Best TD celebration ever?

It's certainly in my top 10. What do ya think?

Check it out HERE.

Getting to know the Storm: Stoney Case

10 things to know about Stoney Case, the Storm's No. 2 QB:

-Case played his college ball at New Mexico. There, he was the first NCAA player ever to pass for 8,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in his career.
-He has four years of AFL experience.
-His hometown is Odessa, Texas.

-In 1995, he was the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
-Case is named for the fictional TV character Stoney Burke, a rodeo rider in the 1960s.

-In 1999, Case earned his first start for the Baltimore Ravens.
-Case appeared in 24 NFL games. He had 163 completions in 318 attempts for 1,826 yards.

-In his spare time, Case enjoys golfing, water-skiing and hunting elk in New Mexico.
-Case attended famed Odessa-Permian (Texas) High, the school chronicled in the book, movie and TV series Friday Night Lights.
-According to Netglimse.com, Case once dated Ali Landry, a well-known model.

SOURCES: Baltimore Sun, Arenafan.com, Netglimse.com

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

AFL power rankings

Brought to you by Schutt Sports, the AFL's preseason top 12 -- as voted on by members of the Arena Football League Writers Association (first-place votes in parentheses):

TEAM 2007 RECORD   POINTS
1.  Dallas (8)  15-1    181
2.  San Jose (6)  13-3  178
3.  Chicago (2)  12-4  155
4.  Philadelphia    8-8  109
5.  Georgia   14-2   105
6.  Tampa Bay   9-7  100
7.  Los Angeles   9-7   85
8.  Orlando    8-8  74
9.  Columbus   7-9  66
10. Kansas City  10-6  60
11.  Utah  8-8   47
12.  Colorado   8-8    36
Others receiving votes: New York 28, New Orleans 13, Arizona 7, Grand Rapids 4

Learn the basics

For those of you trying to get caught up to speed on the AFL, the league's official website has a page that can help. In the section titled AFL 101, you'll learn the basics, from the length of the field to the league's playoff format. It's a rather helpful guide. And it should make watching the games a lot more fun.

Here's a link ...

 

Stafford works with cancer patients

When I met current Orlando Predators QB Shane Stafford a few years ago, he was still with the Storm. We ate lunch that day and talked about everything from the AFL to his days in college. I came away thinking that he was a pretty good dude.

Now, I'm sure of it.

In Tuesday's Orlando Sentinel, the paper chronicles Stafford's work with cancer patients. In the article, it says "Long before he became the mature quarterback of the Orlando Predators, Stafford was an easygoing Pennsylvania high school student. His world changed when his best friend, Paul Worcheck, was found to have leukemia at age 19. Worcheck died a year later while Stafford was attending a basketball camp the summer before his senior year."

Since that time, Stafford has given to those who are sick. According to the piece, he "has spent hundreds of hours during the past three years volunteering with the Children's Cancer Center, a nonprofit group in Tampa that offers support to cancer patients and their family members."

You can find the entire story HERE.

Tuesday Trivia

Each week, I ask five trivia questions. Then I give you the answers the following week. To many of you, these are easy. But to others, it will be a good way to learn a little bit about the AFL, and particularly the Storm. Sorry, no prizes. This is about pride.

Week 1 Questions
1. In which city was ArenaBowl I played?
2. What is Cleveland's nickname?
3. In what year did the Storm win its most recent championship?
4. Where did Lawrence Samuels play college football?
5. How long are the AFL's overtime periods?

Memory lane with Marcum

Each week Storm coach/GM Tim Marcum relives part of his colorful past with the Times. Today, Marcum talks about his days growing up in West Texas ...

-Marcum sometimes refers to his parents as migrant workers: "I call my dad a migrant worker because he was a football coach. A high school football coach. He coached for 15 years and had no losing seasons for 15 years."

--As a child, Marcum moved a lot: "I was at six different schools. First and second grade, moved. Third and fourth, moved. Fifth grade, moved. That's how it went. But I think it was great. You had to fight a lot. Everywhere you went, you had to fight because they all knew who could whip everybody's butt. So when you went in there, you had to find out where you were at."

--The family didn't use moving vans back then: "We used a cow trailer. And we'd borrow somebody's truck. Then we'd go. I don't think we had as much stuff then. We had beds and dressers."

--Marcum's father made a memorable hire: "When he became Superintendent of Schools in Benjamin, Texas, get this, he gave Don Haskins his first job. You know who Don Haskins is? (Haskins later gained fame as head coach of the 1966 college basketball national champion Texas Western squad, which the movie Glory Road, released in 2006, chronicled)."

