Storm Training Camp - Day Five
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Working on all phases of the game
TAMPA BAY – In order to succeed in the Arena Football League, it is important that all players improve in all phases of the game. It’s important to do well on offense and defense, but the players must excel on special teams. This is one reason why the coaching staff had all players work on their special teams play on day five of training camp.
“It’s extremely important for us to be successful in all phases of the game including special teams,” said wide receiver Julius Gregory. “Special teams set the tone of the game right from the start. Whether it’s getting a good return or preventing a good return.”
Practicing special teams also helps players hone their craft. With the ball coming off the net on kickoffs, it’s imperative to have a returner that can play the ball as it drops down from the net.
“Working on special teams is so important,” said wide receiver Terrence Mitchell. “As a returner, I’m working on perfecting the catch off the net. I’m looking to go right from the catch and score every time without hesitation.”
In addition to practicing special teams, the team was getting ready for its intrasquad scrimmage set for tomorrow. Both offense and defense will go head-to-head as it auditions one last time before the team goes through its first roster cut down later in the week.
“This is going to be good for the guys to get here in a game situation,” said offensive lineman Alfred McCullough. “We’ll be getting full speed contact so now everyone can be evaluated the way they need to be.”
These sentiments were echoed by head coach Lawrence Samuels, who felt this was the perfect time for a scrimmage.
“We’re already five practices in and we need to see these guys in game like conditions,” said head coach Lawrence Samuels. “This is their opportunity to show the coaching staff what they can do in a live situation.”
Practice at Amalie Arena: The Storm will continue practice on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at Amalie Arena tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11. Practice will run from 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Storm Dawg Sighting: Rumor has it that Storm Dawg has been in the gym and on the field working out. Nobody knows why, but some think he’s trying to make the final Storm roster. Keep checking tampabaystorm.com, Facebook and Twitter for more updates.
Player Spotlight: Julius Gregory is in your player spotlight today. Gregory joins the Storm for his rookie season in the AFL. While he maybe a rookie, he is a veteran of the indoor game. Gregory played in the American Indoor Football League (AIF) since 2012 and was most recently with the Lehigh Valley Steel Hawks and was named the AIF Co-MVP for 2014.
This season, Gregory is bringing his talents to Tampa to play for the Tampa Bay Storm. At 6-foot-4, the Portsmouth, VA native provides a big body for his quarterback. During practice today, the sure-handed receiver caught several passes, failing to drop any of them. Should they make the final roster, he and his teammate Jarvis Williams could create quite the duo for either Storm signal caller.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 28th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm opens up the 2015 season, Friday, March 27, when it takes on the Cleveland Gladiators, on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at AMALIE Arena. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.
