Training Camp: Competitive day completes Soul first practice
Saturday March 2, 2013
Philadelphia Players Begin Non-Padded Practice at NovaCare Complex
PHILADELPHIA (March 2, 2013) – The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, finished their first day of non-padded practice at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia. The first practice of the 2013 season kicks off the Soul’s run for ArenaBowl XXVI in Orlando.
Players were eager and excited to finally get on the field after completing physicals for the previous two days of camp. The competition is high as veteran players OL Christian Johnson and Brennen Carvalho looked strong on the offensive line, while rookies DL/LBs Morkeith Brown and Calvin Fance were impressive in their first Soul practices. There will be another two days of non-padded practices before contact starts on Tuesday, March 5.
With many new players added to the mix, the team needs to get into the groove of things as their season-opening game is three weeks away. The Soul will put their team to the test a week before with a scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Power.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: WR/KR ALVANCE ROBINSON (5’9”, 170, Alabama St.): Enters his fourth AFL season and his first season with the Philadelphia Soul. Robinson had the two best seasons of his career with the Utah Blaze (2011-12) recording 185 receptions, 2,363 yards, and 47 touchdowns in 27 games.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I am thrilled to be around, and a member of, a championship-caliber program,” said Soul WR Armand Robinson. “This team is designed to make a run at the ArenaBowl. One thing that really makes this team special is the fans. It’s great to be in a city that loves football. To see the way this city rallies around this team is something special. With training camp starting, I’m happy to be here, get back to football, and be a part of this.”
WELCOME HOME, MORKEITH: Soul DL/LB Morkeith Brown (6’5”, 255, Temple), comes back to Philadelphia, the same city he attended college at Temple University. Before attending Temple, Brown enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served a 14-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2005.
Brown played for Temple’s football program, earning All MAC Honoree and being named a nominee for the Vern Smith Leadership Award. After college, Brown had the opportunity to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers camp (2012), Cleveland Browns camp (2012), and two workouts with the Philadelphia Eagles (2012).
Brown, a Criminal Justice major and decorated veteran, naturally has defense in his mindset. He defended our country and now looks to help defend for the Soul.
TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Sunday, March 3: Non-padded Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Monday, March 4: Non-padded Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 5: First day of Padded Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 6: Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 7: Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, March 8: First Cuts Practice – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 9: Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 10: Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Monday, March 11: Practice – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 12: Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 13: Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 14: Practice – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, March 15: Practice – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 16: Scrimmage against Pittsburgh Power – 8:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m.
Final Cuts
END OF TRAINING CAMP
*All times subject to change, Contact the Soul PR Department to confirm times and dates.
**All practices at the Philadelphia Eagles’ NovaCare Facility unless otherwise noted.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL
The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Parx Casino. They capped their seventh Arena Football League season by capturing the 2012 American Conference championship. The Soul will open their season on Saturday, March 23 in a re-match of ArenaBowl XXV when they travel to Phoenix to play the Arizona Rattlers on CBS Sports Network. For 2013 season tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Follow the Soul on Facebook at facebook.com/soul and Twitter at twitter.com/soulfootball.