Soul position breakdown: offensive line
Published on February 11, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
The protection of quarterback Tony Graziani is one of the most vital aspects of the Soul offense. Last season, the Philadelphia offensive line finished the season ranked third in the League allowing only five sacks. They also ranked fourth in the League in rushing yards per game (491) and set team records in both categories under the guidance of first year Offensive/Defensive Line Coach Pat Downey. With the new rules in place, the coaching staff is looking for true offensive linemen who can learn the game the quickest. The Soul's line will prove to be a sizable opponent entering training camp this year with an average weight of 310 lbs. Among those entering camp are four offensive linemen, three of which are preparing for their rookie campaigns in the AFL.
Veteran lineman Mike Mabry (6'1", 302, Central Florida) will be the lone returnee among the offensive frontline. Entering his second year with the team, he returns to the Soul with 16 games under his belt. He tallied eight total tackles, two sacks and ranked third in rookie lineman with four tackles for losses. Being the only returning lineman from last year's playoff team, Mabry will be looked to for guidance from the rest of the line. After having an outstanding rookie season, the coaching staff is expecting big things from him this year.
Offensive guard Martin Bibla (6'3", 310, Miami) spent five years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons. He played 32 games with the Atlanta Falcons where he was part of a frontline that saw running back Warrick Dunn rush for more than 1,000 yards and Michael Vick scamper for the second highest total yards by a quarterback in a season (902). Bibla entered the NFL after attending Miami where he started 40 of 46 games and never allowed a quarterback sack. He helped lead an offense that ranked eighth in the nation with an average of 454.8 yards a game and 43.2 points per game.
Phil Bogle, (6'3", 322, New Haven) native of Spring Valley N.Y., is the largest offensive lineman entering training camp for the Blue and Grey. He comes to the AFL after spending the past four seasons in the NFL and NFL Europe. In 2003, he played under the guidance of head coach Marty Schottenheimer and was part of an offensive front that blocked for All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson (1,600 yards). While at the University of New Haven, Bogle started every game from his first year in 1999 to his senior season in 2002 at offensive tackle. In 2002, he earned Division II First-Team All-Independent honors and was later named most valuable player of the 2002 Cactus Bowl. He also played in the 2003 Cactus Bowl where he was the recipient of the Jim Langer Award as the top offensive linemen. Bogle played alongside current Soul teammate Idris Price while attending New Haven where they were teammates in 2001-2002.
Kelvin Chaisson (6'3", 313, Oklahoma) comes to camp after brief stints in 2006 with the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons. He played at Oklahoma University where he earned All-Big 12 honorable mentions after starting 10 games at guard his senior season. As a junior, he started eight games at left guard and helped clear the way for an offense that ranked No. 9 nationally in total offense.
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