Tuesday Storm Transactions

Tuesday transactions ... The re-signed players listed below are actually players whose contracts were restructured. The David Saunders situation is a little more interesting. Saunders, a veteran from West Virginia, is being placed on IR. His hamstring has been bothering him, and this will allow him time to heal. That leaves the Storm with four receivers on the active roster: Hank Edwards, Sedrick Robinson, Lawrence Samuels and Terrill Shaw.

RE-SIGNED
     OL        Emmanuel Akah          6.03   330    R   2.8.79        Winston Salem St
     DL        Tom Briggs                6.04   275    11  5.12.70       West Virginia
     DB        Jeroid Johnson           5.09   180    8   3.20.74       Oklahoma St
     K          Seth Marler                6.01   190    1   3.27.81       Tulane
     LB        Torrance Marshall        6.02   260    2   6.12.77       Oklahoma
     OL        Marcus Owen             6.03   320    6   5.13.78        Kansas
PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE
     WR       David Saunders           6.04   230    8   1.31.76       West Virginia
 

Official Storm roster

Monday was the AFL's cutdown day and below you'll find the official roster turned in to the league by the team. The breakdown goes like this: 22 active players, 6 on IR, 2 on RTR (refused to report) and 3 on OLE (other league exempt).

Active
DL  Briggs, Tom: 6.04, 275 11 West Virginia
LB  Brown, Marvin: 5.11, 260  2 Alabama
QB  Case, Stoney: 6.03, 220  4 New Mexico
OL Certain, Ernest: 6.04, 280  6 Florida A&M
FB Clemens, Kevin: 6.00, 280  8 Grand Valley St
QB Dietz, Brett: 6.03, 200  1 Hanover
WR Edwards, Hank: 6.02, 180  1 Texas Southern
DB Johnson, Jeroid: 5.10, 180  8 Oklahoma St
DB Jones, Byron: 5.11, 180 1  Texas A&M
OL Jones, Kenyatta: 6.04, 300 R  South Florida
OL Kaleita, Tom: 6.05, 300 1  Eastern Michigan
K  Marler, Seth: 6.01, 195 1 Tulane
LB Marshall Torrance: 6.03, 250 2 Oklahoma
DL McGill, Tim: 6.03, 310  3 Illinois
DB Naziruddin, Khalid: 5.11, 185  1  Texas Tech
OL Owen, Marcus: 6.03, 330  6  Kansas
DB Rachal, Traco: 6.02, 200  3  Texas A&M-Commerce
WR Robinson, Sedrick: 5.10, 180  7  Kentucky Wesleyan
WR Samuels, Lawrence: 6.03, 220  14  Livingston
WR Saunders, David: 6.04, 215   8  West Virginia
WR Shaw, Terrill: 5.10, 180   8  Southern Mississippi
DL Word, Mark: 6.05, 300   1  Jacksonville St

Injured Reserve
OL Akah, Emmanue: 6.03, 330  R   Winston Salem St
DL  Dukes, Clifford: 6.05, 280  R    Michigan St
OL Hand, Randy: 6.06, 330   R    Florida
LB  Royal Terrence: 6.03, 270  R    South Florida
WR Timmons, Tyrone: 6.05, 220  R    Mississippi Valley St
LB  Wiren, Nyle: 6.04, 250  10   Kansas St.

Refused To Report
DL Howard, Brian: 6.03, 300   1  Idaho
OL Kennedy, Lincoln: 6.06, 350   1  Washington

Other League Exempt
OL Dunn, Jonathan: 6.07, 328  R   Virginia Tech
DL Green, Howard: 6.04, 300  R   LSU
WR/DB Younger, Jordan: 5.10, 190  1  Connecticut

Monday's Transactions

Today's Storm moves ...
PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE
OL   Emmanuel Akah         6.03   330    R  Winston Salem St
DL   Clifford Dukes            6.05   280    R  Michigan St
OL   Randy Hand               6.06   330    R  Florida
LB   Terrence Royal           6.03   270    R  South Florida
WR  Tyrone Timmons        6.05   220    R  Mississippi Valley St
LB    Nyle Wiren                6.04   250    10  Kansas St
WAIVED
OL   Geir Gudmundsen      6.05   300    1  Albany
RELEASED
WR   Steve Smith             5.09   180    5  Utah St

Meet ESPN’s AFL announcing team

This comes straight from an ESPN press release ...

