Last off-season the Soul made a huge splash by signing All-Arena DB Tanner Varner away from his hometown team the Iowa Barnstormers. Varner did not disappoint as he instantly made an impact on the defensive side of the ball.
After suffering an injury during a Week 8 victory over the Barnstormers, Varner did not suit up again for the rest of the season. In only 7 games, Varner registered 45.0 total tackles, 4 pass break-ups and 5 interceptions--returning two of those for touchdowns. Despite only playing in 39% of the Soul's regular season games, Varner still ranked second on the team in interceptions, third in pass break-ups and fifth in total tackles. He also returned a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Varner was on pace to record 13 interceptions and 116 total tackles which would have put him among the league's leaders in both categories. With Varner on board, the Soul went 2-5 in their first 7 games played. The Soul lost those 5 games by a margin of 10.6 points with Varner. Without him, the Soul lost by a margin of 13.1 points per game in those remaining 7 loses. It may not seem like a world's of difference between the two, but being that the Soul lost 6 games by 7 points or less (three of those loses were by 3 points or less) every little bit would've helped the Soul's cause.
After attending Ellsworth Community College for two years, Varner transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where he flourished. His senior season with the Panthers, Varner record 85.5 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for a loss and 3 interceptions in 2005. Varner received First Team All-American, All-Gateway Conference and team Defensive MVP honors for his impressive senior campaign.
With little interest from the NFL, Varner was introduced to the sport of Arena Football by former Northern Iowa great John Gregory. Gregory recruited Varner to play for him with the Arkansas Twisters of the AF2 in 2007. Coach Gregory was also responsible for recruiting AFL and NFL great Kurt Warner to play for the Iowa Barnstormers of the AFL from 1995-1997. Gregory's hunch paid off as Varner flourished in his rookie season with the Twisters. He recorded 83.5 total tackles (third on the team), 2 forced fumbles, and finished first on the team with 9 interceptions. Varner was named an All-League Defensive Back for his defensive efforts.
When the Iowa Barnstormers dropped down from the AFL to the AF2 in 2008, both Gregory and Varner left for their home state. Varner would play for the Barnstormers the next two seasons in the AF2 while building off his impressive 2007 campaign. In 2008 Varner led the Barnstormers in total tackles with 91.0 while also adding 7 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Then in 2009 Varner led the AF2 in total tackles with 119.5 while recording 8 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
The AFL reemerged in 2010 and invited the Iowa Barnstormers to join the newly reformed league. Varner stayed with his roots and continued to produce at an elite level. Varner again led the league with 129.5 total tackles (113 solo tackles) and picked off 8 passes and was later named First Team All-Arena and the Barnstormer's Defensive MVP.
If Varner can stay healthy enough for the season's entirety, he'll really be able to show the Soul and their fans why he was brought in to begin with. Varner's talents and skill set automatically make him a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Varner's a big part to what the Soul would like to accomplish in 2012 and producing is essential for the AFL veteran in season two with the Soul.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Looking at the Division's Schedule
Today I'm taking a look at the American Eastern Division's scheduling for all the teams which include the Cleveland Gladiators, Milwaukee Mustangs, Pittsburgh Power and your Philadelphia Soul. Many of you may be familiar with the NFL schedule and how it contains a systematic approach to it. The NFL consists of 32 teams that play a 16-game schedule in 17 weeks. The AFL now has an 18-game schedule that spans over 20 weeks of play. The number of games that each league plays isn't the biggest difference between these two when it comes to scheduling. What helps the NFL out exponentially is that it's a fairly stable league in it's own right. The NFL has a nice, even number of teams at 32 and their isn't much change that occurs within the league in regards to the addition/subtraction of teams. The AFL on the other hand is still growing which means that clubs will come and go more frequently than in the NFL. The 25-year old AFL is still working to find and capture its audience, especially after the league didn't play it's 2009 season.
With that said, the AFL sits at 17 teams currently and with that comes a weird scheduling quirk. Unlike the NFL, the AFL doesn't schedule the majority of the same opponents for each divisional opponent which creates a somewhat unbalanced schedule for teams vying for the divisional crown. With three divisions of four teams and one division of five teams, this makes "equal" scheduling virtually impossible. That's why 2 out of the 17 teams will not play 9 games at home and 9 games on the road. The ArenaBowl XXIV champion Jacksonville Sharks will play 10 games at home and 8 games away, while the Milwaukee Mustangs (who finished last in the AFL in average attendance last season) will play only 8 games in Milwaukee and 10 games on the road. Talk about kicking a guy while he's down. In a move that I can only see as boosting the AFL's total attendance in the regular season, the Mustangs look as if their facing an uphill climb for survival. The Mustangs in addition to playing one less game at home will also have the pleasure of playing out the Eastern Division's toughest schedule by far.
Philadelphia Soul:
Six Divisional Games - Gladiators, Mustangs, and Power -> Home & Away
Four teams playing against twice - Predators, Sharks, Shock, and Storm -> Home & Away
Four teams playing once - Blaze (H), Force (A), SaberCats (H), & VooDoo (A)
Five teams not playing - Barnstormers, Command, Rattlers, Rush, and Talons.
Strength of Schedule -> 164-160 [2011's combined record for the Soul's 2012 opponents]
Home -> 83-79
Away -> 81-81
11 different 2012 opponents -> 5 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
Cleveland Gladiators:
Six Divisional Games - Mustangs, Power, and Soul -> Home & Away
Three teams playing against twice - Predators, Sharks, and Storm -> Home & Away
Six teams playing once - Barnstormers (A), Blaze (A), Command (H), Force (A), Rush (H), & VooDoo (H)
Four teams not playing - Rattlers, SaberCats, Shock, and Talons
Strength of Schedule -> 155-169 [2011's combined record for the Gladiators' 2012 opponents]
Home -> 70-92
Away -> 85-77
12 different 2012 opponents -> 4 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
Milwaukee Mustangs:
Six Divisional Games - Gladiators, Power, and Soul -> Home & Away
Two teams playing against twice - Rattlers, and Rush -> Home & Away
Eight teams playing once - Blaze (H), Force (H), Predators (A), SaberCats (H), Sharks (A), Shock (A), Storm (A), & VooDoo (A)
Three teams not playing - Barnstormers, Command, and Talons
Strength of Schedule -> 179-145 [2011's combined record for the Mustangs' 2012 opponents]
Home -> 81-63
Away -> 98-82
13 different 2012 opponents -> 7 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
Pittsburgh Power:
Six Divisional Games - Gladiators, Mustangs and Soul -> Home & Away
Three teams playing against twice - Barnstormers, Force and Predators -> Home & Away
Six teams playing once - Command (H), Rattlers (A), Sharks (H), Storm (H), Talons (A), & VooDoo (A)
Four teams not playing - Blaze, Rush, SaberCats, and Shock
Strength of Schedule -> 154-170 [2011's combined record for the Power's 2012 opponents]
Home -> 77-85
Away -> 77-85
12 different 2012 opponents -> 5 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
The Mustangs' schedule is loaded with gretat 2011 teams including every team that qualified for last year's playoffs (the Dallas Vigilantes disbanded). The Soul has a pretty good schedule full of some great Home & Away match-ups against four prominent AFL franchises. The Gladiators and the Power come out virtually tied for the lowest strength of schedule in the Eastern Division.
