The UFL Roster Break Down Pre-Training Camp: Issue #1 : Hartford Colonials

The UFL is finished the draft and pre-season tryout sessions for 2011. One team has completed mini-camp and we are now 56 day’s from the first kickoff of the 2011 season. This is the first of five issues going over the UFL rosters before the start of training camps in the first two weeks of July. After training camps we will issue another series of articles going over final rosters and season predictions for the 2011 season.

In this first issue we will introduce you to the current players on the Hartford Colonials roster.

First we will introduce the Offensive Unit.

LT

Adam Terry     6’8″     330lbs     Syracuse

OG

Kurt Quarterman     6’5″     348lbs     Louisville

Ricky Henry     6’4″     305lbs     Nebraska

Ryan Cave     6’4″     340lbs     Hampton

OL

Orrin Thompson     6’6″     337lbs      Duke

Kyle Calloway     6’6″     323lbs     Iowa

Cecil Newton     6’2″     310lbs     Tennessee State

Michael Ola     6’3″     302lbs     Hampton

Sergio Render     6’3″     313lbs     Virginia Tech

Jarrod Shaw     6’4″     331lbs     Tennessee

Brad Thorson     6’5″     310lbs     Kansas

Greg Isdaner     6’4″     325lbs     West Virginia

Rueben Riley     6’4″     320lbs     Michigan

Howard Barbieri     6’5″     305lbs     Rutgers

OT

Kyle Burkhart     6’4″     295lbs     Southern Miss

Peter Clifford     6’7″     312lbs     Michigan State

Just look at the offensive line talent coach Jerry Glanville has stocked in Hartford. Do you see the same message I do? All of the lineman are over 6’2″ and 300 pounds. It looks like the Colonials are looking to control the line of scrimmage. The quarterback should have the time in the pocket to throw the ball and the running backs should have lanes the size of an interstate to run through. As an old school style football fan I can’t wait to see this line in action!

QB

Jerrod Johnson     6’5″     250lbs     Texas A&M

Colt Brennan     6’3″     212lbs      Hawaii

Josh McCown     6’4″     208lbs     Sam Houston State

This quarterback competition is the one I am most excited about in the entire UFL pre-season. Jerrod Johnson was a top 5 rated quarterback in the nation prior to his injury. In an earlier interview with Jerrod he stated he is 100% and ready to show he is at the form he was prior to the injury. With his arm strength and his athletic ability to make the throws from awkward positions he is exciting to watch. Colt Brennan is an experienced NFL quarterback who should give both of his other competitors a run for their money. With his electric style of play and the ability to hit the long ball throw with accuracy Colt is a very exciting quarterback to watch play. After reading about these two we come to last years starter Josh McNown. Josh is not ready to give up the starting job without a fight. Coach Glanville has his hands full in this training camp at this position. If you’re a fan and can get to the Colonials training camp this is the battle to watch this pre-season.

RB

Andre Dixon     6’1″     209lbs     Connecticut

Phillip Tanner     6’0″     208lbs     Middle Tennessee State

Jason Davis     5’10″   242lbs     Illinois

Tory Harrison     6’1″      203lbs     Southern Miss

Kevin Jones     6’0″      225lbs     Virginia Tech

This running back group is exciting. When you look at Phillip Tanner the electric QB from Middle Tennessee State that can make play’s with his feet as well as being able to throw the ball it gives the offensive coordinator of the Colonials all kinds of options with him in the backfield. I am not sure in the ‘Wildcat’ is in the playbook of the Colonials but watch out for a few packages geared specifically for Phillip Tanner. I watched him play in college and he is ‘off the chart’! You have Dixon and Davis both good-sized backs running behind the size of the O-Line. Look for some ground and pound coming from the Colonials to open up the passing game.

FB

Asaph Schwapp     6’0″     252lbs     Notre Dame

Looks like the Colonials have a ‘linebacker’ cracking skulls in the offensive backfield. With his size if he has the hands he could be a force to reckon with on third down passing and short yardage situations. With the TE’s on the roster there are a few players who could fill in here.

