Player Evaluation: Carolina Cobras Must Succeed
Jon Whitehurst
Monday February 19, 2001
Cobras Head Coach Doug Kay pieced together a roster just a few weeks before the expansion team’s debut season in 2000. Although the team struggled out of the gate, the Cobras managed to win two of their last three home games to finish with a 3-11 overall mark. But a three in the win column will not be acceptable in 2001. With the grace period of an inaugural season behind his team, Kay expects more than a reasonable improvement.
“We need to satisfy ownership and our support group,” he said. “We have developed a loyalty to this program in such a short time. For us to ask those people to continue that loyalty, we need to put a better product on the field.”
The cast includes key performers from the first presentation, a few veterans with ArenaBowl championships and a host of newcomers eager to leave their mark on the production.
Quarterback
Character and experience are high on Kay’s list for the ideal quarterback, and it helps to have Fred McNair (6-2, 240, Alcorn State) suiting up for the team. McNair, a seven-year veteran, joined the team in mid-season after being traded from Florida in a blockbuster deal. Playing in the Cobras final eight games of 2000, he passed for 1,958 yards and 29 touchdowns. In the final three games, McNair torched opposing defenses for 20 touchdowns.
McNair rides into the new season on a wave of confidence and the complete arsenal in his pocket. Mentally and physically, he has the complete package necessary to be an elite quarterback in any league.
Still, Kay understood the need for an experienced backup, a quarterback who has been forced to be in a position to win games. Lance Funderburk (6-5, 225, Valdosta State) offers just that. In his first start for the Arizona Rattlers, Funderburk filled in for an injured Sherdrick Bonner and led his team to a 34-30 playoff victory over the Nashville Kats (August 7, 1999). He is expected to battle former Clemson University star Brandon Streeter for the backup position.
Streeter (6-3, 200), an AFL rookie, will benefit from learning the game from scratch behind two experienced quarterbacks. He has a quick release and is an accurate passer, holding the Clemson record for season completion percentage.
Final Analysis: A The quarterback is crucial in Arena Football since the game is so offensively minded. The team’s success in the win/loss column is in direct correlation to the quarterback’s success in putting the ball in the end zone. What better hands to put the ball in than those of McNair? With a fresh offensive line to protect him and a surrounding cast of offensive firepower, expect McNair to pick up where he left off at the end of last season. Funderburk and Streeter only make this position stronger.
 McNair found himself on the run often in 2000. Image courtesy of Mark Canello |
Many of the breakdowns for the Cobras last season started with the offensive and defensive line. McNair faced a collapsing pocket on offense, and the Cobras rarely got close to their opponent’s quarterback. It was no surprise that Kay concentrated on signing quality lineman to increase size and strength in the trenches.
“We’ve done that on paper, but I don’t know if we’ve done that in actuality,” he said.
Regardless, no less than 17 players will compete for nine spots on the active 24-man roster. The free agent acquisitions include ArenaBowl champions Webbie Burnett and Kelvin Ingram and a tenacious pass rusher in Rob Stanavitch.
Burnett (6-3, 310, Florida) is a nine-year veteran and is regarded as one of the best centers in the league. If he comes into camp prepared for the season, he can make an immediate impact at his position. Both Burnett and Ingram (6-5, 285, Oklahoma State) won a championship in 1998 with the Orlando Predators. Ingram signed as an unrestricted free agent (from Arizona) this off-season and has good skills on both sides of the ball. Stanavitch (6-2, 270, Towson State), a six-year AFL veteran, was another off-season addition (from Los Angeles), where he played in nine games for the Avengers last season.
Stanavitch, who has a knack for getting after quarterbacks, is an exceptional pass rusher. “He’ll force people to work hard, and we’ll be a better team with him,” Kay said.
The roster also includes veterans Carl Reeves, Brad Keeney, Dary Myricks and Hunter Adams. Reeves (6-4, 260, N.C. State) brings a great work ethic and attitude to the team and will provide leadership on the line, and Keeney (6-3, 275, The Citadel) paced the Cobras with three sacks last season and tied for second in the AFL with five fumble recoveries. Myricks (6-2, 300, The Citadel) saw limited action in 2000 after joining the club midway through the season as part of the McNair trade. He finished with four tackles and a pass break up in four games. Adams returns as one of the more versatile lineman. He played all three positions up front last season and heads into camp as a solid choice on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
The list of rookies includes Allen Mogridge (6-4, 280, North Carolina), who is versatile in his own right, having played five different positions in college. Given his athleticism, he could also find himself taking some snaps at fullback/linebacker as well. Also on the list of Cobras newcomers is Silas Demary (6-3, 285, Norfolk State), the leading sacker in af2 with the Norfolk Nighthawks last season; Adrian Luster (6-1, 310, The Citadel), who benches 610 pounds and has a vertical leap of 31 inches; and Lonnie Gilbert (6-3, 300), who played collegiately at N.C. State. Jason Berger, Charles Dorsey, Chris Mintz and Harold Williams will each compete for a spot on the roster.
