Team morale grows as Destroyers continue with camp

Published on January 9, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers practiced twice on Monday as Day 3 of Training Camp continued at the Columbus FieldHouse. Practices consisted of similar work as previous days with one-on-one's, three-on-three's and team drills. But the growing presence on Monday was the team's morale started to show as players grow closer.

"We have been more family oriented than any other team that I have been on, and it's only our third day," said third year Arena Football veteran defensive specialist Jerald Brown. "For this to be our third day and practically a brand new team, we're further along than teams that have been together."

Throughout the day players were giving each other a hard time and picking each other up when they got down.

"It's very important because when you jell as a team, it's more than that," Brown added. "It's a bond. It's brotherhood...a family and friendship. You would do more for a friend than you would just anybody on your team, and we are all friends."

What's the secret to the quick success? Brown was quick to point out that it was the leader who has made the camaraderie easy.

"It starts with the coach," he said. "He knew what types of players he had coming in here and didn't have to worry about any egos or anything like that. This is what he demands, and this is what we give him or else he tells us that ‘there's a Greyhound bus running every day.' "

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

In the second session of the day, quarterback John Kaleo completed 6-of-7 passes, including one for a touchdown Overall on the day, the defensive line found itself in the backfield pressuring the quarterback on numerous occasions Offensive specialist Thabiti Davis and wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders were found on the receiving end of most passes during team work

Vice President of Football Operations/Line Coach Jim Lachey's comments on the day...

On how the players looked getting back to two-a-days after one practice on Sunday...

"I thought that it was a good third day. Sometimes I think that guys start to lull a little bit since they don't see the light at the tunnel, but today I saw an enthusiastic group. They knew we had to come out and work, and they came out and responded."

On how the players are correcting mistakes...

"The stuff that we put in on Saturday is looking better now. It's a progression. Some of the things we have been working on two or three days, guys are starting to pick up on a little better and understand the concept. But overall, right now, the stuff we are throwing at them, they are grasping it and they have a pretty good understanding."

Offensive/Defensive Lineman Kelvin Kinney's comments on the day...

On how it felt to be in camp healthy for the first time since 2002...

"I have felt good about every camp, but since this I have come in healthy to this camp, I have high expectations for this season. (Getting injured) is the thing that I worry about, but I block it out."

On how Day 3 progressed...

"Things went real well. Just like after practice today with the rookies asking questions. These guys are out here to earn a job, but they are willing to listen. It's not like ‘you are going to tell me to do this, but I am going to do it my way.' These kids are not like that. We have a good group of young kids."

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 9, 2006


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