Utah Blaze Set to Open Training Camp
February 13, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze will begin on-field preparations for the 2013 season when veterans and rookies report for training camp on Saturday, March 2nd. For the second straight season, the Blaze will hold two weeks of practice at the University of Utah indoor practice facility before officially launching the regular season on Saturday, March 16th. Utah is slated to kick off the 2013 campaign on the road against the Pittsburgh Power on Saturday, March 23rd.
"Training camp is an essential part of the process as we prepare for the regular season," Head Coach Ron James stated. "Not only do players begin to learn our system, but this is also their first opportunity to build chemistry as a team, which cannot be understated. Our players and staff understand the importance of this period in the season and I expect our team to approach training camp with absolute focus."
Per Arena Football League rules, the Blaze will return to the practice field with a 35-man roster. As it currently stands, that group will consist of 17 Arena Football League veterans, including 2012 MVP quarterback Tommy Grady and first-team All-Arena wide receiver Aaron Lesué. In addition, Utah added 18 rookies to its roster, 12 of which bring NFL experience.
"We entered the offseason with a specific plan in mind in regards to the kind of team we wanted to build," James continued. "I think we did an excellent job of assembling a roster of players that fit into our offensive and defensive schemes. The group we have coming into training camp is among the most talented I've ever seen on paper. Now it's a matter of getting this group to play well together as a team as they acclimate to our system."
"We're all excited to get back on the field," said QB Tommy Grady. "Last season, we fell short of our goal of playing in the ArenaBowl. It was a good learning experience and it has given our team a foundation to build on. I think we all understand what is in front of us and what we're capable of accomplishing if we have a great training camp."
Following Utah's season opener in Pittsburgh, the Blaze will return to Salt Lake City for its home opener at EnergySolutions Arena against the defending ArenaBowl Champion Arizona Rattlers on Friday, March 29th.
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