Here's my early 2012 Eastern Division Projections:
1.) Philadelphia Soul -> Just too much talent to not win the East.
2.) Pittsburgh Power -> I have the Power at percentage points to a game better in the standings than #3.
3.) Cleveland Gladiators -> Still a winning team even though I see the Soul & Power moving past them in the standings.
4.) Milwaukee Mustangs -> The only team I feel that will end 2012 with a losing record. That schedule is just too brutal to overcome.
Use this as your keeping track of the Soul and their fellow Eastern Division opponents throughout the season. Remember, just because a schedule looks a certain way, it doesn't mean that it'll necessarily turn out that way by season's end. With the amount of changes that take place among AFL team's rosters, anything can happen.
Here's the NFL Network Schedule for the Eastern Division (Games start 8:00 PM Eastern Time):
Week 1: Pittsburgh Power at Orlando Predators
Week 3: Philadelphia Soul at Pittsburgh Power
Week 7: Tampa Bay Storm at Philadelphia Soul
Week 10: Cleveland Gladiators at Milwaukee Mustangs
Week 13: Cleveland Gladiators at Iowa Barnstormers
Week 14: Pittsburgh Power at Cleveland Gladiators
Week 16: Arizona Rattlers at Milwaukee Mustangs
Week 17: Milwaukee Mustangs at Cleveland Gladiators
Week 18: Milwaukee Mustangs at Jacksonville Sharks
Week 19: Cleveland Gladiators at Utah Blaze
Week 20: Jacksonville Sharks at Pittsburgh Power
Appearances on NFL Network by team:
Soul: 2
Mustangs: 4
Power: 4
Gladiators: 5
Teams in the Eastern Division are shown on the NFL Network 11 out of the 20 weeks (an AFL high), including 5 straight games to end the season. The AFL gave the 2011 Eastern Division champions some recognition by broadcasting them a league tying 5 times nationally. The Soul were left with only two appearances on the network after their disappointing 6-12 season. Despite getting the short end of the stick scheduling wise, the Mustangs are nationally broadcasted 4 times this upcoming season along with the Power. To put all of this into perspective, the Jacksonville Sharks make 4 appearances on the network this season. How Cleveland got more than them is mind boggling to say the least. It's clear that despite being the league's worst division in 2011, that the East is getting picked up by the NFL Network the most because of their favorable timezone. Which is good for us in the Eastern Division, but bad when you're looking for variety within the AFL. I would like it if the NFL Network picked up the league's better teams so that the AFL is represented well on a national level.
With that said, the AFL sits at 17 teams currently and with that comes a weird scheduling quirk. Unlike the NFL, the AFL doesn't schedule the majority of the same opponents for each divisional opponent which creates a somewhat unbalanced schedule for teams vying for the divisional crown. With three divisions of four teams and one division of five teams, this makes "equal" scheduling virtually impossible. That's why 2 out of the 17 teams will not play 9 games at home and 9 games on the road. The ArenaBowl XXIV champion Jacksonville Sharks will play 10 games at home and 8 games away, while the Milwaukee Mustangs (who finished last in the AFL in average attendance last season) will play only 8 games in Milwaukee and 10 games on the road. Talk about kicking a guy while he's down. In a move that I can only see as boosting the AFL's total attendance in the regular season, the Mustangs look as if their facing an uphill climb for survival. The Mustangs in addition to playing one less game at home will also have the pleasure of playing out the Eastern Division's toughest schedule by far.
Philadelphia Soul:
Six Divisional Games - Gladiators, Mustangs, and Power -> Home & Away
Four teams playing against twice - Predators, Sharks, Shock, and Storm -> Home & Away
Four teams playing once - Blaze (H), Force (A), SaberCats (H), & VooDoo (A)
Five teams not playing - Barnstormers, Command, Rattlers, Rush, and Talons.
Strength of Schedule -> 164-160 [2011's combined record for the Soul's 2012 opponents]
Home -> 83-79
Away -> 81-81
11 different 2012 opponents -> 5 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
Cleveland Gladiators:
Six Divisional Games - Mustangs, Power, and Soul -> Home & Away
Three teams playing against twice - Predators, Sharks, and Storm -> Home & Away
Six teams playing once - Barnstormers (A), Blaze (A), Command (H), Force (A), Rush (H), & VooDoo (H)
Four teams not playing - Rattlers, SaberCats, Shock, and Talons
Strength of Schedule -> 155-169 [2011's combined record for the Gladiators' 2012 opponents]
Home -> 70-92
Away -> 85-77
12 different 2012 opponents -> 4 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
Milwaukee Mustangs:
Six Divisional Games - Gladiators, Power, and Soul -> Home & Away
Two teams playing against twice - Rattlers, and Rush -> Home & Away
Eight teams playing once - Blaze (H), Force (H), Predators (A), SaberCats (H), Sharks (A), Shock (A), Storm (A), & VooDoo (A)
Three teams not playing - Barnstormers, Command, and Talons
Strength of Schedule -> 179-145 [2011's combined record for the Mustangs' 2012 opponents]
Home -> 81-63
Away -> 98-82
13 different 2012 opponents -> 7 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
Pittsburgh Power:
Six Divisional Games - Gladiators, Mustangs and Soul -> Home & Away
Three teams playing against twice - Barnstormers, Force and Predators -> Home & Away
Six teams playing once - Command (H), Rattlers (A), Sharks (H), Storm (H), Talons (A), & VooDoo (A)
Four teams not playing - Blaze, Rush, SaberCats, and Shock
Strength of Schedule -> 154-170 [2011's combined record for the Power's 2012 opponents]
Home -> 77-85
Away -> 77-85
12 different 2012 opponents -> 5 of them were 2011 playoff teams.
The Mustangs' schedule is loaded with gretat 2011 teams including every team that qualified for last year's playoffs (the Dallas Vigilantes disbanded). The Soul has a pretty good schedule full of some great Home & Away match-ups against four prominent AFL franchises. The Gladiators and the Power come out virtually tied for the lowest strength of schedule in the Eastern Division.
Here's my early 2012 Eastern Division Projections:
1.) Philadelphia Soul -> Just too much talent to not win the East.
2.) Pittsburgh Power -> I have the Power at percentage points to a game better in the standings than #3.
3.) Cleveland Gladiators -> Still a winning team even though I see the Soul & Power moving past them in the standings.
4.) Milwaukee Mustangs -> The only team I feel that will end 2012 with a losing record. That schedule is just too brutal to overcome.
Use this as your keeping track of the Soul and their fellow Eastern Division opponents throughout the season. Remember, just because a schedule looks a certain way, it doesn't mean that it'll necessarily turn out that way by season's end. With the amount of changes that take place among AFL team's rosters, anything can happen.
