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Storm Training Camp - Day Eight

February 28, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Storm got off to an early start with the team working hard on offense, defense and special teams. With the first of two roster cuts coming today, it was imperative for the players to give it their all.

"We try not to think too much about the roster cuts," said quarterback Stephen Garcia. "We just have to learn the playbook and come out here and execute. You have to take advantage of the opportunity given to you and run with it."

Offensive lineman Mario Henderson echoed these words.

"We have cuts in the back of our minds and it does not matter if you're a veteran or a rookie," said Henderson. "But we can't pay attention to it. We have to go into the day as if you're going to be here tomorrow."

To make the team, players must give their all and leave everything on the field. With only two weeks of training camp before the regular season, players must keep up their conditioning and stay healthy; something the coaching staff is mindful of.

"Having the shortened practice just shows you how much coach Samuels cares about keeping us healthy," said jack linebacker Jean Fanor. "Staying healthy will help us give our best performance come game time."

The team finished the day with some light exercises before heading to meetings.

Looking Ahead: The Storm will head to Jacksonville for a preseason matchup against the Sharks on Sunday, March 2 at 4:00 pm at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

Coaches Perspective: On preserving the players and simulating a game week, head coach Lawrence Samuels said, "We have a preseason game against Jacksonville this Sunday. We're treating this week like it's regular season so we lightened practice today to preserve our players for the game ahead."

Quote of the Day: On today's shortened practice, offensive lineman Byron Isom said, "It's really important to have the time to rest your body and get your legs back. The coaches are really taking into consideration the preseason game coming up and they are looking out for the players' health."

Player Spotlight: Offensive lineman Byron Isom joined the Storm this past fall, looking to help a team that struggled with protecting the quarterback in 2013. The Jonesboro, Georgia native joins the team for his first season in the Arena Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) in 2011 as an undrafted rookie free agent. At Auburn he started in 32-of-37 games, with his senior year being his best season as he earned All-SEC honors and capped off the year with a BCS National Championship. Look for him to provide much needed protection for the Storm's signal caller.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The 2014 season kicks off on Amalie Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival New Orleans VooDoo. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.



Arena Football League Stories from February 28, 2014


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.

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