TE

Greg Smith     6’4″     258lbs     Texas

Charles Davis     6’6″     278lbs     Purdue

Ronnie Ghent     6’2″     250lbs     Louisville

Jeff Cottam     6’6″     262lbs     Tennessee

If you have not gotten the message by now its been made clear the Colonials want size on the line. These TE’s are big and can block well. What we need to see is if the Colonials have a play maker at the position. With two TE’s at 6’6″ do they have the hands and speed to go over the middle and give the quarterbacks a huge target as a passing option? Do the TE’s on the roster have the speed, route running skills, and hands to beat any given linebacker or safety in the league? A lot of questions for the fans at this position to be answered.

WR

Ryan Grice-Mullen     5’11″     180lbs     Hawaii

Kenny Moore     5’11″     195lbs     Wake Forest

Aaron Valentin     6’1″       205lbs     Purdue

Syndric Steptoe     5’9″      200lbs     Arizona

Roren Thomas     5’11″     172lbs     Lindenwood

Shaheer McBride     6’2″      195lbs     Delaware State

Jason Chery     5’10″     185lbs     Louisiana-Lafayette

The Colonials seem to have depth at this position. I am not sure they have the ‘play maker’ required to be a top-tier passing program. Although they have a lot of players at the position only two are over 6′. It is hard to make a living in the passing game with undersized wide receivers. Lets hope they have speed and the hands to compensate for their size. Shaheer McBride on paper looks more like a TE. I am interested to see his vertical leap and speed. With his size he could be the ‘play maker’ the Colonials desperately need.

Now lets introduce the defensive unit.

CB

Chris Richards     5’11″     182lbs     Stony Brook

DB

Ryan Palmer     5’10″     177lbs     Texas

Ben Hannula     6’2″      205lbs     San Diego

Terrell Skinner     6’3″      214lbs     Maryland

Tra Battle     5’11″     181lbs     Georgia

Manny Collins     5’10″     191lbs     Rutgers

Kyle Whitehurst     6’2″       184lbs     Hampton

DC

Geoffrey Pope     5’11″     190lbs     Howard

Ahmad Carrol     5’9″       195lbs     Arkansas

DS

Brannon Condren     6’1″       208lbs    Troy

Chad Nkang     5’11″     215lbs     Elon

Jacob Patek     6’0″      207lbs     Hawaii

Antwain Spann     5’10″     195lbs     Louisana-Lafayette

John Busing     6’2″       231lbs     Miami (OH)

The defensive backfield is another position the Colonials have a lot of depth at. I have never seen an official roster listed like the Colonials have their defensive backfield listed on their website. I am not sure if it is listed the way it is to confuse the other teams in the league or if the Colonials themselves are just not sure where these players are going to play. The one thing certain is that the Colonials have great size in their defensive backfield. If the speed and ball skills equal their size it is definitely a force to reckon with in the UFL. I would not want to be a receiver or a quarterback facing this crew as it sits on paper. I am not sure whats in the water in Hartford but its clear they like their players big!

DE

Ervin Baldwin     6’2″     260lbs     Michigan State

Maurice Fountain     6’3″     262lbs     Clemson

Keith Grennan     6’4″     298lbs     Eastern Washington

Craig Marshall     6’4″     262lbs     South Florida

Chris Walker     6’3″     245lbs     Tennessee

Michale Spicer     6’3″     285lbs     Western Carolina

If you were looking at this crew with their helmets on and no names on the back of the jerseys you would think you were seeing double. They are all basically the same height and weight. It appears the Colonials have an athletic crew of defensive ends with long arms to get around the corners with speed. On paper they seem to be a quick nimble line. Look for a lot of sacks off the edges for the Colonial defense.