2008 ESPN Arena Football Commentator Bios:

Ray Bentley served as an analyst for Arena Football games on the ESPN networks last season.  The former general manager and head coach of the AFL’s Buffalo Destroyers also worked league games in past seasons for Fox Sports Net.  Bentley played seven NFL seasons at linebacker, primarily for the Buffalo Bills.

Shaun King, a Gibbs High graduate, joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in July 2007, primarily on First Take , NFL Live and ESPNEWS.  King spent five NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including 2000 when he started all 16 games and completed 75 percent of his passes for 2,769 yards. He also played a brief stint with the AFL’s Las Vegas Gladiators in 2007. 

Dave Pasch joined ESPN in 2003 and is a play-by-play commentator, primarily for college football and men’s and women’s college basketball, while also calling NBA games, college baseball, the WNBA and the Great Outdoor Games.  Pasch called Arena Football playoff games for the network last season.  Since 2002, he has also been the radio voice of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.

Joe Tessitore joined ESPN in 2003 and calls the boxing matches for ESPN2 Friday Night Fights and the ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights summer series.  He also serves as a college football commentator and is a member of ESPN’s horse racing team, hosting races and contributing to Breeders ' Cup coverage.

Marcellus Wiley joined ESPN in 2007 as studio analyst, primarily on First Take , NFL Live , ESPNEWS and Mike & Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio.  Wiley is a former All-Pro defensive end who played 10 NFL seasons (1997-2006) with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bob Wischusen joined ESPN in 2005 as a college basketball and football announcer. He also called select Arena Football playoff games for the network last season.  In addition to his work with ESPN, Wischusen is the radio voice for the New York Jets.   He also continues to work radio and TV play-by-play assignments for MSG ( Madison Square Garden ) on select New York Knicks (NBA), Rangers (NHL) and Liberty (WNBA) games.
 

Sunday night update

Weekend Transactions: The Storm activated receivers Sedrick Robinson and Terrill Shaw from injured reserve. Both players will return to practice this week as the team prepares for its season opener at Kansas City. With the weekend's releases, Tampa Bay's active roster is now at 30; it must be trimmed to 24 by 3 p.m. Monday afternoon.

Broadcast Info: You can hear the Storm's opener on 1250 AM-WHNZ (the sister station of 620 AM-WDAE). Jack Harris and Jason Dixon will call the game. The Broadcast will begin at 5:45 p.m.

This Week's Schedule (all practices are open to the public)

Monday: Noon – 2 p.m. at Skyway Park

Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Skyway Park

Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Skyway Park

Thursday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Skyway Park

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Another prognosticator likes the Storm

First ESPN.com picked the Storm to win the Southern Division. Now Arenafan.com columnist Adam Markowitz is doing the same. In his 2008 predictions piece, Markowitz, who has followed the sport since 1991, has the Storm going 11-5. And he thinks the team will make it all the way to the semifinals of the playoffs. To read his entire column, go HERE.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Getting to know the AFL

Many of you know all there is to know about the AFL. But for those who don't (yours truly included), here's an interesting piece produced by ESPN.com that is kind of like Cliff Notes for the AFL.

In fact, the piece's headline reads "A cheat sheet to get you ready for the 2008 AFL season."

Here are a few of the things you'll learn ...

-There are nearly 300 players in the AFL who earned all-conference honors in college.

-The average AFL salary is $85,000 and tops out at $250,000.

-The top five teams over the past five years are: 1. San Jose SaberCats: 55-25 (.688); 2. Dallas Desperados: 52-27-1 (.656); 3. Orlando Predators: 50-30 (.625); 4. Georgia Force: 48-32 (.600);
T-5. Chicago Rush: 47-33 (.588);  T-5. Tampa Bay Storm: 47-33 (.588).

Pretty good stuff, huh?

To read the entire selection, go HERE.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm picked first in the South

How will the Storm do this season?

Quite well, according to Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. He's picking the Storm to finish first in the Southern Division and predicts an 11-5 record.

Of the team, he writes: "Tampa suffered no significant offseason losses and has added some quality free agents, and this may be the deepest roster in the league with competition at every position."

You can read the entire article HERE.

