04-05-2002, 07:36 PM
Newcomers, vets battle to make Rattlers' roster
Weldon B. Johnson
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 4, 2002
The first week of training camp has been as competitive and intense as expected for the Arizona Rattlers.
If that continues through the remaining two weeks of preseason practice, paring the roster by the start of the season on April 20 could be difficult.
"That's a good thing," coach Danny White said. "It's a good problem to have. We are going to have some tough decisions to make. Sometimes injuries make those decisions for you, unfortunately. If we can get through training camp healthy, no question about it - we are going to have some tough decisions."
Both newcomers and veterans have been impressive in early practices.
Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner has come into camp leaner and showing no apparent effects of last season's knee injuries. Fullback/linebacker Bo Kelly has beefed up a bit, adding at least 10 pounds to last year's playing weight of 235.
Last year Ricky Parker was a defensive specialist, but will be a two-way player this season and has adjusted well to the additional responsibilities.
"Last year when I'd get interceptions, I'd kind of get excited about finally getting the ball in my hands and getting to run with it," Parker said. "This has been fun. It's added excitement to my game. I enjoy it. It's been a while (since he played offense)."
The move could relieve some congestion at the defensive specialist position, as the team has Cecil Doggette and Jerrick Bledsoe returning and picked up All-AFL performer Derek Stingley in the off- season.
There could be a logjam offensive specialist, too, as rookie Orshawonte Bryant has looked good in practice. In addition, Maurice Bryant returns at the position, and Chris Horne - who played receiver/linebacker last year - has been shifted to OS.
Calvin Schexnayder, last year's starter through most of the season, was released last fall.
Schexnayder visited practice Wednesday morning but is still recovering from knee surgery late last summer and has not signed with the Rattlers or any other team.
The offensive and defensive lines are areas the Rattlers are hoping to improve, and so far some of the new players have brought energy to camp.
Rookie Nakia Adderson and free-agent pickup John May have been working hard, White said.
At fullback Jeff McRea, a rookie from New Mexico, has also added intensity at a position the team is looking to shore up.
But the veterans in that group aren't about to be pushed aside.
Stacy Evans, a third-year pro, missed most of the first week of practice but is establishing himself.
"Seems like I'm the oldest one here, and everybody is trying to try me," Evans, who is known to be pretty intense himself, said with a wry smile. "They're all trying to try me. I got here a week late. I don't know what coach told them about me before I got here, but everybody is trying me.
"Last year we had a lot of veteran guys who knew the system. They knew what to do to get by. This year we have a lot of young guys or guys who haven't been here. Overall, I think that will make us better."
After taking today off, the team will return to the fields of the Tempe Diablo sports complex at 10 a.m. Friday.
The team's first preseason game will be Tuesday in Detroit.
Weldon B. Johnson
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 4, 2002
The first week of training camp has been as competitive and intense as expected for the Arizona Rattlers.
If that continues through the remaining two weeks of preseason practice, paring the roster by the start of the season on April 20 could be difficult.
"That's a good thing," coach Danny White said. "It's a good problem to have. We are going to have some tough decisions to make. Sometimes injuries make those decisions for you, unfortunately. If we can get through training camp healthy, no question about it - we are going to have some tough decisions."
Both newcomers and veterans have been impressive in early practices.
Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner has come into camp leaner and showing no apparent effects of last season's knee injuries. Fullback/linebacker Bo Kelly has beefed up a bit, adding at least 10 pounds to last year's playing weight of 235.
Last year Ricky Parker was a defensive specialist, but will be a two-way player this season and has adjusted well to the additional responsibilities.
"Last year when I'd get interceptions, I'd kind of get excited about finally getting the ball in my hands and getting to run with it," Parker said. "This has been fun. It's added excitement to my game. I enjoy it. It's been a while (since he played offense)."
The move could relieve some congestion at the defensive specialist position, as the team has Cecil Doggette and Jerrick Bledsoe returning and picked up All-AFL performer Derek Stingley in the off- season.
There could be a logjam offensive specialist, too, as rookie Orshawonte Bryant has looked good in practice. In addition, Maurice Bryant returns at the position, and Chris Horne - who played receiver/linebacker last year - has been shifted to OS.
Calvin Schexnayder, last year's starter through most of the season, was released last fall.
Schexnayder visited practice Wednesday morning but is still recovering from knee surgery late last summer and has not signed with the Rattlers or any other team.
The offensive and defensive lines are areas the Rattlers are hoping to improve, and so far some of the new players have brought energy to camp.
Rookie Nakia Adderson and free-agent pickup John May have been working hard, White said.
At fullback Jeff McRea, a rookie from New Mexico, has also added intensity at a position the team is looking to shore up.
But the veterans in that group aren't about to be pushed aside.
Stacy Evans, a third-year pro, missed most of the first week of practice but is establishing himself.
"Seems like I'm the oldest one here, and everybody is trying to try me," Evans, who is known to be pretty intense himself, said with a wry smile. "They're all trying to try me. I got here a week late. I don't know what coach told them about me before I got here, but everybody is trying me.
"Last year we had a lot of veteran guys who knew the system. They knew what to do to get by. This year we have a lot of young guys or guys who haven't been here. Overall, I think that will make us better."
After taking today off, the team will return to the fields of the Tempe Diablo sports complex at 10 a.m. Friday.
The team's first preseason game will be Tuesday in Detroit.
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Nominated for," 2005 poster of the year", by 4 out of 6 mods!
That's just like our Arpi... except he doesn't wave or anything. He just says mean things to you.
GonzoStyle Wrote:I pledge my undying love for Arpi, any retraction of this undying love is to be ignored.
Nominated for," 2005 poster of the year", by 4 out of 6 mods!