Player Evaluation: Hohensee Believes Rush will be Physical
Kevin Sheller
Tuesday January 16, 2001
The list of rookies includes a defensive specialist who reminds the Rush coaching staff of Anthony Derricks, two speedsters -- one of whom still holds the national indoor high school record for the 50-meter dash -- a lineman who played baseball with the Kansas City Royals, and a kicker who can consistently blast 80-yard kickoffs in the outdoor game.
As Chicago Rush Head Coach Mike Hohensee builds his newest team, he is faced with the difficult task of dealing with high expectations.
“My goal is to win every football game, not two years from now, but now,” said Hohensee. “And I want to spread that attitude amongst the players. And that comes from believing, and believing comes from confidence and knowledge. I believe we can do a good job of teaching our players not only the game, but our system and how to win.”
But should the 2001 Chicago Rush be judged on the season-ending win-loss record?
“As a coach you judge your team by: Did they get better? Are they a better team than they were at the beginning of the season? I meet with these guys at the end of the season. How excited are they about coming back next year? And that tells me a lot about what we`ve done there. How we`ve treated the players and what they think of the program after a full season of being there.”
With the expansion draft coming in a few short weeks, the Rush must evaluate the players they`ve secured from the open field of free agency and determine who best fits their remaining openings. Hohensee spent some time evaluating his current roster.
Quarterback
When it comes to quarterbacks, Mike Hohensee rates leadership and decision making above all other traits. While a great arm and good athleticism are desirable, if he can`t make quick reads and lead the team, then his athletic talents and energies will be spent making the wrong decisions.
“The players have to sense that [their quarterback] always feels he can win,” explained Hohensee, “There are lots of different characteristics that you want from a quarterback. Can you get them all wrapped in one? Those guys are in the NFL.”
Jeff Loots (6`2” 210, SW State MN) is the pre-camp starter. He has the experience. He knows Hohensee`s system. He`s not always the most accurate quarterback, but he makes good decisions.
“Jeff Loots can stand on one goal line and throw it over the nets on the other side of the field,” said Hohensee, “Does that make him a better quarterback? No. Can he win games? Can he lead the football team? Can he make them believe? Can he run the system? Can he make it simple? That`s what I`m hoping he can do.”
Billy Dicken (6`2” 215, Purdue) comes to Chicago after a 19-0 campaign with the Quad City Steamwheelers of the af2. “He`s got a year under his belt of Arena football,” said Hohensee. “Whether it`s Arena 1 or 2, it`s still Arena football. And he very convincingly went 19-0.”
With such a proven winner in Dicken, and Loots, an unknown journeyman who`s never taken charge of a starting opportunity, will Hohensee have a quarterback controversy on his hands before training camp even begins?
“That`s up to Billy Dicken and Jeff Loots. I`ve talked to Jeff and I`ve told him that I think Billy Dicken is a very capable quarterback, and if [Loots] does not come in prepared, then he will lose his job. If he does come in prepared, and do what I`ve seen him do, he`ll be able to keep his job,” said Hohensee. “Last year in Hartford I had two rookies come in and beat out a six-year veteran. Because [the veteran] was complacent when he came into camp. These two rookies were hungry and beat him out.”
The two quarterbacks appear to be opposites of each other. Dicken does not have a great arm, but he is accurate. He`s started and finished an entire undefeated season. Loots can throw it into the stands, lacks accuracy, and has never found a home. Rush camp will be an interesting place to be this year, and the team is still looking for a third quarterback to compete for the job.
