Wranglers training camp preview
February 2, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
AUSTIN-The Austin Wranglers "Drive to ArenaBowl XXI" in New Orleans begins this Sunday as the team opens training camp at Round Rock ISD Stadium to prepare for the 2007 season. Entering training camp with 37 players, the coaching staff will trim the roster down to 24 players on February 24.
Other highlights during training camp include an inter-squad scrimmage on February 10, a two-day practice in Dallas with the Desperados (February 16-17) and a two-day practice with the Wranglers hosting the Colorado Crush (February 22-23).
WRANGLERS SUPER BOWL CONNECTIONS
With Wranglers training camp kicking off on Super Bowl Sunday, both Defensive Coordinator Lee Johnson and wide receiver Fred Coleman will reflect briefly on their victorious Super Bowl experiences during their NFL careers.
Johnson, a defensive lineman, played for the Super Bowl XXVI Champion Washington Redskins, when they defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
A member of the XXXVI New England Patriots, Coleman was on the field during the games kickoff as the Patriots won 20-17, defeating former Arena Football quarterback Kurt Warner's St. Louis Rams.
THREE MORE LINEMEN
The Austin Wranglers beefed up their offensive and defensive lines with the addition of rookies Aaron Gibson (6-6, 370, Wisconsin), Roderick Green (6-6, 292, Arkansas Pine-Bluff) and Benard Thomas (6-4, 273, Nebraska).
Drafted in the first-round of the 1999 NFL Draft (27th overall) by the Detroit Lions, Gibson played seven NFL seasons including parts of two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Collegiately, he earned first-team All-American, first-team all-Big Ten and team co-MVP honors as a senior while the Badger offense averaged 240.3 rushing yards per game. Gibson was the first Badger named as a finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland trophy.
Green, a former All-SWAC first team selection, signed with the Oakland Raiders and was allocated to NFL Europe, spending the season with the Frankfort Galaxy. Thomas, originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he also spent time on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. He led Nebraska in sacks with four in 2000, while ranking second in quarterback hurries and tackles for loss.
CHANCE MOCK INJURY
Chance Mock recently suffered a dislocated shoulder while filming a popular television show in Austin, which he was working on during this off season. He was not under contract with the Wranglers because he was released so that he could finish his bachelor's degree at the University of Texas. Due to his injury he will not be able to participate in training camp, therefore he is currently not on the team.
Wranglers General Manager Glyn Milburn Statement:
"I am disappointed that Chance won't be able to compete at the quarterback position. He is a player that made our team better and we were looking forward to reviewing his progress during training camp. We know he has worked hard during the off season and we wish him the best in his recovery process."
In 49 other states it's just football. This is Texas - Football Country. For tickets please call 512.339.3939 or visit the Official Website of the Austin Wranglers at www.austinwranglers.com for additional information.
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