DL

Jonas Seawright     6’6″     321lbs     North Carolina

So the Colonials have this player listed as a ‘defensive lineman’. There is no doubt in my mind this player is the nose tackle in the middle of the line. With his size the Colonials have a real gap stuffer here! This player is not going to be moved off the line easily by most centers in any league. If he can cause penetration up the middle look out for the Colonials to have a break out season as a defensive line. With the speed on the corners it going to be hard for any quarterback to escape the size and pressure of this line.

DT

Orien Harris     6’3″     308lbs     Miami

Jonathan Lewis     6’0″     304lbs     Virginia Tech

Greg Peterson     6’5″     290lbs     North Carolina Central

Colby Whitlock     6’3″     294lbs     Texas Tech

The Colonials don’t seem to have the depth at the defensive tackle position they do as the others on the team. The players they do have on the roster follow the format we have talked about during this whole review. They are tall and big! The Colonials are going to be a very hard team to run against. If the Colonials perform as good as they look on paper you might be looking at the number one run stopping and sack defense in the UFL. They definitely have a lot of upside.

LB  

Joe Mortensen     6’1″     265lbs     Kansas 

Harry Coleman     6’2″     206lbs     LSU

Erik Pederson     6’0″     221lbs     Hawaii

Clint McPeek     6’2″      220lbs    New Mexico

Frantz Joseph     6’2″     240lbs     Florida Atlantic

Andy Schantz     6’1″     223lbs     Portland State

Danny Lansanah     6’1″     259lbs     Connecticut

The Colonials once again stick with their pattern of size in the linebacker position as well. There is no doubt that the linebackers will be a help in the run and pass rush schemes of the defensive coordinator of the Colonials. The question is can these big boys cover a TE in pass coverage? Do they have the hands and ball skills for pass coverage schemes? If not the Colonials have a few players at safety that have the size and speed to cover in selected packages.

Last but not least we have the special teams skilled players. A lot of writers and reporters covering teams kind of let these players fall on the wayside. I would argue that the players I am about to introduce you are some of the most important players on the team. These players are hardly ever recognized for their plays unless they make a mistake. These players have to on point 100% of the time. There is no room for errors in these positions!

The skilled special teams positions.

LS

Jared Retkofsky     6’5″     268lbs     TCU

This player fits right in on the offensive line with his size. He has the size to not get pushed around in the blocking schemes for the punt and field goal units.

P

Jy Bond     6’3″     216lbs     No College

Jy is a punter who played in Australian Rules Football. He is a very athletic punter who is not scared to hit a player on a punt return. He played in 2010 for the Colonials and has been on a few NFL teams roster. He is on the ‘protected’ roster list for the Colonials in 2011. I am excited to see this young man play!

K

Sam Swank     6’0″     193lbs     Wake Forest

Being a fan of the ACC in college football I have seen this player kick a few times. In college he was a great special teams player. He has some NFL experience and should be a great asset to the Colonials at this key position.

Overall I would rate the skilled players on the special teams with a B rating. The only question that sticks out in my mind is the uncertainty of the punting position. In training camp maybe another punter will be brought in for some competition and the position will be proven to be secure.

I am excited to see the product Coach Glanville puts on the field August 13th, 2011 in the first game of the season against the Virginia Destroyers.

Below is a list of the coaching and training staff of the Hartford Colonials.

Jerry Glanville     Head Coach

Kurt Beathard     Running Backs Coach

Bill Bradley     Safeties

Jeff Burris     Cornerbacks

John Hastings     Strength and Conditioning

Harold Jackson     Wide Receivers

Tim Krumrie     Defensive Line

John Lovett     Special Teams

Ben Norton     Offensive Line/Special Teams Assistant/Quality Control

Turk Schonert     Quarterbacks

Jesse Thompson     Tight Ends/Special Teams Assistant

James Willis     Linebackers

Larry Zierlein     Offensive Line

Jesse Geffon     Head Athletic Trainer

The head coach always gets the immediate recognition on a team. It is important to highlight the supporting staff that work hard everyday to make the team champions on the field and off. It is behind the scenes where true champions are made!