Weekend Storm transactions

Here's what the Storm did this weekend:

ACTIVATED FROM INJURED RESERVE
WR       Sedrick Robinson        5-10, 180 Kentucky Wesleyan
WR       Terrill Shaw                5-10, 180  Southern Mississippi
WAIVED
DB        Daryon Brutley           6-01, 180  Northern Iowa
LB         Larry Edwards           6-04, 250  North Carolina
DB        Kevin House               6-01, 185  South Carolina
DB        Gerard Ross               6-01, 190  Florida St
WR       Jovon Russell             6-04, 240  Bethune Cookman
DL        Kenyon Scott             6-03, 318    Texas Tech
DL        Kenny Smith               6-03, 300  Alabama
QB        Mitch Tanney             6-04, 220  Monmouth
DB        Bryant Tisdale            5-10, 178  UTEP

The word is, the Storm might sign as many as three of the waived players to the team's practice squad. If that happens, the guess here is that is would be Tanney, Tisdale and Brutley. This could happen as early as tomorrow (Monday).

Stay tuned ...

--KEITH NIEBUHR 

Storm blogging schedule

Here's my tentative plan for blogging this season (this, of course, is in addition to breaking news):

MONDAY: Memory lane with Marcum. Each week Storm coach /GM Tim Marcum will relieve a part of his coaching past. This should be entertaining, given Marcum's candor -- and the fact the guy has been coaching for more than three decades.

TUESDAY: Trivia. Five questions each week, relating to the Storm -- its coaches, players and history.

WEDNESDAY: Player profile. 10 things to know about one of the Storm's players.

THURSDAY: Player Q&A: Get to know the personalities of the guys in uniform.

FRIDAY: Storm cheerleader Q&A.

GAMEDAY: 10 Fast Facts for you to chew on while readying for kickoff.

THE DAY AFTER: A look back at the good, the bad and ugly.

Hope this satisfies your hunger a little bit.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm comings and goings

Busy week for the Storm.

The team has announced the signing of former North Carolina (and Wharton High grad) Larry Edwards, a 6-foot, 250-pound linebacker. At Wharton, Edwards was a dominating defensive player and one of the area's biggest recruits. At UNC, he earned four letters and was among the team's top players.

In other news, the Storm waved receiver James Panui and defensive back Ricky Williams.

Storm have special ticket offer

Ever wanted some championship turf?

During today's 7 p.m. scrimmage against Orlando at the St. Pete Times Forum (which is free and open to the public), the Storm will have a special ticket offer. It includes tickets to two games and a piece of the field from ArenaBowl XVII in 2003 for $60.

As for the scrimmage itself ...

This should be a good chance for coaches, players and fans to see where the team is at heading into Monday's roster cuts. Players wanting to stick around will need to impress, and that should make for a lively night.

The following gates will be open at 6 p.m. for fans to enter: XO VIP, Box Office, Chrysler Jeep Club and Gate B. Gate B is located next the McDonalds Box Office on the plaza.

Before the scrimmage, fans interested in season tickets can participate in a select-your-seat program. The team also will host an enter-to-win contest, where fans can win a luxury suite for the Storm's March 7 home opener. For more information, visit the information booth located at section 101.

Arena Bowl ticket info

This year's Arena Bowl will be held July 27 in New Orleans. For those interested in attending, here's a seating chart with ticket prices. (I found this at Arenafan.com, which has a ton of info).

The game will take place at New Orleans Arena.

Storm to scrimmage Predators

Want to get an early look at the Storm?

On Thursday, you'll get your chance.

At 7 p.m., the team will scrimmage in-state rival Orlando at St. Pete Times Forum. There is no charge to attend the session, which is open to the public.

The scrimmage is a preview of the teams' Week 9 regular-season matchup.

More important, it will give Storm coach Tim Marcum a chance to get a good look at his team with Monday, the day final rosters must be turned in to the league, fast approaching.

The following gates will be open at 6 p.m. for fans to enter: XO VIP, Box Office, Chrysler Jeep Club and Gate B. Gate B is located next the McDonalds Box Office on the plaza.

Before the scrimmage, fans interested in season tickets can participate in a select-your-seat program. The team also will host an enter-to-win contest, where fans can win a luxury suite for the Storm's March 7 home opener. For more information, visit the information booth located at section 101.

Busy day for the Storm

Lot of moves today by the team ... here's what went down ...