Here's the NFL Network Schedule for the Eastern Division (Games start 8:00 PM Eastern Time):
Week 1: Pittsburgh Power at Orlando Predators
Week 3: Philadelphia Soul at Pittsburgh Power
Week 7: Tampa Bay Storm at Philadelphia Soul
Week 10: Cleveland Gladiators at Milwaukee Mustangs
Week 13: Cleveland Gladiators at Iowa Barnstormers
Week 14: Pittsburgh Power at Cleveland Gladiators
Week 16: Arizona Rattlers at Milwaukee Mustangs
Week 17: Milwaukee Mustangs at Cleveland Gladiators
Week 18: Milwaukee Mustangs at Jacksonville Sharks
Week 19: Cleveland Gladiators at Utah Blaze
Week 20: Jacksonville Sharks at Pittsburgh Power
Appearances on NFL Network by team:
Soul: 2
Mustangs: 4
Power: 4
Gladiators: 5
Teams in the Eastern Division are shown on the NFL Network 11 out of the 20 weeks (an AFL high), including 5 straight games to end the season. The AFL gave the 2011 Eastern Division champions some recognition by broadcasting them a league tying 5 times nationally. The Soul were left with only two appearances on the network after their disappointing 6-12 season. Despite getting the short end of the stick scheduling wise, the Mustangs are nationally broadcasted 4 times this upcoming season along with the Power. To put all of this into perspective, the Jacksonville Sharks make 4 appearances on the network this season. How Cleveland got more than them is mind boggling to say the least. It's clear that despite being the league's worst division in 2011, that the East is getting picked up by the NFL Network the most because of their favorable timezone. Which is good for us in the Eastern Division, but bad when you're looking for variety within the AFL. I would like it if the NFL Network picked up the league's better teams so that the AFL is represented well on a national level.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Papale's People - Open Tryout Successes
The Philadelphia Soul and the Utah Blaze of the AFL just recently held on open tryout in Los Angeles, California in hopes of finding some untapped talent in Southern California. This January 14th event marked the first time any team (the Soul) has traveled over 3,000 miles to host a tryout. Why would a team attempt something such as this you might ask? The reason is that in the AFL, open tryouts actually do work and have worked quite recently for the Soul.
When the Soul reemerged in 2011, they held two open tryouts in Philadelphia looking for pieces to add to their roster. Both were the two highest attended tryouts in the AFL with over 600 participants showing up to display their talents. Out of those who showed up, the Soul made offers to 7 of them and 3 made the final 2011 roster. Seven out of over 600 plus doesn't seem like a huge success, but when you consider that only 24 players make up an AFL roster, the Soul found one-eighth of their team from those two open tryouts. Those players were LB Jerome Hayes (15 games), WR Keith Stokes (13 games) and OL Nyere Aumaitre (14 games). All three started games and received pretty significant playing time with Stokes probably being the biggest surprise out of the group. Stokes racked up 78 catches for 940 yards and 7 touchdowns in his 13 games. Hayes also contributed nicely on the defensive side of the ball registering 21.0 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss, 1 sacks and 1 interception.
Both Aumaitre and Hayes have signed on for the 2012 season with Stokes still being listed as a free agent. With the plethora of talent the Soul have added to the receiving corps this off-season, the 33-year-old's chances of making the squad would look pretty dim anyways.
This past October 22nd, the Soul held another tryout at the Philadelphia Eagles' NovaCare Complex where over 200 participants showed off their football talents. Just days later the Soul announced the assignments of two out of the 200 plus hopeful. DB Jesse Cooper and WR/KR Alfonso Hoggard III were the two lucky players who agreed to terms with the Soul. Coach Plank was quoted as saying that Cooper displayed a great defensive presence while Hoggard III had great hands with good route running ability and added a 4.2 forty speed.
So what might seem as a minor detail or a waste of time to sports fans not familiar with the process, open tryouts have become very successful for the AFL introducing players in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. The AFL is all about the blue collar type of player that Philadelphia fans clamor for every season. Don't let the game of arena football fool you though, these players come to play every week in hopes of making the "big bucks" one day like AFL legend Kurt Warner. Despite making less money, the players don't let up in their intensity and effort which is reason enough to give the AFL a try if you haven't yet had the pleasure of doing.
Just think of Vince Papale back in 1976 and how great of a story that was for not just Eagles fans, but for the entire world. Well in the AFL stories like that happen on a yearly basis, giving guys that the NFL labeled as "not good enough" or that "lack the right size" to be successful at their position the chance of making a name for themselves by the quality of their play alone. Here's to getting to know a couple more people like that in this coming season.
When the Soul reemerged in 2011, they held two open tryouts in Philadelphia looking for pieces to add to their roster. Both were the two highest attended tryouts in the AFL with over 600 participants showing up to display their talents. Out of those who showed up, the Soul made offers to 7 of them and 3 made the final 2011 roster. Seven out of over 600 plus doesn't seem like a huge success, but when you consider that only 24 players make up an AFL roster, the Soul found one-eighth of their team from those two open tryouts. Those players were LB Jerome Hayes (15 games), WR Keith Stokes (13 games) and OL Nyere Aumaitre (14 games). All three started games and received pretty significant playing time with Stokes probably being the biggest surprise out of the group. Stokes racked up 78 catches for 940 yards and 7 touchdowns in his 13 games. Hayes also contributed nicely on the defensive side of the ball registering 21.0 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss, 1 sacks and 1 interception.
Both Aumaitre and Hayes have signed on for the 2012 season with Stokes still being listed as a free agent. With the plethora of talent the Soul have added to the receiving corps this off-season, the 33-year-old's chances of making the squad would look pretty dim anyways.
This past October 22nd, the Soul held another tryout at the Philadelphia Eagles' NovaCare Complex where over 200 participants showed off their football talents. Just days later the Soul announced the assignments of two out of the 200 plus hopeful. DB Jesse Cooper and WR/KR Alfonso Hoggard III were the two lucky players who agreed to terms with the Soul. Coach Plank was quoted as saying that Cooper displayed a great defensive presence while Hoggard III had great hands with good route running ability and added a 4.2 forty speed.
So what might seem as a minor detail or a waste of time to sports fans not familiar with the process, open tryouts have become very successful for the AFL introducing players in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. The AFL is all about the blue collar type of player that Philadelphia fans clamor for every season. Don't let the game of arena football fool you though, these players come to play every week in hopes of making the "big bucks" one day like AFL legend Kurt Warner. Despite making less money, the players don't let up in their intensity and effort which is reason enough to give the AFL a try if you haven't yet had the pleasure of doing.
