Storm Final Open Tryout Recap

Published on January 24, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The five-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm hosted their final open tryout for the 2007 season on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at Skyway Park in Tampa, Florida. The players were tested in the 40-yard dash, standing long jump, shuttle-run and participated in individual positions drills.

Head Coach Tim Marcum and his staff evaluated 114 potential players whose experience ranged from the high school level to those who played in the National Football League.

Those in attendance included former Florida Gator and 1996 National Champion Derrick Chambers, 10-year MLB Veteran Roy Smith and Derek Schmidt a four-time All-America standout at Florida State from 1984-87.

Although the majority of players came from Florida, many traveled from as far as Colorado and New Jersey. With Mother Nature cooperating, players took advantage of the fantastic weather to impress the coaching staff.

"This tryout was one of the most exhausting mornings I've had in a while," said Chambers, who also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers. "The coaches really worked us hard in order to get a good measure of our talent. The Storm are a great organization and it was an honor to be apart of it."

Derek Schmidt, who spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and (former AFL franchise) Florida Bobcats, praised the coaching staff for running a well-organized tryout.

"I've attended numerous tryouts with the Orlando Predators and Florida Bobcats and this one was by far the best," said Schmidt. "I was impressed that coach Marcum was out there and involved. You normally don't see head coaches so involved with an open tryout."

The 2007 Storm season, presented by Champs Sports, Where Sport Lives, will open on March 2 with the War on I-4 against the Orlando Predators at the St. Pete Times Forum. Former Storm quarterback Shane Stafford returns for his first game against the Storm. For tickets call 813.301.6780 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 24, 2007


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