Final Tally: C+ In Arena Football, the quarterback is even more important than he is in the outdoor game, because teams pass almost every play. Teams win and lose based on how many times they don`t score, not how many times they do. Loots has never proven himself in any system; Dicken has, but in a minor league. Both are true unknowns. Because the Rush didn`t sign a known commodity, there is no reason to feel secure about the quarterback position.
| Chicago Rush Roster January 16, 2001 QBs Dicken, Billy - R Loots, Jeff - 7 DS Johnson, Cedric - R Lawson, Chris - 3 Stingley, Derek - 2 FB/LB Waldron, Mike - 2 Brown, Tim - 4 K Kohl, Jamie - R OS/WR/DB Wilkins, Damond - R Cail, Daedrick - R Mitchell, Lonny - R Morris, Damien - R Hill, Jai - 4 Esprit, Troy - R Koscielski, Dale - R Perry, Chris - 2 Turner, Paul - R Barnes, Josh - R OL/DL Broughton, Vernon - 5 Hargrove, Reggie - R Henderson, Tony - 4 Hutch, Anthony - 4 Jacobs, John - R Massey, George - R Taylor, Greg - R Tosaw, Mike - R |
Hohensee said that evaluating kickers is simple. Number one is leg strength. Number two is accuracy. “I think you can work on the accuracy. It`s tough to work on leg strength. If the kid has leg strength, we`ll come up with drills – whatever we have to do to make him a more accurate kicker.”
Jamie Kohl (5`11” 220, Iowa State) is a perfect fit. He served in the 1999 Seattle Seahawks training camp before being signed by the Rush. “This kid, on film, is the most powerful kicker I`ve ever seen,” gushed Hohensee. “If (he) comes in prepared, I think he could be one of the best kickers this league has ever seen. He`s a guy who can kick off into the stands – on the big field.”
The only question mark will be his accuracy. “He`s got plenty of leg. I`m hoping he can control it,” admitted Hohensee. But his statistics and film indicate he has no problems kicking field goals. Hohensee wondered why Kohl is not currently a member of an NFL club. Perhaps after a successful season with Chicago, he will be.
Final Tally: C With this kid, who knows? He`s an exciting prospect, and he has a powerful leg, but if he can`t squeeze extra points through those little bitty goal posts, the team will lose the close ones.
Defensive Specialist
If you ask any member of the Chicago Rush to talk about their favorite currently signed player, they will all crow about Derek Stingley. And with good reason. Hohensee had the pleasure of coaching him in Albany, and now the coach measures all of his players by Stingley`s example.
He has every quality a team looks for in a defensive specialist, plus one more. He`s a leader. “He`s a quiet leader. He`s not a loud mouth kid,” explained Hohensee. “He doesn`t bawl people out. He doesn`t cuss and scream. He`s a leader by example. He`s a man of few words, but when he talks, he`s got something important to say.”
Stingley has had a lot to say to his opponents over his four-year career, making 14 career interceptions and averaging over 80 tackles a season. Quickness is the uncommon denominator that differentiates Stingley from his counterparts. There are few pure defenders with his raw speed. Normally a defensive back is either a powerful hitter or he`s fast – not both. But Stingley can cover the field like no other, and he has the mental quickness to match his physical ability. “He`s the best,” says Hohensee.
The Rush have also acquired Stingley`s former teammate, Chris Lawson (6`0” 202, Rhode Island) as well as rookie Cedric Johnson (6`0” 190, Texas A&M Kingsville).
“Chris Lawson is a solid Defensive Specialist,” said Hohensee. “He was the other defensive specialist when they [Lawson and Stingley] won the championship a couple of years ago in Albany. So you`ve got 2/3rds of your backfield who know each other and won a championship together. And you haven`t played a game as an organization yet, I think you are way ahead of the game there.”
While Lawson shares much of Stingley`s defensive prowess, he lacks the speed to keep up with the superstar. Also, his mental toughness is an unknown since Stingley dominated most of the playing time in Albany.
Despite the fact that the position is dominated by experience and stardom, a rookie by the name of Cedric Johnson has been turning heads in the film room. When Hohensee and his director of player personnel, Brent Winter, were asked who they think the team`s rookie sleeper will be, they both erupted in giddy laughter. Johnson, they said, reminds them of one Anthony Derricks. Derricks played for the New England Sea Wolves last season and set an all-time record for returning four kick-off returns for touchdowns in the same game.
Needless to say, the Defensive Specialist position looks to be well stocked, and could rival the best in the AFL.