Just think of Vince Papale back in 1976 and how great of a story that was for not just Eagles fans, but for the entire world. Well in the AFL stories like that happen on a yearly basis, giving guys that the NFL labeled as "not good enough" or that "lack the right size" to be successful at their position the chance of making a name for themselves by the quality of their play alone. Here's to getting to know a couple more people like that in this coming season.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
WR Larry Brackins
Entering his fourth season with the Soul, Larry Brackins joins a group that has the potential of being the best receiving corps in Soul history. Along with fellow teammate Clifton Smith, Brackins is the only other player left from the 2008 championship season for the Soul.
While attended Pearl River Community College (2003-2004), Brackins received numerous awards for his play with the Wildcats. In his freshman season, Brackins recorded 45 receptions for 772 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Wildcats. The next season Brackins improved upon his impressive numbers by recording 55 receptions for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns. His awards include two time (2003-2004) All-Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges (MACJC) and First-Team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in 2004.
Brackins was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 5th round (155th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. After missing part of training camp due to a hamstring injury, Brackins was released days before the Buccaneers first game of the 2005 season. He made two catches for 19 yards during the 2005 preseason, but the "project" out of Pearl River Community College couldn't catch on with the team. Brackins resigned with the Buccaneers in 2006 where he spent time at their training camp, but was again released this time in late July.
In 2007 Brackins joined the Philadelphia Soul where he instantly made in impact playing in just 10 regular season games. Brackins recorded 56 receptions for 786 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Soul during his rookie season with the AFL. Brackins improved upon his impressive rookie campaign in 2008 where he recorded 107 recpetions for 1,395 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Eastern Division Champions. It was Brackins who was on the receiving end of one of the most important touchdowns in Soul history.
In the Divisional Round of the 2008 playoffs, the Soul faced the New York Dragons who held the Soul at the brink of elimination. With 7 seconds left, the Soul trailed 48-43 and were on the Soul's 22-yard line. Then QB Matt D'Orazio dropped back for the final play of the game and connected with Brackins on a crossing pattern. Brackins catching the ball at the Dragons' 10-yard line dashed towards to right side of the goal line and dove in for the touchdown. The play was so close that it had to go under review, but was ultimately upheld in favor of the Soul. That play propelled the Soul through the playoffs and into ArenaBowl XXII where they defeated the San Jose SaberCats 59-56.
Later that year Brackins signed on with the New York Jets, but was later released during final cuts. During the league's hiatus in 2009, Brackins was drafted by the California Redwoods of the UFL during the league's inaugural draft.
Brackins reentered the AFL with the Dallas Vigilantes in 2010 where recorded 61 receptions for 734 yards and 20 touchdowns. in 2011 Brackins returned to the Soul, but had his least productive season ever in the AFL recording 41 catches for 492 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 games.
Brackins looks to at least play the same role as he did last season with the Soul. Brackins brings veteran and championship experience to a Soul franchise that's very familiar with him and vice versa. Brackins will be a productive contributor as the Soul hope to rekindle some of that 2008 magic that has alluded the franchise since.
While attended Pearl River Community College (2003-2004), Brackins received numerous awards for his play with the Wildcats. In his freshman season, Brackins recorded 45 receptions for 772 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Wildcats. The next season Brackins improved upon his impressive numbers by recording 55 receptions for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns. His awards include two time (2003-2004) All-Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges (MACJC) and First-Team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in 2004.
Brackins was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 5th round (155th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. After missing part of training camp due to a hamstring injury, Brackins was released days before the Buccaneers first game of the 2005 season. He made two catches for 19 yards during the 2005 preseason, but the "project" out of Pearl River Community College couldn't catch on with the team. Brackins resigned with the Buccaneers in 2006 where he spent time at their training camp, but was again released this time in late July.
In 2007 Brackins joined the Philadelphia Soul where he instantly made in impact playing in just 10 regular season games. Brackins recorded 56 receptions for 786 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Soul during his rookie season with the AFL. Brackins improved upon his impressive rookie campaign in 2008 where he recorded 107 recpetions for 1,395 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Eastern Division Champions. It was Brackins who was on the receiving end of one of the most important touchdowns in Soul history.
In the Divisional Round of the 2008 playoffs, the Soul faced the New York Dragons who held the Soul at the brink of elimination. With 7 seconds left, the Soul trailed 48-43 and were on the Soul's 22-yard line. Then QB Matt D'Orazio dropped back for the final play of the game and connected with Brackins on a crossing pattern. Brackins catching the ball at the Dragons' 10-yard line dashed towards to right side of the goal line and dove in for the touchdown. The play was so close that it had to go under review, but was ultimately upheld in favor of the Soul. That play propelled the Soul through the playoffs and into ArenaBowl XXII where they defeated the San Jose SaberCats 59-56.
Later that year Brackins signed on with the New York Jets, but was later released during final cuts. During the league's hiatus in 2009, Brackins was drafted by the California Redwoods of the UFL during the league's inaugural draft.
Brackins reentered the AFL with the Dallas Vigilantes in 2010 where recorded 61 receptions for 734 yards and 20 touchdowns. in 2011 Brackins returned to the Soul, but had his least productive season ever in the AFL recording 41 catches for 492 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 games.
Brackins looks to at least play the same role as he did last season with the Soul. Brackins brings veteran and championship experience to a Soul franchise that's very familiar with him and vice versa. Brackins will be a productive contributor as the Soul hope to rekindle some of that 2008 magic that has alluded the franchise since.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Soul add WR Emery Sammons
Today the Soul added even more wide receiver depth with the addition of Emery Sammons. Sammons joins a group that already includes Anthony Jones, Donovan Morgan and Larry Brackins. Sammons isn't just a depth addition, he's also a player on the rise.
The native out of Willingboro, NJ played collegiate football at Norfolk State (2004-2006) and was the Spartan's few bright spots on the team. Sammons ranks second in receiving yards (1,220) at Norfolk State since 1970.
Simmons was invited to two mini-camps with the Philadelphia Eagles out of college. In 2008 Sammons spent time on the preseason roster with the Philadelphia Soul and New York Dragons. With nothing happening there Sammons signed with the AF2's Manchester Wolves where he recorded 85 receptions for 1,156 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 14 games with the Wolves in 2009 Sammons earned All-AF2 honors after nabbing 102 catches for 1,146 yards and 26 touchdowns.
With the AF2 dissolving after the 2009 season, Sammons signed with the Spokane Shock of the newly formed AFL. Playing in a decreased role, Sammons collected 17 receptions for 234 yards and 1 touchdown for the Shock who went on to win ArenaBowl XXIII that season. Then in 2011 Sammons saw his workload increase considerably after collecting 68 receptions for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns.
With arena football experience and proven success at the sport previously, the addition of Sammons is a really smart move for the never satisfied Philadelphia Soul front office. Surrounding Sammons with Jones and Morgan alone should take his game to another level. Sammons is a great young talent who definitively has not peeked in terms of his production or what people should expect from him year in and year out.
It'll be interesting to watch who'll shine above the rest during training camp because at this point each player has a shot at catching for big numbers in 2012.
The native out of Willingboro, NJ played collegiate football at Norfolk State (2004-2006) and was the Spartan's few bright spots on the team. Sammons ranks second in receiving yards (1,220) at Norfolk State since 1970.