Final Analysis: B Most of the off-season changes took place on the line. While the Cobras may have accomplished the goal of size and strength, how the group molds as a unit is the key. Kay expects an immediate impact from his free agents. Even a marginal improvement from last season will translate into success on the field.
Fullback/Linebacker
Kay has high demands for the fullback/linebacker position, which he calls pivotal.
“By offensive design, running the fullback has to be an integral part of your offensive attack,” he said. “The best teams in Arena Football are the teams that can run the football.”
Need proof? The top two rushing teams last season—Nashville (38.6 yards per game) and Orlando (36.1 ypg)—faced off in the Arena Bowl. The Cobras finished third behind the strength of workhorse Marrio Grier. When asked how to describe the ideal fullback/linebacker, Kay replied simply, “The ideal fullback wears No. 36.”
That’s the jersey Grier (5-10, 240, UT-Chattanooga) pulled over his pads as he led the league in rushing through five games last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury. How Grier rebounds from his injury will affect his team’s success at running its offense.
Second-year players Jeremy Beutler (6-3, 260, Ohio) and Tyrant Marion (6-2, 260, Florida State) will most likely fight for a roster spot to back up Grier. Marion, who played on the line during as a rookie last year, finished the season with 20 tackles and a sack and added a reception on offense. Like Marion, Beutler also saw time on the line as a rookie but got some action at fullback/linebacker late in the season.
Kay likes Beutler’s size and muscular frame for the position but said he suffered last season from playing too many positions.
“I’m anxious to see Jeremy get a chance to play the fullback/linebacker position when he only has to play that position,” Kay said.
Final Analysis: A Expect good things from Grier in his second season. He may not be full strength heading into camp, but he will fill his role early in the season. Beutler will benefit from the stability of practicing and playing one position, while Marion will use camp to learn a new position. Defensively, all three players have the ability to provide pressure on the quarterback, something the Cobras need to improve upon from their inaugural campaign.
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Kay approached the league’s first bout with free agency with two objectives: sign the key free agents on the Cobras’ roster and sign free agents from around the league that can compliment the returning players. Along with QB Fred McNair, one of Carolina’s key unrestricted free agent signings from last years’ club was wide receiver/defensive back David McLeod.
 David McLeod has played for three AFL teams in his five year career. Image courtesy of Andrew Mason |
Carolina will also turn to third-year pro Kotto Cotton to pick up some of the slack. Cotton was picked-up off waivers midway through the season last year but did not see any game action for the Cobras. He had a breakout season with the Texas Terror (now Houston ThunderBears) in 1997, catching 57 passes for 805 yards and 14 touchdowns and will look to find his rookie form again this season as he adds depth and experience to the two-way position.
Kyle Gary (5-10, 205, Idaho), who came to Carolina in a trade with San Jose, will give the Cobras another experienced veteran on the receiving corps. Gary, entering his third year in the league, excelled in the high-scoring San Jose system totaling 44 receptions for 584 yards and eight touchdowns. He also corralled 33 tackles, three fumble recoveries, two pass break ups and a pair of interceptions on defense.
University of North Carolina alum Antwon Black (5-11, 190) is an exciting rookie prospect who Kay said has good quickness and incredible athleticism. He will add depth to the wide receiver/defensive back position, and his versatility will allow him to serve as an emergency quarterback and kicker. It doesn’t hurt that Black played on both sides of the ball and special teams in college.
Rounding out the two-ways is second-year player Dexter Dawson. Dawson returns to the Cobras after a successful rookie campaign, catching 62 passes for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns. He returns to the WR/DB position after spending half of 2000 as the Cobras’ offensive specialist.
Final Analysis: B+ McLeod shined in the final game of the season in 2000 but needs to become more consistent game in and game out. Cotton and Gary should add a nice one-two punch to the position and the return of Dawson will give McNair a number of viable options in the passing game. Black is a young rookie who could make some noise if he picks up the indoor game quickly.
Wide Receiver/Linebacker
Cornelius White and Greg Harris top the list at wide receiver/linebacker. Kay said he was fortunate to keep two people who had substantial impact last season. White (5-11, 195, Virginia Tech) led the team with 55 tackles and 15 touchdown receptions. For his efforts, White earned a spot on the AFL All-Ironman Team.
Harris (6-2, 215, North Carolina) proved he could play the position in just a few games Kay said. He played in five, pulling in eight receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns. He also intercepted a pass and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown.
Like Harris, rookie James Adderley (6-2, 200, Bethune-Cookman) has great size to play the position. Although listed as a rookie by AFL standards, Adderley played in five games last year for the Indoor Football League’s Steel Valley Smash and spent the 1999 season on the roster with the New York Jets.
