Rattlers Cranking Up Intensity
Patrick Daly
Monday April 1, 2002
“We felt like we had a talented team last year,” said Gene Nudo, Rattlers Vice President of Operations. “I think what hurt us was … our attitude. I think, through a week [of training camp], our attitude has been tremendous. We have a lot of young, energetic kids out here. Our veterans have come back in good shape and to me it looks like a totally different ball club right now.”
The most obvious change starts with quarterback Sherdrick Bonner. The noticeably lighter Bonner still shows the same leadership he’s shown in the past. His renewed focus should pay huge dividends as one of many veteran leaders that return for 2002.
“Sherdrick Bonner has re-dedicated himself,” said Nudo. “He’s got himself in great shape.”
Former Oklahoma Wrangler quarterback Ron Lopez was signed in January to provide veteran insurance and to push Bonner, however he won’t figure into the mix as he was quietly released in early March. QB Chad DeGrenier still figures to back up Bonner after an impressive showing in spot duty last season.
Among the new faces in camp, look for big things from wide receiver/linebacker Bobby McGowens, wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Cobb, defensive specialist Derek Stingley and kicker Chris Sailer.
“They’re bringing exactly what we thought they would bring,” said Nudo. “Cobb is a good, fast defensive back. Stingley is in a system more conducive to the way he plays. Bobby McGowens is a big wide receiver/linebacker. The guy I’m real pleased with right now is Chris Sailer. Chris gives us a good solid veteran kicker.”
The Rattlers grabbed McGowens in the dispersal draft and he is one of many former Oklahoma Wranglers who will contribute this season. McGowens has looked good so far and brings excellent size and strength to a team already deep at receiver. Stingley didn’t fit in with the plan in Chicago, but he’s already made his presence known in the first few days of camp. Cobb’s speed will be a plus on defense along with returning defensive specialists Cecil Doggette and Jerrick Bledsoe.
“We’ve got four guys that can cover,” said Nudo. “We’ve got Doggette, Cobb, Stingley and Bledsoe. Bledsoe had four or five picks last year.”
Expect to see a new look from returning players as well. Defensive specialist Ricky Parker will line up on offense, while 2001 Rookie of the Year candidate Chris Horn will focus on lining up as an offensive specialist.
“It’s been a little bit of learning,” said Horn. “I know the offense from last year, so it’s not too much of an adjustment.”
“Ricky Parker came out here and ran our fastest 40 [yard dash] and he’s been training the entire offseason to be a receiver,” said Nudo. “He’s as talented as anybody on the football field and he’s got a super football sense. I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people in this league.”
Continued focus and intensity will be key throughout the season. At times in 2001, the Rattlers lost focus and didn’t seem to have the drive to keep up with increasing competition. To be successful this season, that will have to change.
“Our overall intensity is up 10 to 15 notches from last year,” said Horn. “We’ve got a lot of new faces, but I think there’s a sense of urgency with everyone. I think everyone was pretty disappointed with the way last year went.
“The first thing we want is to have a more successful season overall this year. Last year was kind of up and down. That was the best way to describe it. We want to be real consistent and we want to win a lot of games this year. Personally, I just want to build on what I did last year. I had a good year last year and I want to start where I left off, if not at a higher level.”
One spot that may make or break the 2002 season is fullback/linebacker. The Rattlers attempted to address that need with the selection of former Houston ThunderBear Terrence Melton, however he’s opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Bo Kelly, John Peaua and Greg Gales return, while Jeff Macrea may contribute as well.
“I think our fullback/linebackers are a pleasant surprise,” said Nudo. “I think Bo Kelly and John Peaua and Jeff Macrea are going to give us a good competitive edge. Your pass rush has really got to come from those guys.”
Absent from the field so far are wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood, wide receiver/linebacker Hunkie Cooper and lineman Stacy Evans. However, each is expected to get on the field this week before Arizona opens the preseason schedule in Detroit on April 9th. Most of the younger players will get the bulk of the playing time. Four days later, the Rattlers will play host to the expansion Dallas Desperados in their final preseason tune-up.
Arizona’s Team
Even with the obvious changes for 2002, one thing remains the same: the Rattlers represent the state of Arizona.
“Our guys really like being out there and being around the people in this community,” said Nudo. “We’re Arizona’s team. When you come to a Rattler game, you won’t find half of the crowd cheering for the other team. When you come to a Rattler game, those are Rattler fans.”
After thoughts
After his release in October, offensive specialist Calvin Schexnayder has continued to rehabilitate the knee he injured against San Jose late last season. Schexnayder lives in Phoenix and stopped by the Rattler practice field this past week. Other teams have shown some interest in acquiring his services, so don’t be surprised if he shows up on another roster in the near future.
The pending sale of the Rattlers to a local ownership group led by Kevin Dieball remains pending. Even after the sale is completed, don’t look for any substantial changes this season. The deal still requires league approval, which could take time.
Patrick Daly has been an Arena Football League enthusiast since he first stumbled across the late-night ESPN broadcasts and has followed the Arizona Rattlers since their inaugural season in 1992. He graduated from Arizona State University with an engineering degree and is currently a member of a web development team for Direct Alliance in Tempe. Patrick currently resides in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler, Arizona with his beautiful wife, son and a very large football helmet collection.