Simmons was invited to two mini-camps with the Philadelphia Eagles out of college. In 2008 Sammons spent time on the preseason roster with the Philadelphia Soul and New York Dragons. With nothing happening there Sammons signed with the AF2's Manchester Wolves where he recorded 85 receptions for 1,156 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 14 games with the Wolves in 2009 Sammons earned All-AF2 honors after nabbing 102 catches for 1,146 yards and 26 touchdowns.
With the AF2 dissolving after the 2009 season, Sammons signed with the Spokane Shock of the newly formed AFL. Playing in a decreased role, Sammons collected 17 receptions for 234 yards and 1 touchdown for the Shock who went on to win ArenaBowl XXIII that season. Then in 2011 Sammons saw his workload increase considerably after collecting 68 receptions for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns.
With arena football experience and proven success at the sport previously, the addition of Sammons is a really smart move for the never satisfied Philadelphia Soul front office. Surrounding Sammons with Jones and Morgan alone should take his game to another level. Sammons is a great young talent who definitively has not peeked in terms of his production or what people should expect from him year in and year out.
It'll be interesting to watch who'll shine above the rest during training camp because at this point each player has a shot at catching for big numbers in 2012.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The 2011 Defensive Line
The three most productive defensive lineman for the Soul in 2011 have all agreed to come back for 2012. Darrell Campbell, Dustin Barno and Jefferey Fitzgerald combined for 16 sacks, 61.5 total tackles, 20 tackles for a loss and 8 forced fumbles. They comprised the front lines for a defensive unit that ranked 2nd overall in total defense.
Here's the stats for each player specifically:
Campbell - Games = 18 / Sacks = 9.0 / Tackles = 16.0 / 10.0 TFL / 2 Forced Fumbles
Fitzgerald - Games = 15 / Sacks = 2.5 / Tackles = 27.5 / 3.5 TFL / 3 Forced Fumbles
Barno - Games = 14 / Sacks = 4.5 / Tackles = 19.0 / 7.5 TFL / 3 Forced Fumbles
Campbell experienced his best season as a pro last season after jumping around various NFL team's practice squads from 2004-2006. He entered the AFL in 2008 with the Orlando Predators where he recorded 19 tackles. 1.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery in 8 games. Campbell then signed with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens in 2008, but failed to make the team's final roster. Then he went to the CFL playing for the Montreal Alouettes who went on the win the Gray Cup. He played in 6 games for the club while recording 10 tackles and 1 sack in such limited playing time. The Alouettes released him after the season and Campbell didn't resurface until 2011 with the Philadelphia Soul. The 6'4'', 320 pound defensive lineman brings great physicality and speed to the position along with an always appreciated veteran presence. His 9 sacks tied with new teammate Bryan Robinson for 10th best in the AFL for 2011. It'll be interesting to see how Campbell performs in 2012 after coming off his best season by far. The addition of Robinson may just be the necessary push Campbell needs to up his game yet another notch this season.
Barno entered last season as a six-year AFL veteran whose been a consistent contributor wherever he's played. The 6'3", 275 pound defensive lineman played for the AFL's Colorado Crush from 2004-2008 and was part of the 2005 ArenaBowl XIX championship team. Barno, an original member of the expansion Colorado Crush, was released halfway through the 2008 season due to lack of production. The Arizona Rattlers picked him up and Barno finished the season with them. Barno signed with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in 2010 where he finished the season with 7.5 sacks (a career best). When the Yard Dawgz closed its doors after the 2010 season, the Philadelphia Soul picked him up for 2011. Barno's repeated success in the AFL brings a different type of veteran experience than Campbell can provide to the Soul. Barno's been around this league specifically for his entire professional career which gives him the ability to share his experiences to players old and new. It was a great move bringing back Barno this season and he shouldn't have any problems making the 2012 squad.
Fitzgerald is coming off his AFL rookie season in which the Kansas State graduate created havoc and showed immense potential. The 6'4'', 270 pound defensive lineman originally signed with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 2010 as an undrafted free agent, but only attended the team's preseason mini camp. The Soul snatched him up in 2011 where he led all Soul defensive lineman with 27.5 tackles. His 3 forced fumbles tied with fellow lineman Barno for a team high as well. Fitzgerald adds a much needed shot of youth to a defensive unit full of established veterans. He created turnovers (3 fumbles & 1 interception) and showed great fundamentals in his ability to wrap up opponents at the point of contact. Expect Fitzgerald to improve upon his impressive rookie campaign working alongside the other play-making DTs on this 2012 squad.
Unless someone comes in and really impresses this coaching staff, it's pretty much a lock that these three plus Bryan Robinson will make this team. There's just too much talent/potential for the Soul to not have all four of these guys on the final roster. This defensive unit has a chance of improving upon their 2nd ranked overall defense from 2011 and that's saying a lot about the type of players the Soul have kept/brought in for 2012.
Here's the stats for each player specifically:
Campbell - Games = 18 / Sacks = 9.0 / Tackles = 16.0 / 10.0 TFL / 2 Forced Fumbles
Fitzgerald - Games = 15 / Sacks = 2.5 / Tackles = 27.5 / 3.5 TFL / 3 Forced Fumbles
Barno - Games = 14 / Sacks = 4.5 / Tackles = 19.0 / 7.5 TFL / 3 Forced Fumbles
Campbell experienced his best season as a pro last season after jumping around various NFL team's practice squads from 2004-2006. He entered the AFL in 2008 with the Orlando Predators where he recorded 19 tackles. 1.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery in 8 games. Campbell then signed with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens in 2008, but failed to make the team's final roster. Then he went to the CFL playing for the Montreal Alouettes who went on the win the Gray Cup. He played in 6 games for the club while recording 10 tackles and 1 sack in such limited playing time. The Alouettes released him after the season and Campbell didn't resurface until 2011 with the Philadelphia Soul. The 6'4'', 320 pound defensive lineman brings great physicality and speed to the position along with an always appreciated veteran presence. His 9 sacks tied with new teammate Bryan Robinson for 10th best in the AFL for 2011. It'll be interesting to see how Campbell performs in 2012 after coming off his best season by far. The addition of Robinson may just be the necessary push Campbell needs to up his game yet another notch this season.
Barno entered last season as a six-year AFL veteran whose been a consistent contributor wherever he's played. The 6'3", 275 pound defensive lineman played for the AFL's Colorado Crush from 2004-2008 and was part of the 2005 ArenaBowl XIX championship team. Barno, an original member of the expansion Colorado Crush, was released halfway through the 2008 season due to lack of production. The Arizona Rattlers picked him up and Barno finished the season with them. Barno signed with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in 2010 where he finished the season with 7.5 sacks (a career best). When the Yard Dawgz closed its doors after the 2010 season, the Philadelphia Soul picked him up for 2011. Barno's repeated success in the AFL brings a different type of veteran experience than Campbell can provide to the Soul. Barno's been around this league specifically for his entire professional career which gives him the ability to share his experiences to players old and new. It was a great move bringing back Barno this season and he shouldn't have any problems making the 2012 squad.