Final Tally: A+ You can`t get much better than Stingley, and Chris Lawson is just an added bonus. If Johnson turns out to be half the player the coaches think he is, he`ll be a keeper. This is the team`s strongest position without question.
Fullback/Linebacker
Hohensee describes the ideal fullback/linebacker as a battering ram. A man who is patient yet aggressive -- controlled yet ferocious. “On the defensive side you want the guy to come like a bat out of hell, but on the offensive side you`ve got to be patient and control yourself. It`s a little more of a controlled rage on offense.”
Tim Brown (6`1” 238, West Virginia) and Mike Waldron (6`2” 265 Indiana) comprise Chicago`s roster in early January. And even though the Rush plan to add at least one more to the fold, Hohensee is very pleased with his RUSHing duo.
“Tim Brown is probably one of the toughest individuals I`ve ever coached,” explained Hohensee. When used as a measuring stick for the position, Hohensee could only come up with one other he`s ever coached who was better; Chad Dukes. Dukes is now playing in the NFL.
“Mike Waldron is not the quite the caliber of a Tim Brown yet, but he`s on his way there,” said Hohensee. As a rookie in Albany, Waldron was waived by Hohensee from training camp because they were overstocked at the position. Since then he has proven his worth in Florida. Waldron was acquired in a trade with Florida for a 6th round draft pick in the expansion draft. For a sixth round selection, Waldron was a steal. Not just because Waldron is a quality player but because the expansion draft is watered down this season. Teams get to protect 16 players, but in the first year of free agency teams can also protect newly signed free agents in addition to the 16, which means most teams have 20 or 21 players protected and unavailable to the Detroit Fury and the Rush.
Final Tally: A Although the third running back has not yet been signed, Brown is a star, and Waldron is coming into his own. Expect this group to threaten opposing quarterbacks and pick up those short-yardage first downs.
Wide Receiver/Defense Back and Offensive Specialist
The positions of WR/DB and OS are difficult to assign before training camp. When players must play both offense and defense, it is impossible to determine their exact position until they get on the field and test their skills. Even Arena Football veterans are never sure which position they will play before the season starts because there may be open slots that need filled. For example, an OS may be required to switch to a WR/DB because a new receiver does not have the skills to play defense.
Generally, Hohensee breaks down his WR/DB`s into three categories: A strong defensive back, a strong wide receiver, or a good two-way guy. Ideally a team would be blessed with three two-way guys, but that can`t be expected on a new team. “You usually only have those on teams that have been around for a while and had the ability to keep their players” says Hohensee.
It is too early to say who will stand out at wide receiver for the Rush. Unlike other positions, the Rush don`t have any mid- or high-profile free agents. That doesn`t mean the current roster doesn`t have potential or experience. They have a good mixture of raw talent, af2 standouts, and two experienced veterans.
The most experienced AFL veteran gracing the current Rush roster is WR/LB Jai Hill (6`3” 210, Indiana, PA). Hill is a four-year journeyman who played for Hohensee with the Anaheim Piranhas, and most recently served as a backup behind Hunkie Cooper with the Arizona Rattlers. Hohensee is impressed with Hill`s defensive intelligence and his ability to read opposing offenses. While Hill is not a speed-demon, he knows Hohensee`s system and will be valuable in camp as a veteran example for the younger receivers.
Chris Perry (6`3" 210, Adams State) earned two years of Arena Football experience with the Buffalo Destroyers. During that time, Perry only played in 13 games, but caught 46 passes and scored 13 touchdowns. He was released this offseason by the Destroyers. The reason for his release is unknown, but Hohensee said that Perry played well against his New England Sea Wolves last season, and Perry has experience on both sides of the ball, which is a big plus.
