Focus is on Offense in Oklahoma

Mick Cornett
Monday March 19, 2001

As the Oklahoma Wranglers smiled for their team picture, you couldn’t help but notice the little guy in the front row. He’s the Wranglers biggest off-season acquisition, Lamont Cooper, who stands 5’7” and weighs 170 pounds. A great kick-returner and promising pass-catcher, Cooper is a lot of money and a lot of speed wrapped up in a little package.

Lamont Cooper was a Milwaukee Mustang in 2000 Image courtesy of Drew Kennedy

But how does Cooper fit into a roster that already includes offensive specialist Carlos Johnson, who led the AFL in receptions in 2000? And what about Rico Cannon? He’s spent time in the NFL and has to be considered for the position as well. The Wranglers can’t keep all three players. In fact, they might even have trouble keeping two of them because they all feel like they can start in this league; if not in Oklahoma, than somewhere else.

“I don’t know what coach has up his sleeve,” says Johnson, who intends to keep his job.

Injury Side Note

Johnson and wide receiver/linebacker Melvin Phillips spent the off-season rehabilitating serious off-season leg injuries. Phillips won’t discuss his injury in detail claiming that talking about it “is going to jinx me.”

Quarterback Shuffle

Justin Fuente spent last season as the third-string quarterback and never got to play in a game, but he had a busy off-season. Not only did he work on his passing game, he also took post-graduate business courses at the University of Oklahoma.

The backup quarterback spot is a critical position because of the importance of the passing game and the high risk of injury. Last season, backup Jeff Loots started two games when starter Ron Lopez’s body needed time to heal. With Loots gone, there will be fierce competition behind Lopez. Former OSU quarterback Joe Phears and Kansan Bill Lindquist are talented but both are AFL rookies. With a year of practice time under his belt, Fuente will get the opportunity to win the spot in the preseason games.

Coach’s Take

Head coach Bob Cortese continues to take a close look at players with local ties but doesn’t hesitate to cut them loose. Among the locals to leave the team last week were former OU recruits Jarrail Jackson and Dustin Loveless, along with former UCO players Elton Rhoades and Johnny Luter.

Upcoming: Preseason Games-March 26 at Carolina, April 7 vs. Buffalo in the Myriad; Season Opener-April 14 vs. Houston in the Myriad. Ticket Information (405) 236-0131.

 

The opinions expressed in the article above are only those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, opinions, or official stance of ArenaFan Online or its staff, or the Arena Football League, or any AFL or af2 teams.

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