Training camp continues as team returns to field
Published on January 13, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose SaberCats returned to the practice field after a much needed break and continued preparations for the 2006 Arena Football League season which is now just 15 days away.
With camp almost halfway over there seems to be a lot to smile about in SaberCat land. "I think this is one of the best camps that the coaches have brought together," stated six-year veteran WR/LB James Roe. "It's very interesting and very challenging."
With several new coaches and players in camp, quarterback Mark Grieb, who will be playing his eighth campaign with San Jose in 2006, believes time will be the key to consistency.
"I think there's sort of an adjustment period," he said. "But the overall attitude has been really good by the team and everyone's been working hard. Guys have been banged up a little so it's kind of slowed us down in the last few days, but I think for the most part it's going pretty good, and I'm optimistic about the season."
One area that could determine how successful the SaberCats are in 2006 is the play of the rookies in training camp. The team currently has 12 AFL rookies on its camp roster.
"We have a lot of young players that can be really, really good in this league. I mean really good!" said DS Omarr Smith, who has played six seasons in the league. "If they can pick up the fast pace of the game, we could be really good. If they don't pick it up, we might struggle a little bit. But some of these young guys have awesome potential."
WR/DB Rodney Wright, who had a stellar rookie season in 2005, can relate to the first-year players in camp. "Last year, when I was a rookie, I didn't know anybody so I was kind of out there by myself," he said. "And now I've got a lot of help and I know I have a lot of help."
And Wright is one of the vets helping the younger players. "The rookies are doing pretty well and they ask a lot of questions. Around here everybody is so willing to help, so they are doing really good."
Wright, like everyone else associated with the SaberCats, is "looking forward to a big season."
ROSTER MOVES
The SaberCats signed FB/LB JaJuan Huddleston to their roster today. Huddleston (6-2, 255) played with the Central Valley Coyotes of af2 the past two seasons posting 49 receptions for 463 yards and seven TDs while rushing for 46 yards and a score on 15 attempts. A fierce defender, Huddleston posted 76.0 total tackles and 5.5 sacks during his two seasons.
The club also placed OS Atnaf Harris (foot) and OL/DL Fitu Tu'ua (finger) on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The two have been removed from the camp roster until further notice.
CAMP SCHEDULE
All practice sessions are open to the media and public. Times are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather practice sites may vary. Players and coaches will be made available for interviews following the early practice session. Contact the SaberCats media relations department for up-to-date practice information (408) 573-5587.
Day, Date Early Session Late Session
Thursday, January 12 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Friday, January 13 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Saturday, January 14 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Sunday, January 15 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Monday, January 16 9:00 am - 11:00 am (joint practice w/Grand Rapids)
Tuesday, January 17 Scrimmage with Grand Rapids at HP Pavilion, 5:00 pm
(Closed to the public)
Wednesday, January 18 Off Day
Thursday, January 19 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Friday, January 20 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Saturday, January 21 Roster Cut Down Day
ROSTER BREAKDOWN (by position)
An updated training camp roster with player bios and photos can be viewed on the SaberCats official website www.sanjosesabercats.com.
QUARTERBACK (3): Stoney Case, Mark Grieb, Chris Lewis.
OFFENSIVE SPECIALIST (1): Jason Geathers.
RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK (4): Marquis Floyd, Charles Pauley, Barry Wagner, Rodney Wright.
RECEIVER/LINEBACKER (6): Yardon Brantley, Fred Coleman, Terrance Metcalf, Ben Nelson, James Roe, Kenny Solomon.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST (3): Rufus Brown, Terrance Joseph, Clevan Thomas.
FULLBACK/LINEBACKER (4): Kevin Buck, Phil Glover, JaJuan Huddleston, Brian Johnson, Ja'Mar Toombs.
LINEMAN (14): Nikia Adderson, Karl Bates, Albrey Battle, Julius Gant, Alan Harper, Joe Jacobs, Dan Loney, Chuck Reed, Gabe Reininger, Rex Richards, Jeff Ruffin, Terry Wagner, George Williams.
KICKER (1): Brian Schmitz.
REFUSED TO REPORT (4): Sam Hernandez, Adam Herzing, Tremain Mack, Omarr Smith, Kevin Arbet.
PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM (2): Atnaf Harris, Fitu Tu'ua.
TICKETS
The SaberCats open their 12th season in the Arena Football League on Saturday, January 28 when they host the expansion Utah Blaze. Season and group tickets for the 2006 season are available by contacting a sales representative at (408) 573-5577. Individual game tickets range in price from $15 to $50 and can be purchased through any Northern California Ticketmaster outlet, online at ticketmaster.com or at the HP Pavilion box office. More information is also available at http://www.sanjosesabercats.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 13, 2006
- Training camp continues as team returns to field - San Jose SaberCats
- Destroyers and Rush practice together - Columbus Destroyers
- Brigade to Open Practice to Public on Monday - Kansas City Brigade
- Predators' Hamilton Pulling For Colts - Orlando Predators
- Georgia Force Add to Coaching Staff - Georgia Force
- Countdown 'til ignition: day six - Utah Blaze
- Destroyers Meet Rush In Scrimmage - Columbus Destroyers
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