Final Analysis: A+ Although the early tale of the tape looks like a two-horse race between White and Harris, Adderley could turn some heads in camp. The WR/LB position could be the strongest on the club.
Offensive Specialist
Currently, the Cobras list second-year player Marlon Estes and rookies Troy Smith and Derrick Steagall as the only offensive specialists. Estes (5-11, 186, Wake Forest) returns to action after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the 2000 season. Kay expects him to be 100 percent as training camp approaches. Although he played in just four games, he hauled in 11 passes for 145 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Kay admitted Smith (6-2, 200, East Carolina) has enough talent to be a specialist, and if the Cobras can get him on the field, his large frame will provide a good target for McNair. Smith has NFL experience, playing the 1999 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Steagall (6-0, 205, Georgia Tech) is another AFL rookie trying to earn a roster spot after spending a year on the Miami Dolphins injured reserve list in 1998.
Final Analysis: B- The offensive specialist position is the only slot on the roster with no extensive AFL experience. Estes, Smith and Steagall have a combined four games of indoor action. Estes is the most explosive of the three and is considered to be the pre-season favorite to earn the starting job, but he will definitely be tested by talented former NFL’ers Smith and Steagall.
Defensive Specialist
When the starting defensive specialists are named, they may not be the fastest runners or best defenders. Kay said he hoped to “put together a defense that was capable of giving us a winning performance.” This position could be the biggest question for the Cobras heading into camp.
Reggie Carthon (5-10, 185, Montana State) started last season but showed some inconsistency. Kay attributed some of Carthon’s troubles to his tough shift in mid-season from the 60-yard-wide Canadian field to the 28-yard-wide Arena field.
Kay searched the free agent realms and brought in Otis Mounds to challenge for the position. Mounds (6-1, 200, Auburn) played for the Florida Bobcats in 2000, leading the team with 14 pass break ups and placing second with 65 tackles. The hard-hitting Mounds caught Kay’s eye with his character and strong leadership capabilities.
“Otis is a proven player in the league, and he has been an effective player as a defensive specialist primarily because of his leadership capabilities,” Kay said. “He is serious about football.”
And while Mounds may not be the best cover man in the league, Kay said he can take charge of a situation and make big plays.
Also part of the mix heading into pre-season is rookie Adrian Jones (5-10, 180, N.C. Central), who Kay described as a young athlete with some coverage ability, and Carlos Locklyn (5-9, 195, UT-Chattanooga), who worked out with the team last season.
Final Analysis: B- While the Cobras struggled to contain offenses in their first season, the veteran leadership of Mounds will force other players to play harder and smarter. His presence will help Carthon adjust to his second year in the league and will provide a measuring stick for Jones and Locklyn. Kay said, “They are all questions because there is a chemistry you have to develop.”
Kicker
In Arena Football, a team’s kicker must possess good leg strength to have a legitimate shot at a field goal from anywhere on the turf and must be able get the ball off the end zone rebound nets on kick-offs. Also, he must have precise accuracy to help the ball sail through the 9-foot-wide goal posts.
In the Cobras’ first season, the kicking game struggled at best despite Remy Hamilton (6-0, 195, Michigan) having leg strength—he has the potential to kick as well as anyone in the league according to Kay. Hamilton enjoyed a successful rookie campaign with the Grand Rapids Rampage in 1998 but has lost some of his consistency since arriving in Carolina. Kay says that Hamilton, who misfired on 30 of his 41 field goal attempts, did not perform well enough on the field last year.
As a result, Carolina signed rookie free agent Josh McGee (5-10, 180, North Carolina) who will challenge Hamilton for kicking duties. In McGee’s senior season at North Carolina, he led the ACC by hitting 17 of 21 (.810) field goal attempts and set the UNC career record for most points by a kicker with 271. He has a history of accuracy, and Kay said he has already started working on his leg strength.
Final Analysis: C+ McGee has great potential, but his transition to kicking outdoors in Kenan Stadium to indoors at the Entertainment and Sports Arena is difficult to predict. And how will Hamilton handle McGee’s presence? Will it make him better? Last year he was the only kicker in training camp and had no real competition for the job.
What It All Means
The Cobras have assembled the right cast to fill the holes from last season’s roster. And Carolina is certainly in better shape this season compared to this time a year ago. With a veteran quarterback, a solid running game and some talented playmakers at the receiver position, the offense should be exciting to watch. The only real question marks are the specialist positions and kicker. Offensively, Estes will fight it out with Smith and Steagall for the right to start and defensively, Mounds should add leadership and character to a young backfield. McGee might be the answer at kicker or his presence should at least light a fire under Hamilton to get him back to his rookie form.
The first version drew record crowds, and Kay knows the importance of matching the success in the seats with success on the field. When the curtain falls to close out this performance, the Cobras hope to have fulfilled the expectations and paved the way for future success.
Jon Whitehurst was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2001 season.
