Soul Complete Camp; Prepare for Season-Opener
Published on March 16, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (March 16, 2013) - The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, completed their 2013 training camp today. The Soul participated in a joint-practice with the Pittsburgh Power at the NovaCare Complex.
Soul coaching staff and ownership, along with the Pittsburgh coaching staff, were able to get one last look at their team before making their final cuts for the season. The two teams had an altercation that last about five minutes, but the coaching staff was able to maintain order. The Soul currently have a 28-man roster and they need to meet the league requirement of 24 by the end of the day.
After the final cuts, the Soul will prepare for their season-opener against the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. The Soul look to win next week in an ArenaBowl rematch, when the Soul lost 72-54 in last season's championship.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: FB DERRICK ROSS (6'0, 240, Tarleton): Soul FB Derrick Ross looks to continue his record-breaking performance from 2012 where he ran for 645 yards and 32 touchdowns. Ross led the AFL in yards and rushing touchdowns while breaking numerous records in both the Soul and AFL record books. Ross, entering his third season and second season with the Soul, has a combined 1,267 yards and 71 touchdowns in his two seasons in the AFL. Ross is a two-time All-Arena First Team FB.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "We had a very good camp and we are pleased with the team we have put together," said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. "We have to make some very tough final cuts and that is usually a sign that you have put the team together the right way. We are looking forward to getting this season started."
RETURNING DEFENSE LEADERS: During the offseason, the Soul brought the key components to a defense that ranked No. 3 in sacks, No. 5 in scoring defense, No. 6 in pass defense, and No. 2 in red-zone defense. The Soul brought back three players who were constantly in the top 9 of their respective category: Joe Goosby, Bryan Robinson, and Rayshaun Kizer.
Goosby finished the season with 96 tackles, No. 9 in the league. Robinson finished the season with 10 sacks, No. 4 in the league; 13 tackles-for-loss, No. 2 in the league; and five forced fumbles, No. 4 in the league. Kizer lead the league with 41 passes defended and finished with 11 interceptions, No. 3 in the league.
With the return of these key defensive players, the Soul defense has leadership to help guide and mentor the younger players. These three have the skillset to help guide the Soul defense to being a tough, physical defense that will give offenses problems this season.
Arena Football League Stories from March 16, 2013
- Soul Announces 2013 Regular-Season Roster - Philadelphia Soul
- SaberCats Finalize 2013 Regular Season Roster - San Jose SaberCats
- Sharks Announce Initial 24-Man Lineup - Jacksonville Sharks
- Storm Announces Opening Roster - Tampa Bay Storm
- Soul Complete Camp; Prepare for Season-Opener - Philadelphia Soul
- Sharks Trade for Receiver Markee White - Jacksonville Sharks
- Sharks Fall in Preseason Scrimmage, Kickoff Bash Set for Saturday - Jacksonville Sharks
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