Two af2 veterans Daedrick Cail (6`0” 185, Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and Troy Esprit (6`3” 195, Grambling) offer the Rush some talent coupled with indoor experience. Cail played the 2000 season with the Arkansas Twisters as a defensive specialist. Hohensee expects Cail to be a strong two-way guy for his squad. He is tough, he covers the field well, he`s athletic, and he`s fast. Esprit played basketball in college, and he spent the 2000 season playing for the Pensacola Barracudas in the af2. “He`s very raw, but very athletic as well,” said Hohensee. “Maybe one of the more athletic kids that we have.”
When watching af2 film, Hohensee says he looks for players who stand out – who look like they are men amongst boys. Cail and Esprit definitely stood out.
Damond Wilkins (6`1” 190, Nevada) is the only player the Rush currently have listed as an Offensive Specialist. In 2000 Wilkins was waived by Hohensee after training camp when he was beat out by rookie of the year hopeful Damion Harrell. When Harrell went down to injury, Wilkins was invited back. But he was only able to play for two games before attending to a family emergency. Wilkins isn`t as physical of a player, but he`s smart, which makes him ideal for the offensive specialist position. Hohensee believes Wilkins is going to be ready this time around.
The rest of the WR/DB`s on the roster have never played the Arena game. Hohensee and his staff evaluate players like these as receivers first. Then they find a spot. “Can he catch the ball? Is he a good route runner? Is he exciting? Can he break tackles? If he`s got good size, if he`s powerful, then he can play linebacker.” Explained Hohensee, “If he`s shiftier but still tough, he can play DB. If he`s a little slighter, or you think he`s so good, then he should be your specialist.”
Lonny Mitchell (6`2” 200, San Diego State) spent the 2000 training camp with the St. Louis Rams. He has good hands, and he`s tough after the catch. As a pure receiver Hohensee`s excited about what he`ll be able to do on the small field. Mitchell is currently listed as a WR/DB, but his skills may exclude him to the offensive specialist position.
Albany Firebirds castoffs Damien Morris (5`10” 185, McNeese State) and Dale Koscielski (6`1” 220, Delaware) were victims of the odds. In the 2000 season, they tried out for the Albany Firebirds, but found themselves behind Eddie Brown and a team-full of talented wide receivers. Firebirds` players raved about Morris` ability to play, but it won`t be until this season in Chicago that he`ll have a chance to prove himself. He`s a solid route runner, and good after the catch. Morris also has a shot at an offensive specialist position. Koscielski, on the other hand, is a defensive player first, wide receiver second. He has good size, which makes him a prime candidate for the WR/LB position. On film Koscielski looks very tough, but the challenge will be teaching him the patience and controlled aggression of playing offense.
Paul Turner (5`9” 185, Colorado State) attended Bills training camp in `98, and comes to the Rush as a speed-burner. Turner still holds the national high school indoor record for the 50-meter dash, and he runs a 4`3” on grass. But he`s an unknown who will have to overcome his small stature and learn the intricacies of the indoor game, including defense, to earn a spot on the roster.
Finally, Josh Barnes (5`11” 188 Northwestern) is a local prospect who has played both sides of the ball during his time with the Wildcats. Barnes came in as a wide receiver, but played in 45 games as a defensive back, recording 111 tackles and intercepting five passes for the NU defense. He also handled kickoff and punt return duties for the Wildcat special teams. Hohensee and company are hoping this local talent is a perfect match for the WR/DB and kick returner positions.
Final Tally: D The Rush have no proven talent at any of the offensive receiver positions. Hill was a backup and Perry got limited playing time. The rest are intriguing but unknown. The signing period isn`t over, and the team may need to secure a proven talent to threaten the rest of the AFL. Like Hohensee says, teams don`t get three WR/DBs who can play both sides of the ball unless they`ve been around for a while. Chicago fans may have to be patient in this area. It appears to be the team`s weakest.
Offensive/Defensive Line
Coach Hohensee describes the main criteria he looks for in linemen with one word: Motor. “They have to have a great motor,” explained Hohensee. “To me it means they play every play. You don`t see them jogging around waiting for something to happen.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the linemen have to be driven to come after the quarterback on every down. A team wants defensive linemen who hate coming off the field -- simply because in Arena Football, they rarely get to. With so few substitutions, linemen must have the drive and energy to keep it coming play after play.
