Utah Blaze Reach Midway Point in Training Camp

Published on March 9, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - An offseason filled with successful recruiting and major free agent acquisitions bred high expectations for the Utah Blaze entering 2013 training camp. Seven days into on-field practices, the team has yet to disappoint. The front office has assembled a roster that is loaded with "urgent athleticism," and the Blaze appear to have fielded the most talented team in franchise history.

The Blaze coaching staff took full advantage of its first two non-padded practice sessions, using the time as an opportunity to acclimate rookies to a new game and veterans to a new system. However, once the team suited up for full-padded practices, the players showed their true colors.

Utah's roster has adopted a highly competitive attitude throughout camp, displaying a newfound sense of confidence and a supremely aggressive playing style. Physicality has become a common trend during all periods of practice, as players engage in heated battles in hopes of earning a roster spot.

On offense, Utah unveiled a new array of weapons for quarterback Tommy Grady. The receiving corps has a noticeable size advantage compared to groups from past seasons, checking in at an average size of 6-3 and over 213 pounds. The added size has produced a collection of pass catchers capable of consistently getting off the jam and physically competing for any football.

On the other hand, catching passes during training camp hasn't always been the easiest of tasks. The secondary has taken on the tenacious personality of Defensive Coordinator Rob Keefe, consistently challenging the wide receivers every step of the way.

Some of the most intense training camp battles have taken place in the trenches, where the offensive and defensive lines routinely clash in close quarters. While each side has seen its share of success, the sheer size and strength of both units has provided many powerful collisions. In the midst of the melee, each group continues to make improvements under the guidance of Head Coach Ron James and assistant coach Ron McBride.

At the conclusion of the first week, the coaching staff continued to stress the importance of competition. The Utah Blaze is only halfway through training camp, and no player has made the roster. Difficult decisions lay ahead, but one thing is clear - the 24 players that emerge from the initial group of 35 will have earned their right to represent the orange and black.

CAMP STAR | OFFENSE

Wide receiver Chase Deadder may be a rookie, but he's already displaying the savvy route running ability of a veteran. Blessed with outstanding size and strength, Deadder can physically compete for any football thrown in his direction. Deadder is picking up the offense at rapid pace and has a pair of Velcro-like hands. At this rate, he is poised to make a significant impact in his first AFL season.

CAMP STAR | DEFENSE

Mac linebacker Joe Mortensen enjoyed success as a rookie in 2012 due to his natural ability, but was still transitioning from the outdoor game to Arena Football. However, the knowledge "Joemo" gained last season has paid significant dividends on the field. Mortensen has always shown outstanding intensity, but a greater understanding of the game has allowed him to play fast and ferocious. Mortensen has taken his pass rushing skills to new heights, using both speed and strength to overwhelm the opposition.

ROOKIE STANDOUT | OFFENSE

After a three-year career in the NFL, wide receiver Mario Urrutia is making a quick transition to Arena Football. Urrutia is already proving to be a legitimate threat inside the red zone, where he can use his 6-6 frame to his advantage. Urrutia has a sure set of hands and can reach almost any pass thrown in his direction. He's also making a quick adjustment to the angles of the indoor game, and is one of many newcomers to keep an eye on as training camp progresses.

ROOKIE STANDOUT | DEFENSE

Renard Williams has displayed outstanding pass rushing skills from the nose guard position. Throughout the first week of camp, he has shown he has the ability to get into the backfield and pressure the quarterback from the interior of the defensive front. Williams is blessed with explosive speed off the ball and can use his quickness to penetrate the offensive line. At the same time, the former college All-American has enough to strength to overwhelm centers with his bull rush.

COACHES QUOTE

"We're working towards winning a championship. We were close last year, but close doesn't count in any sport. All of our goals and aspirations revolve around winning a championship this season and we're going to continue to perform and push that way until the very end." - Head Coach Ron James

PLAYER QUOTE

"If I had to sum up this group in one word, I'd say freakish. Physically, we're stronger than we've ever been before. We're faster than we've ever been before. We're explosive. We have defensive backs that can cover. We have defensive backs that can tackle. We have defensive ends that can speed rush and bull rush. From all facets of the game, we're pretty talented." - Mac Linebacker Joe Mortensen

ABOUT THE BLAZE

The Utah Blaze is in its seventh season in the Arena Football League as Salt Lake City's most exciting and innovative professional sports franchise. 2012 AFL MVP QB Tommy Grady returns to the turf to lead the charge towards an AFL Championship title in 2013! Reserve your 2013 season tickets by calling 1-888-99BLAZE.

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