Sports stats



Storm Training Camp - Day Eleven

March 5, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm took to the practice field today with a focus on getting back to football fundamentals. With only a few days left in training camp, it's important for all players to understand the basics of arena football.

"We just come out here with the mindset that we have to get better," said defensive lineman Uriah Grant. "Each day counts. At this point in camp we can't take any days off. We just have to compete at a high level and encourage the next guy to keep working harder."

One thing the team wanted to focus on was not to overthink certain situations. By overthinking there is room for nerves to set in and that is not what you want to have when trying to win a football game.

"A lot of time you can overthink the situation," said center Raymond McNeil. "You could be thinking about your nerves, the game or things you need to work on, but at the end of the day everything goes back to fundamentals."

Overall it was a good day at practice. The team worked on several things and finished up with a conditioning period.

"We worked on a lot of things today," said quarterback Randy Hippeard. "Overall it was a good day. We finished up with conditioning exercises and then worked on our mental focus afterwards. Ninety percent of the game is mental so it's important to get our focus right as we head into the regular season."

With only two days of training camp left before the final roster cut down, all players will be doing everything they can to make the final 24-man roster.

Looking Ahead: The Tampa Bay Storm will hold its media day this coming Friday, March 7, at Skyway Park from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Players and staff will be available for interview.

Coaches Perspective: On today's practice, head coach Lawrence Samuels said, "Today was a good day. We had a very good practice and got back to the fundamentals of the game. Focusing on the basics and fundamentals is what will help a team in the long run."

Player Spotlight: Defensive back Rod Issac re-joined the team for this season's training camp, looking to earn a spot on the final roster. Issac, a Miami, Florida native, played one game with the Storm at the end of the 2013 season. He spent time in the National Football League, as he was drafted in the fifth round (147th pick) of the NFL Entry Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Middle Tennessee standout appeared in 46 games for the Blue Raiders and earned All-Sun Belt honors in his senior season. Issac has had a good camp this year breaking up several passes and earning a starting spot in this past weekend's scrimmage versus Jacksonville. Look for him to make some hard hitting plays come game time.

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 March 5, 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.

Other Recent Tampa Bay Storm Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central