When looking for line prospects from the outdoor game, Hohensee focuses on defensive players first. Once they get in camp, they are trained to block, and their adaptability often determines whether or not they make the team. He does sign offensive linemen, but only for the critical center position.
While the Rush may find some fantastic OL/DL prospects in their rookie pool, they want to first focus on players with Arena Football experience. And those guys are Tony Henderson, Vernon Broughton, and Anthony Hutch. If Hohensee had to play today, they would be his three starting linemen. However, while these three guys excel on defense, their offensive play may not be strong enough to fill the center slot.
Vernon Broughton (6`5" 295, Fayetteville State) and Anthony Hutch (6`4" 295, Murray State) both fall into the highly experienced category with a combined 9 years and two Arenabowl appearances each while playing for the Iowa Barnstormers. Hutch was the Barnstormers Lineman of the Year in 1999 and 2000 and led the team in sacks in both seasons.
Tony Henderson played OL/DL under Hohensee in New England, and although he missed part of the season with an injury, Henderson made quite an impression on his coach during his eight games on the field.
“Tony Henderson has always been successful,” said Hohensee of his former New England lineman, “He has a great motor, and he`s a real football player. He`s excited about coming to practice. He talks football. He`s always asking questions, and he wants to improve.”
In a sports-entertainment world when players often get distracted by fame, money, and improved dating opportunities, teams are successful if they are stocked with players who love the sport and play because they think, eat, and breathe football. Players like lineman Greg Taylor (6`2” 275, Harding) fit this mold.
“Greg Taylor is a Henderson-type guy. He can`t wait to play,” said Hohensee near the end of our very long telephone interview, “His phone bill is probably higher than ours. He`s calling me every day because he just can`t wait to play.”
Taylor played for the Arkansas Twisters last season and recorded 8 sacks, placing him 5th in the league overall.
Brent Winter, the Chicago Rush`s director of player personnel and special teams coordinator, likes the looks of rookie lineman John Jacobs (6`5” 315, Baker University KS). He has bounced around some NFL training camps as well as a one-year stint in NFL Europe, not to mention playing some Kansas City Royals baseball.
“John Jacobs has amazingly long arms,” said Winter. “He`s strong, and he`s an all-around athlete. He can bench 225 in 48 reps. He could give some centers a real problem.” However, Jacobs will have to be trained to play offense.
Reggie Hargrove (6`4” 270, Louisville) is a great defensive lineman, but may be too slight to play offensive line. George Massey (6`3” 285, Kentucky) is a solid pass-rusher, but will also have to be taught to play offense, and Mike Tosaw (6`2” 297, Missouri Southern) is the team`s only pure offensive lineman from the outdoor game. He saw some time at center at Missouri Southern.
Lineman Tally: B The addition of Henderson, Hutch and Broughton make this line a formidable one. The Rush`s only weakness appears to be an experienced center.
Wrap-up
The Rush appear to have a solid defensive line, a threatening defensive backfield, and proven running backs/linebackers. Pressure on opposing QBs from the line and linebacker with solid coverage in the secondary should help keep Rush opponents` scores down, but with unknowns at quarterback, center, and a stable of unproven wideouts, they may not be able to score enough points to stay ahead.
Nonetheless, Mike Hohensee likes the makeup of his fledgling team. While they may not have a lot of AFL experience in some areas, they are definitely a physical one. Players like Brown, Stingley, Lawson, Broughton, Hutch, and Henderson are brutal examples.
“I don`t know how challenging we`re going to be in Chicago, but we`re going to hit people in the mouth. And I think when you start a football team, a physical football team is a great place to start. And we`ll definitely be that.”
Kevin Sheller ia founder of Arenafan Online and was the principal owner until 2004. Kevin graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in technical writing, and has been a member of the Arena Football Internet community since 1993. He has worked as a professional web programmer and is also the executive producer for a computer/video game company. The most recent Xbox title to his credit is called Hunter: The Reckoning.
