pace and hard hits. Veteran wide receiver Tiger Jones (5'11", 195, Louisville) will be expected to start play at tomorrow's practice.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: OL JASON TOWNSON (6'4", 315, Tennessee State): OL Jason Townson is a rookie coming into Soul training camp. He was previously with the IFL Bloomington Edge (2012) and the IFL Wenatchee Valley Venom (2011). At Tennessee State he started 5-of-12 games played (2008) and recorded 12 tackles (4 solo, 8 assists), one sack (7-yard loss) and two quarterback hurries. He went to Hazelwood East High School where he was regarded as No. 1 defensive line prospect out of the St. Louis area, and ranked No. 16 overall in the state of Missouri according to Rivals.com. He recorded 91 tackles, 6 sacks as a senior (2004) and was named First Team All-State, All-Metro and All-Conference as a defensive lineman.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Being back in Philly is like a home away from home," said rookie DL Morkeith Brown. "I'm glad to be back here because it's not far from my hometown in Harrisburg, where my mother and son live, so they will be able to make every game this season. Having previous training camp experience within the NFL has really helped me grow as a player. It was a blessing to work with some of the best coaches and athletes, and overall they helped me improve my footwork, how to use my hands better and to analyze film more thoroughly. Those experiences will help me to succeed in this camp."
LOOKING TO BE ANOTHER CHAMPION: FB Tombe Kose (5'9", 240, Syracuse) is one of the youngest guys on this season's 2013 roster. Playing for Syracuse, they won the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in 2010. Being a rookie among guys with professional and indoor experience is no problem for Kose; he has overcome more in life than most can imagine.
Kose was born in Sudan, where his family was forced to flee to Kenya due to civil war in their home country. A family from American sponsored them to come to the United States when he was around the age of ten. They moved to San Diego, California where they were thrown into a completely different world. Kose worked hard on his English and soon began to love the game of football.
Excelling in football, Kose found himself receiving a scholarship to attend Syracuse University to play for them. He received Academic Honor Roll while attending college and earned a Bachelors degree in Sociology. Becoming the New Era Pinstripe Bowl Champions only pushed him to achieve more. Through all of his triumphs in his life, going against older and more experienced players will be nothing short of a breeze, as Kose fights to gain a spot on the 2013 roster in hopes of winning the ArenaBowl XXVI.
Arena Football League Stories from March 5, 2013
- DB Davion Mitchell Assigned to Barnstormers - Iowa Barnstormers
- Sharks Training Camp Report - March 5 - Jacksonville Sharks
- Narrowing The Turnover Margin - Tampa Bay Storm
- Second Day of Full-Contact Play Completed - Philadelphia Soul
- Predators Training Camp Report - Orlando Predators
- "Barnstormers Weekly" Returns March 19th - Iowa Barnstormers
- VooDoo Straps on the Pads - New Orleans VooDoo
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