Fitzgerald is coming off his AFL rookie season in which the Kansas State graduate created havoc and showed immense potential. The 6'4'', 270 pound defensive lineman originally signed with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 2010 as an undrafted free agent, but only attended the team's preseason mini camp. The Soul snatched him up in 2011 where he led all Soul defensive lineman with 27.5 tackles. His 3 forced fumbles tied with fellow lineman Barno for a team high as well. Fitzgerald adds a much needed shot of youth to a defensive unit full of established veterans. He created turnovers (3 fumbles & 1 interception) and showed great fundamentals in his ability to wrap up opponents at the point of contact. Expect Fitzgerald to improve upon his impressive rookie campaign working alongside the other play-making DTs on this 2012 squad.
Unless someone comes in and really impresses this coaching staff, it's pretty much a lock that these three plus Bryan Robinson will make this team. There's just too much talent/potential for the Soul to not have all four of these guys on the final roster. This defensive unit has a chance of improving upon their 2nd ranked overall defense from 2011 and that's saying a lot about the type of players the Soul have kept/brought in for 2012.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
WR Donovan Morgan
The first player I'm highlighting from the 2011 roster is no other than Donovan Morgan who was by far the Soul's best player last season. Morgan played in 16 of the Soul's 18 games last season while putting up monster numbers for his efforts. Morgan had 121 receptions for 1,959 yards (a Soul franchise record and 4th best in the AFL) and 37 touchdowns (6th best) while also ranking 1st in yards per catch (16.2) and 2nd in receiving yards per game (122.4).
The Second Team All-Arena wide receiver was to be placed on the Other League Exempt List during week 19 of the season when Morgan decided to leave the Soul for the UFL's Virginia Destroyers, but he decided against it and came back just days after announcing his departure. The Soul had a Bye that week so Morgan was back in time to play the season finale (a 61-48 loss) against the Pittsburgh Power in Philadelphia.
Coming out of Louisiana-Lafayette, Morgan signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2004. Morgan's only NFL game experience came in 2005 with the Houston Texans where he caught 4 passes for 42 yards in only 3 games. Morgan signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006 before signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2007, but he was released before the end of the preseason.
Morgan played for the AF2's Tulsa Talons in 2005 where he was named the Rookie of the Year after recording multiple AF2 records. Morgan produced 57 total touchdowns (54 receiving) and recorded 346 points in a single season, all three were good enough for AF2 records.
In 2008 Morgan returned to arena football but this time in the AFL for the Chicago Rush. He caught 111 passes for 1,281 yards and 24 touchdowns and was thus named the AFL's Rookie of the Year becoming the first player to win two Rookie of the Year awards in arena football (2005 with Tulsa and 2008 with Chicago).
With the AFL shut down for the 2009 season Morgan played for the Chicago Slaughter of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL). There he was integral to the Slaughter as the won the 2009 CIFL Championship Game over the Fort Wayne Freedom 58-48. Morgan was named the game's MVP in the Slaughters last game with the CIFL (they moved to the IFL in 2010). Morgan played with 6 other fellow Chicago Rush players who signed with the Slaughter after the AFL closed it doors for 2009. Russ Michna the QB of the Slaughter in 2009 won the CIFL's MVP award for his efforts; he's currently a free agent after being the signal caller for the Chicago Rush for the past two seasons.
Morgan returned to the AFL in 2010 with the Tulsa Talons for his second stint with the team. He ended the season with 123 receptions for 1,707 yards and 52 touchdowns (which led the league). Morgan was named First Team All-Arena after his stellar return to the AFL which led him to sign with the Soul in 2011 as one of their premier pick-ups for the 2011 season.
The Second Team All-Arena wide receiver was to be placed on the Other League Exempt List during week 19 of the season when Morgan decided to leave the Soul for the UFL's Virginia Destroyers, but he decided against it and came back just days after announcing his departure. The Soul had a Bye that week so Morgan was back in time to play the season finale (a 61-48 loss) against the Pittsburgh Power in Philadelphia.
Coming out of Louisiana-Lafayette, Morgan signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2004. Morgan's only NFL game experience came in 2005 with the Houston Texans where he caught 4 passes for 42 yards in only 3 games. Morgan signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006 before signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2007, but he was released before the end of the preseason.
Morgan played for the AF2's Tulsa Talons in 2005 where he was named the Rookie of the Year after recording multiple AF2 records. Morgan produced 57 total touchdowns (54 receiving) and recorded 346 points in a single season, all three were good enough for AF2 records.
In 2008 Morgan returned to arena football but this time in the AFL for the Chicago Rush. He caught 111 passes for 1,281 yards and 24 touchdowns and was thus named the AFL's Rookie of the Year becoming the first player to win two Rookie of the Year awards in arena football (2005 with Tulsa and 2008 with Chicago).
With the AFL shut down for the 2009 season Morgan played for the Chicago Slaughter of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL). There he was integral to the Slaughter as the won the 2009 CIFL Championship Game over the Fort Wayne Freedom 58-48. Morgan was named the game's MVP in the Slaughters last game with the CIFL (they moved to the IFL in 2010). Morgan played with 6 other fellow Chicago Rush players who signed with the Slaughter after the AFL closed it doors for 2009. Russ Michna the QB of the Slaughter in 2009 won the CIFL's MVP award for his efforts; he's currently a free agent after being the signal caller for the Chicago Rush for the past two seasons.
Morgan returned to the AFL in 2010 with the Tulsa Talons for his second stint with the team. He ended the season with 123 receptions for 1,707 yards and 52 touchdowns (which led the league). Morgan was named First Team All-Arena after his stellar return to the AFL which led him to sign with the Soul in 2011 as one of their premier pick-ups for the 2011 season.