SIGNED

DL Clifford Dukes 6.05 275 R 6.26.81 Michigan St

WR James Panui 5.10 180 R 12.19.83 None

WR Jovon Russell 6.05 240 R 6.3.82 Bethune Cookman AUS-a

DB Ricky Williams 5.11 180 R 10.26.83 Bethune Cookman

PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE

WR Sedrick Robinson 5.10 180 7 5.1.75 Kentucky Wesleyan

WR Terrill Shaw 6.00 180 8 2.4.76 Southern Mississippi

WAIVED

DL Clint Mitchell 6.05 280 0 9.21.80 Florida

FB Jason Schule 5.10 250 R 9.30.82 LA-Monroe

Daily Find: Former FSU QB now the main man

Even though former FSU quarterback Adrian McPherson did absolutely nothing at the college level (a lot of that had to do with his little gambling situation), he continues to receive an amazing amount of attention years after leaving Tallahassee.

Want to know why?

Because most people seem to agree on one thing: the Bradenton native has a ton of talent.

McPherson likely will open the season as the starter at Grand Rapids. The question is, can he hold onto the job? Remember, McPherson was released by Austin during the 2007 season.

This week, Arenafan.com profiled McPherson. Check it out HERE.

This week's updated practice schedule

Feb. 15: Skyway Park – 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Feb. 16: Skyway Park – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Intra-squad scrimmage)

Feb. 17: No Practice – Off Day

Note: Practices are free and open to the public.

Map to Skyway Park found HERE.

Brett Dietz Q&A

To say that a lot has changed in Brett Dietz's life during the past 12 months would be an understatement. When the 2007 season began, Dietz was a practice squad quarterback with the Kansas City Brigade. When it ended, he was the Storm's starting signal caller and the league's Co-Rookie of the Year. In the aftermath of his successful debut, Dietz recently signed a three-year deal with the team.

On Tuesday, we chatted for a bit and here's what he had to say.

KN: I'm sure you always believed you could succeed at this level, but thinking and doing are two different things. Now that you've done it, how much confidence do you have and how has it changed you?
BD: I don't think I've changed. I try to do the same thing. I've been thinking about this the last few days. I'm trying not to do anything I didn't do last year because last year was successful. Last year, it worked.

KN: When you look at last year's games on video, are you harder on yourself now than you were in 2007?
BD: Definitely. Last year, I was a rookie and I let a lot of stuff slide because of my inexperience. Now I know I'm not a rookie any more. And some of the mistakes I made last year I just can't afford to make this year. It's all about maturing as a leader and as a football player. Even though I played well last year, I didn't play good enough and I need to push myself.

KN: What is the main area in which you need to improve?
BD: Overall, just knowing what's going on. When you look at the guys that are the top quarterbacks in the league, they know exactly what's going on. As soon as the football is snapped, they know exactly what the defense is and exactly where to throw the ball. If I can get to that level, I'll be happy.

KN: How did your focus change after going from a backup role to being a starter?
BD: When I was in Kansas City, I was on the practice squad, so the first week I got here was the first game I played in. I hadn't been a backup since parts of my sophomore year in college. Every place I'd been I was either starting or had been on a practice squad. So it was almost to the point where I had forgotten how to be a backup. When I got here as the backup, I told myself I was going to prepare like I was going to start. Because if I do have to get in and I'm not ready then my opportunity is lost.

KN: Now that you're a starter again, do you feel like you're back in your element?
BD: Yeah. And this is the first time since college I'm returning to the same team. Every year I've played since then, I've been on a different team. I definitely feel more comfortable. But I have to be careful not to get too comfortable. And I've got to improve every day and get better.

Storm to hold blood drive

The Storm and Nucci Spine Institute will host a blood drive, which they plan to hold annually, Feb. 16 from noon-4 p.m. at the Nucci Spine Institute.

Storm players and dancers will be on hand for autographs and pictures.

Donors will receive a t-shirt, cholesterol screening and entry into a drawing to win Storm season tickets. Even non-donors will benefit: University Community Hospital-Carrollwood will offer blood sugar screening and bone density scans.

Nucci Spine Institute is located at 6322 Gunn Highway in Tampa.

Wiren back with Storm

Fans of Nyle Wiren – and there are many in these parts – will be glad to know the linebacker/defensive lineman has signed a one-year agreement with the team. Terms were not disclosed.

This will be his 11th season here in Tampa.

Wiren, as many of you know, suffered through a devastating tragedy last year when his wife, Caroline, died in May after giving birth to the couple’s first child. He also missed  several games in 2007 with an injured elbow.

Wiren’s value to the team cannot be overstated. Throughout his career with the Storm, the former Kansas State standout has lined up at numerous positions. And he’s also considered to be a great lockerroom presence.

