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Tuskers Release 14 to Get Down to UFL 52-Man Roster

September 9, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Florida Tuskers News Release


ORLANDO, FL - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2010-Needing to get down to the league-mandated 52-players, the Florida Tuskers released 14 players from their training camp roster on Thursday afternoon.

Released players included wide receivers John Sandeford (Purdue) and Nick Moore (Toledo); linebacker Chris Campa (Louisville); offensive linemen Patrick Afif (Washington State), Jasper Harvey (San Diego State), Herman Hall (Arizona), Zipp Duncan (Kentucky), and Tyler Eastman (Maine).

Tight ends released included Keith Heinrich (San Houston State) and Kolo Kapanui (West Texas A&M). The team also cut defensive lineman Gabe Nyenhuis (Colorado), Chris Perri (Stoneybrook), and Jon Bradley (Arkansas State); as well as defensive back Corey Small (Florida Atlantic).

"We had some extremely difficult choices to make today, but unfortunately it is part of the game," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "The other hard part about this is that you know in these situations you are almost always going to make a mistake or two but only time can be the judge of that."

"I do believe that we released some players that are good enough to start in our league and we certainly wish them the best in their careers," Gruden added. "But now we need to turn our attention on the 52 we are keeping as we get ready to play a very talented Las Vegas team next week."

The decision to release Heinrich and Sandeford were interesting. Heinrich was a seasoned NFL tight end who was a regular during the Tuskers 6-0 perfect regular season in 2009. Sandeford left Purdue as the Big Ten's career leader in receptions and performed well in camp.

Heinrich was most likely crowded out of the picture when former New York Jets draft pick (5th round, 2006) Jason Pociask came to the Tuskers after being released by the Dallas Cowboys a week ago and by the surprising play of true rookie Galen Stone, who played at Division II Saginaw Valley State a year ago.

In getting to the final 52, the Tuskers also announced the signing of former TCU lineman Michael Toudouze. The Tuskers had acquired the UFL rights to Toudouze two days before the start of training camp, but he elected to sign with Tennessee Titans, where he was released in the final NFL cuts this past weekend. Toudouze was on the active roster of the Indianapolis Colts at various times from 2006-09, earning a Super Bowl ring for the 2006 season (XLI).

In the end, Gruden noted that the make-up of the special teams units played a big factor in the cuts. "When two guys are fairly equal in talent, the guy that is performs well on special teams is going to get the nod," Gruden said. "Coach Roberts (special teams coach Al Roberts) had a lot of say on final decisions."

For team captain Odell Thurman, the end of training camp was a blessing. "It was a long, hot camp that got a little tedious some times," Thurman said. "With no pre-season games, I think we were all getting a little bit tired on beating on each other."

Thurman added that he was delighted that newcomers Arnold Harrison and Tony Taylor made the 52-man roster. Those three played side-by-side at the University of Georgia in 2003 and 2004. "How many times in the history of pro football to three linebackers get reunited in the pros after playing together in college," Thurman asked. "It's incredible that we ended up back together on the same team."

The Tuskers return to the practice field on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. The team will kick-off the 2010 season in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 18.



United Football League Stories from September 9, 2010


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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