With Morgan now officially back with the Soul, Morgan looks to become a mainstay with the team unless the NFL comes knocking one day for which no one would blame him for leaving. "The Philadelphia Soul have been too good to me, so I just had to stay around and make this my home," said Morgan after announcing he wouldn't pursue an opportunity with the UFL in mid July. Morgan's a fan favorite and rightfully so; he represents how the ideal AFL player should act. Morgan plays hard and remains humble despite his success indoors, but he shares that dream of one day becoming an NFL starter which makes him that much more fun to watch. Even at the age of 29 Morgan can still play his position with the best of them and he'll hopefully continue his success in 2012 while playing besides top free agent acquisition WR Anthony Jones. The sky's the limit when it comes to how big of numbers Morgan can put up this season and I for one cannot wait to see the result.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Roster Outlook
Today I thought I'd get everyone up to date with how the roster's panning out as of now. With 31 players currently signed on for the 2012 season, only 24 will make the final roster. Remember the final roster is comprised of 20 active players and 4 inactive players that are used in case of injury or what not. I'll list the players that are back from the 2011 roster and the free agent acquisitions. I'll bold the names of the players I've already highlighted and I'll be focusing on the returning players in posts to come. Just because a player has signed back on with the Soul, that doesn't mean he'll necessarily make the final roster. The Soul have added a number of great players and making this team will be awfully difficult, but alas here's the roster:
Returning Players
#55 OL Aumaitre, Nyere*
#8 DL Barno, Dustin
#1 WR Brackins, Larry*
#99 FB/LB Brown, Melik*
#92 OL/DL Campbell, Darrell*
#95 OL/DL Fitzgerald, Jeffrey
#36 WR/LB Frank, Chris
#14 DB Gardner, Drew
#27 LB Hayes, Jerome*
#2 WR Morgan, Donovan*
#6 LB Perkins, Brandon*
#9 DB Richardson, Kent*
#20 DB Varner, Tanner*
(The * indicates being on the 2011 opening day final roster)
Free Agent Acquisitions
OL/DL Amoo, Anthony
DB Burch, Koreen
DB Cooper, Jesse
QB DiMichele, Adam
OL Duncan, Zipp
LB Goosby, Joe
WR/KR Hoggard, Alfonso
WR/KR Hughley, Jeff
OL Johnson, Christian
WR Jones, Anthony
DB Kizer, Rayshaun
QB Nemeth, EJ
DL Paramoure, Reggie
QB Raudabaugh, Dan
DL Robinson, Bryan
DB Robinson, Michaeux
FB Ross, Derrick
FB/LB Smith, Clifton
With some more additions & subtractions to be made to the roster before the March deadline comes around, it'll be interesting to see who'll remain after the smoke settles. I'll be highlighting returning players who I think will have a good shot at returning in posts to come; along with some posts focusing on the whereabouts of top Soul performers of 2011 who aren't returning to the club for 2012. Regarding the lower profile players I'm not going to highlight them in future posts, but go to the Soul's website and get some more information on them there. If no bios exist as of yet for a player you're looking into just google them and you'll basically find what you're after. The season is only 2 months and 12 days away, so keep checking back for more information/analysis on your 2012 Philadelphia Soul!
Returning Players
#55 OL Aumaitre, Nyere*
#8 DL Barno, Dustin
#1 WR Brackins, Larry*
#99 FB/LB Brown, Melik*
#92 OL/DL Campbell, Darrell*
#95 OL/DL Fitzgerald, Jeffrey
#36 WR/LB Frank, Chris
#14 DB Gardner, Drew
#27 LB Hayes, Jerome*
#2 WR Morgan, Donovan*
#6 LB Perkins, Brandon*
#9 DB Richardson, Kent*
#20 DB Varner, Tanner*
(The * indicates being on the 2011 opening day final roster)
Free Agent Acquisitions
OL/DL Amoo, Anthony
DB Burch, Koreen
DB Cooper, Jesse
QB DiMichele, Adam
OL Duncan, Zipp
LB Goosby, Joe
WR/KR Hoggard, Alfonso
WR/KR Hughley, Jeff
OL Johnson, Christian
WR Jones, Anthony
DB Kizer, Rayshaun
QB Nemeth, EJ
DL Paramoure, Reggie
QB Raudabaugh, Dan
DL Robinson, Bryan
DB Robinson, Michaeux
FB Ross, Derrick
FB/LB Smith, Clifton
With some more additions & subtractions to be made to the roster before the March deadline comes around, it'll be interesting to see who'll remain after the smoke settles. I'll be highlighting returning players who I think will have a good shot at returning in posts to come; along with some posts focusing on the whereabouts of top Soul performers of 2011 who aren't returning to the club for 2012. Regarding the lower profile players I'm not going to highlight them in future posts, but go to the Soul's website and get some more information on them there. If no bios exist as of yet for a player you're looking into just google them and you'll basically find what you're after. The season is only 2 months and 12 days away, so keep checking back for more information/analysis on your 2012 Philadelphia Soul!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
FB/LB Clifton Smith
I've decided that I'm just going to keep the free agent signing's posts alive up until the final roster is set. Today is a player that you all should be at least somewhat familiar with as he played for the Soul during their ArenaBowl championship season.
Clifton Smith has been around the football ranks for awhile now. Smith attended Syracuse University (1999-2002) where he began his football career starting for the Orange as a true freshman. He earned First Team All-Freshman after starting 8 of the 11 games for the Orange in 1999 and accumulated 66 tackles (37 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles-for-loss, and 2 forced fumbles. In 2000 Smith was an All-Big East Conference and All-Eastern College Athletic Conference first team choice. He started every game at MLB and led the team with 108 tackles while also recording 7 tackles-for-loss and 3 forced fumbles. Smith again started every game at MLB in 2001 and was an All-Big East Conference first team choice. Second on the team with 94 tackles, Smith accumulated 3 sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss. Smith was an All-Big East Conference first team choice for the third consecutive year in 2002 while also starting every game again which extended his streak to 37 consecutive games started. Led the team with a career high 137 tackles along with nabbing 2 sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss.
Smith was then snubbed in the 2003 NFL draft mainly due to concerns over his slow 4.88 forty time. He then signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent where he appeared in 1 game and posted 1 tackle that season. He spent 2004 and 2005 on the Redskins practice squad before signing with the Cleveland Browns in 2006. After appearing in only 1 game that season also, the Browns allocated Smith to NFL Europe where he played for the Cologne Centurions in 2007.
In 2008 Smith signed with the Philadelphia Soul and was a useful addition during their championship run that season. Playing in 18 games Smith had 50 rushes for 131 yards and 10 touchdowns as the team's starting FB. On defense Smith recorded 45 tackles, 1 interception, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Smith also blocked a punt which was reminiscent of his college days where he blocked a FG attempt and an extra point attempt. He was later named to the league's All-Iron Man Team for his efforts.
Smith reemerged with the newly formed AFL in 2010 while playing for the Chicago Rush. He had 7 rushes for 22 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Rush on offense while recording 18 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Smith also boosted his special teams play by blocking 3 punts and 1 field goal attempt for the Rush that season as well.
Smith has played sparingly since his last season with the Soul in 2008, but that doesn't mean he won't be an effective addition. A familiar face within the organization is always a good thing especially between former teammates. Smith rejoins WR Larry Brackins as being the only players left from the Soul's 2008 championship team. Both will be used in marketing I'm sure within the Philadelphia area in an attempt to bring back the fans of 3 years past. The Soul are already pretty much guaranteed an exciting 2012 season and sharing new success with past role players will only make things that much sweeter. Hopefully everything goes according to hype for the team's sake.