Want to watch practice?

For those interested in watching the Storm practice, I’ve got some good news: practices are open to the public.

Take that NFL!

This week, the Storm’s practice schedule is as follows:

-Tuesday: 9:30-11 a.m., then 2:30-4 p.m.
-Rest of the week: 10-noon, then 4-6 p.m.

Most of this week’s practices, I’m told, will be at Skyway Park, which is located off Independence (map found HERE). Some sessions, however, will be held at the University of Tampa. If you’re going to go, give the Storm a call at (813) 276-7300 and they can point you in the right direction.

Key dates to mark down

Dates you should know ...

Feb. 07: First Day of mini-camp
Feb. 11: First day of training camp
Feb. 21: Scrimmage against Orlando Predators at Forum, 7 p.m. (open to public)
Feb. 24: Final Cuts
Feb. 25: First day of practice
Mar. 01: Season Opener -- Storm at Kansas City Brigade, 6 p.m.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm set to begin training camp

One football season is over. But don't panic, another is about to begin.

The five-time world champion Storm open training camp Monday at the University of Tampa with a roster of 37. At the camp’s conclusion, the roster will be cut to 24.

Some of the names in camp are familiar. Some are not.

The vets include All-Arena receiver Lawrence Samuels, Rookie-of-the-Year quarterback Brett Dietz, record-setting fullback Torrance Marshall and touchdown-leading wide receiver Terrill Shaw.

Local rookies Terrance Royal (LB, 6-3, 270, South Florida, Wharton High), Tyrone Timmons (WR, 6-5, 225, Mississippi Valley State, Tampa Bay Tech) and Bryant Tisdale (DB, 5-9, 190, UTEP, Dunedin) are among the group of newcomers who hope to land a spot.

Here’s a look at the training camp roster ….

POS. NAME HGT/WGT EXP COLLEGE
OL Emmanuel Akah 6-3, 330, R, Winston Salem St
DL Tom Briggs Tom 6-4, 280, 11, West Virginia
LB Marvin Brown 5-11, 260, 2, Alabama
DB Daryon Brutley 6-0, 190, 1, Northern Iowa
QB Stoney Case 6-2, 225, 4, New Mexico
OL Ernest Certain 6-4, 285, 6, Florida A&M
FB Kevin Clemens 6-1, 285, 8, Grand Valley St
QB Brett Dietz 6-4, 220, 1, Hanover
WR Hank Edwards 6-3, 180, 1, Texas Southern
OL Geir Gudmundsen 6-4, 315, 1, Albany
OL Randy Hand 6-6, 325 ,R, Florida
DB Kevin House 6-0, 185, R, South Carolina
DL Howard Brian 6-4 282, 1, Idaho
DB Jeroid Johnson 5-10, 185, 8, Oklahoma St
DB Byron Jones 5-11, 190, 1, Texas A&M
OL Kenyatta Jones 6-5, 298, R, South Florida
OL Tom Kaleita 6-6, 315, 1, Eastern Michigan
OL Lincoln Kennedy, 6-7, 320, 1, Washington
K   Seth Marler Seth 6-1, 200, 1, Tulane
LB Torrance Marshall 6-2, 265, 2, Oklahoma
DL Tim McGill 6-3, 305, 3, Illinois
DL Clint Mitchell 6-5, 280, 0, Florida
DB Khalid Naziruddin 5-11, 185, 1, Texas Tech
OL Marcus Owen 6-3, 345, 6, Kansas
DB Traco Rachal 6-2, 215, 3, Texas A&M-Commerce
WR Sedrick Robinson 5-10, 185, 7, Kentucky Wesleyan
DB Gerard Ross 6-1, 200, R, Florida St
DL Terrence Royal 6-3, 270, R, South Florida
WR Lawrence Samuels 6-3, 215, 14, Livingston
WR/LB David Saunders 6-2, 210, 8, West Virginia
FB Jason Schule 5-11, 248, R, LA-Monroe
DL Kenyon Scott  6-3, 300, R, Texas Tech
WR Terrill Shaw 6-0, 190, 8, Southern Mississippi
QB Mitch Tanney 6-4, 220, R, Monmouth
WR Tyrone Timmons 6-5, 225, R, Mississippi Valley St
DB Bryant Tisdale 5-9, 190, R, UTEP
DL Mark Word 6-5, 295, 1, Jacksonville St

-- KEITH NIEBUHR