Clifton Smith has been around the football ranks for awhile now. Smith attended Syracuse University (1999-2002) where he began his football career starting for the Orange as a true freshman. He earned First Team All-Freshman after starting 8 of the 11 games for the Orange in 1999 and accumulated 66 tackles (37 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles-for-loss, and 2 forced fumbles. In 2000 Smith was an All-Big East Conference and All-Eastern College Athletic Conference first team choice. He started every game at MLB and led the team with 108 tackles while also recording 7 tackles-for-loss and 3 forced fumbles. Smith again started every game at MLB in 2001 and was an All-Big East Conference first team choice. Second on the team with 94 tackles, Smith accumulated 3 sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss. Smith was an All-Big East Conference first team choice for the third consecutive year in 2002 while also starting every game again which extended his streak to 37 consecutive games started. Led the team with a career high 137 tackles along with nabbing 2 sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss.
Smith was then snubbed in the 2003 NFL draft mainly due to concerns over his slow 4.88 forty time. He then signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent where he appeared in 1 game and posted 1 tackle that season. He spent 2004 and 2005 on the Redskins practice squad before signing with the Cleveland Browns in 2006. After appearing in only 1 game that season also, the Browns allocated Smith to NFL Europe where he played for the Cologne Centurions in 2007.
In 2008 Smith signed with the Philadelphia Soul and was a useful addition during their championship run that season. Playing in 18 games Smith had 50 rushes for 131 yards and 10 touchdowns as the team's starting FB. On defense Smith recorded 45 tackles, 1 interception, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Smith also blocked a punt which was reminiscent of his college days where he blocked a FG attempt and an extra point attempt. He was later named to the league's All-Iron Man Team for his efforts.
Smith reemerged with the newly formed AFL in 2010 while playing for the Chicago Rush. He had 7 rushes for 22 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Rush on offense while recording 18 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Smith also boosted his special teams play by blocking 3 punts and 1 field goal attempt for the Rush that season as well.
Smith has played sparingly since his last season with the Soul in 2008, but that doesn't mean he won't be an effective addition. A familiar face within the organization is always a good thing especially between former teammates. Smith rejoins WR Larry Brackins as being the only players left from the Soul's 2008 championship team. Both will be used in marketing I'm sure within the Philadelphia area in an attempt to bring back the fans of 3 years past. The Soul are already pretty much guaranteed an exciting 2012 season and sharing new success with past role players will only make things that much sweeter. Hopefully everything goes according to hype for the team's sake.
Monday, January 2, 2012
OL Christian Johnson & LB Joe Goosby
This is the last post I'll be focusing on free agents (unless other big time players are signed) and today I'm giving you all some information on 2 players instead of the traditional 1. Both played for the Dallas Vigilantes last season and if you've been reading my prior posts then you'd know that this is a common trend for the Soul this off-season.
Johnson contributed very well for the Vigilantes last season by starting every game and only giving up 1 sack. He can step into the line this year for the Soul and give Raudabugh that same kind of protection which would make the offense that much better. Remember in the AFL it's 8 against 8 on the field with 3 true offensive lineman there to block. The offense must have 4 offensive players on the line-of-scrimmage, but the fourth is either a TE or sometimes a WR who can then become pass eligible. The defense must have 5 players in the tackle box (3 DL & 2 LB) so the addition of Johnson could be critical in keeping Raudabuagh upright and comfortable in the pocket.
Things break down quickly in the AFL around the pocket, a fact the Soul know all too well after allowing their opponents to sack the QB 31 times (good for only 11th best in the AFL). The Vigilantes allowed only 16 sacks (2nd best in the AFL) in comparison to the Soul's output. Only the Jacksonville Sharks gave up fewer than the Vigilantes with 11 sacks allowed and the Iowa Barnstormers gave up the most in the league with 46 sacks allowed. The Soul were 20 sacks off from being tied with the Sharks and 15 sacks away from being the worst. With that said, the offensive line can definitely be upgraded and Johnson provides yet another piece to the Soul's roster puzzle for 2012. This signing isn't as publicized as the others which I've already posted on, but it may result in being one of the most important signings for the Soul.
Goosby signed with the Vigilantes last year as a rookie free agent out of Tulane University (2004-2007) where he contributed well for the squad. Playing in the team's first 9 games Goosby amassed 43 tackles, 3 blocked punts, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception. Missing the last 9 due to injury, Goosby showed a good amount of play-making abilities for the Vigilantes during his 9-game stretch. Given a full season worth of work Goosby could be a pretty good player for the Soul.
Goosby had previously played for the IFL's San Antonio Stampede in 2010 and the AF2's Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings in 2009. He played with current Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte during their Tulane days where Goosby totaled 100 tackles during his time there.
Both players can add something to the Soul this upcoming season. It's player like these that add the right amount of accent pieces to a squad teeming with big name players. I'm looking forward to seeing what both can do along with their former Vigilantes teammates. The amount of familiarity on this year's Soul squad is something to really appreciate as the season approaches. Few teams will have this type of luxury and the Soul must be able to capitalize on it quickly to convince their fan base why they should begin caring again for their AFL team.
Johnson contributed very well for the Vigilantes last season by starting every game and only giving up 1 sack. He can step into the line this year for the Soul and give Raudabugh that same kind of protection which would make the offense that much better. Remember in the AFL it's 8 against 8 on the field with 3 true offensive lineman there to block. The offense must have 4 offensive players on the line-of-scrimmage, but the fourth is either a TE or sometimes a WR who can then become pass eligible. The defense must have 5 players in the tackle box (3 DL & 2 LB) so the addition of Johnson could be critical in keeping Raudabuagh upright and comfortable in the pocket.
Things break down quickly in the AFL around the pocket, a fact the Soul know all too well after allowing their opponents to sack the QB 31 times (good for only 11th best in the AFL). The Vigilantes allowed only 16 sacks (2nd best in the AFL) in comparison to the Soul's output. Only the Jacksonville Sharks gave up fewer than the Vigilantes with 11 sacks allowed and the Iowa Barnstormers gave up the most in the league with 46 sacks allowed. The Soul were 20 sacks off from being tied with the Sharks and 15 sacks away from being the worst. With that said, the offensive line can definitely be upgraded and Johnson provides yet another piece to the Soul's roster puzzle for 2012. This signing isn't as publicized as the others which I've already posted on, but it may result in being one of the most important signings for the Soul.
Goosby signed with the Vigilantes last year as a rookie free agent out of Tulane University (2004-2007) where he contributed well for the squad. Playing in the team's first 9 games Goosby amassed 43 tackles, 3 blocked punts, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception. Missing the last 9 due to injury, Goosby showed a good amount of play-making abilities for the Vigilantes during his 9-game stretch. Given a full season worth of work Goosby could be a pretty good player for the Soul.
Goosby had previously played for the IFL's San Antonio Stampede in 2010 and the AF2's Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings in 2009. He played with current Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte during their Tulane days where Goosby totaled 100 tackles during his time there.
Both players can add something to the Soul this upcoming season. It's player like these that add the right amount of accent pieces to a squad teeming with big name players. I'm looking forward to seeing what both can do along with their former Vigilantes teammates. The amount of familiarity on this year's Soul squad is something to really appreciate as the season approaches. Few teams will have this type of luxury and the Soul must be able to capitalize on it quickly to convince their fan base why they should begin caring again for their AFL team.
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