The Secret Behind the Championship

I wrote a piece for the UFL Website on Coach Jim Fassel and the way he coaches. He truly is the advantage the Las Vegas Locos have in winning the third championship in a row.

Please click the link below to read the article:

The Secret Behind the Championship

Thank you!

Brian Dant

The Fans Opinion

Check Out The Jerrod Johnson Interview on UFL-Football.com

Please go check out the Jerrod Johnson interview on the UFL Website. I had the privilege of writing this piece for the UFL.

Jerrod Johnson was the #1 pick overall in the 2011 UFL draft taken by the Hartford Colonials. He recently signed his contract with the club and is officially a Colonial.

Here is the link for the article titled:

The Courage, Strength and Hope of Jerrod Johnson: The Movie

It was an honor to write for the UFL. Hopefully many more opportunities come my way.

Brian Dant

#UFLDraft Round by Round Recap!

Round #1
Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  QB  Jerrod Johnson  Texas A&M

It was reported that the Colonials wanted to go with QB Pat Devlin out of Delaware with this pick. They asked him to sign a contract before the draft and he refused. So they went with their number two quarterback on the board Jerrod Johnson. This is why I love the UFL. Its all about the second chance to quote Jerry Glanville! “Our league is all about a second chance, and we talked to a couple kids about a second chance,” said Colonials head coach and general manager JERRY GLANVILLE.  “If Jerrod didn’t get hurt, we wouldn’t have had a shot at him.  He would have been gone (in the NFL Draft). I like this pick here!
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks    CB  Reynaldo Hill  Florida

If you want an experienced and motivated cornerback with your
first round pick then this was the choice for you! Reynaldo Hill started 26 times and played 48 games for the Tennessee Titans of the NFL before he was injured. Reynaldo showed his enthusiasm for being picked by saying “I’m just ready to play,” Hill told The Football Post.  “I’m ecstatic about it.  I’m just looking forward to showing them that I can still be the player I was.  I just ran into some injuries.  I’m healthy now.  I’m ready to prove to everybody that I can play at a high level again.” I personally can’t wait to see him play. It was rumored that he had worked out for the Baltimore Ravens before the Lockout and he looked very good! Congrats Reynaldo now let see what you can do!
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  QB Ryan Colburn  Fresno ST

Another second chance quarterback goes here. Ryan Colburn threw for 2,817 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing 63.1 percent of his passes at Fresno State in 2010. This is an interesting pick here because Colburn was not very consistent over his career at Fresno State. He was a 2 year starter 2009 and 2010. His overall record as a starter was only 15-9. His combined record against non-conference was 4-4. He was only 1-5 against the top teams in the WAC (Boise State, Hawaii, and Nevada). Dennis Green must have seen something he liked in this young man. Because his stats are not that great.
Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers  DE  Martail Burnett  Utah

Martail Burnett was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008 by the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. He has two years of NFL experience with the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers. The Destroyers needed defensive line help and secured that here.
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  OT Joel Bell  Furman

Joel Bell was signed as a street agent by the Sakatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2009. As a Roughrider he played the 2009 & 2010 seasons making it to the Grey Cup both years he played. The Grey Cup is the CFL’s version of the Super Bowl. So Joel Bell knows what it is like to win and make it to a championship! He is a good fit for the defending champs of the UFL.

Round #2

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  OG  Kurt Quarterman  Louiville

Kurt Quarterman has some NFL experience. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007 by the Atlanta Falcons. He has also played with the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and the New York Giants. He was only a member of the NFL teams in the off season or practice squads. He has never played or started in an official NFL game. But he is a big guy at 6’5″ weighing 325. He will plug the holes well.

Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  DE Jamie Cumbie  Clemson

Jamie Cumbie was dismissed from the team while with the Clemson Tigers following an arrest for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The police report stated that on May 28, 2010 at approximately 2am the Clemson Police Department received a report of a reported assault at the intersection of North Clemson and Hillcrest Avenue. The report stated that Cumbie assaulted the victim by striking him in the face with his fists without consent. The victim was treated for a broken nose in several places, six or seven facial fractures, numerous lacerations in the mouth, hematoma of the right temple with swelling and bleeding of the brain, strained muscles of the neck and vertebrae, two black eyes, a broken tooth, and two other teeth  bent back into the gum. According to the report Cumbie was 6″ taller than the victim and outweighed him by 100 pounds.  This is another example of the UFL giving a second chance to a player.  But come on a second round pick? During his career at Clemson Cumbie was only a reserve player at best. He played in 36 games in his career with 3 starts and 5.5 sacks. Not worth it here in my book!

Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  DE  Ugo Chinasa  Oklahoma ST

This is an excellent steal here! Chinasa was invited to the NFL combine in 2011. He measured 6’5″ and 264 pounds. He ran a 4.61 40 yard dash! His 10 yard dash measured 1.64 sec. Overall he was rated 15th out of 124 DE’s. This is a great job by Dennis Green and his staff sorting out the undrafted free agents and getting a gem.
Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers  DT  Ryan Sims  N.Carolina

Here is an example of an experienced NFL player who has something left to give football fans. Sims was the 6th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.  He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs who he played with until 2006. As a Chief Sims played in a total of 74 games with 54 tackles, 5 sacks and 1 int. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL on May 1, 2007. He did not play well in Tampa Bay only amounting 4 tackles and no sacks in 6 games. He was released on Nov 23, 2010. This is a good pick here. I think he still can be effective!
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  DE  Lawrence Wilson  Ohio ST

Lawrence Wilson had a tough college career plagued with injuries. He broke his leg in the first gems of the 2007 season. His NFL draft ranking were not that high. Maybe because of his college stats. He was only ranked as the 42nd best DE. That’s pretty mediocre and average at best. Maybe a little bit of a stretch here by Jim Fassel and staff here.
Round #3

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  Cecil Newton JR  Tennessee ST

Cecil Newton JR was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2010. He played on the practice squad and was activated to the roster on December 21, 2010. At the 2009 NFL combine Newton was listed at 6’2″ and weighing 300 pounds (the Jaguars have him at 323). He ran a 5.13 40 yard dash and was ranked the 9th center out of 86. He was projected to go in the 7th round of the NFL draft in 2010. The Colonials get a good young center here with one year of NFL experience. This was a steal at the Offensive Line Position in the third round here. Newton has proved he can play. He will improve the Colonials immediately at the Center position.
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  OT  Joe Toledo  Washington

Joe Toledo was picked by the Miami Dolphins of the NFL in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Toledo was a four year Letterman at the University of Washington from 2002 to 2005. He started his college career at the TE position before moving to the offensive line in 2005. He started 6 games as a senior (3 at RT and 3 at LT) before injuring his ankle. He graded 83.6 percent for blocking consistency. He only allowed one QB sack. Again we see a pattern here of another UFL team going with an Offensive Lineman that has a few years experience in the NFL. It seems the tried and tested route is the way to go if you are going to invest a draft pick here. The Nighthawks get a versatile player here because Toledo can also play TE. They could even put him in the FB position or the H-Back position. Toledo does have good hands.
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  CB  Derrick Roberson  Rutgers

Derrick Roberson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans of the NFL in 2007. He has also been a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has played 8 games in the NFL during his career with 3 tackles 2 solo and 1 by assist. His stats from the 2007 NFL combine. He was only ranked 76th out of 219 DB’s. But he has speed. He ran a 4.34 at his combine 40 yard dash. His 10 yard dash was a blazing 1.52 seconds. Roberson has a lot of upside potential. Look for him to prove himself in the UFL.

Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers RB  Adrian Peterson Georgia Southern

Adrian Peterson was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL in the 2002 NFL Draft. He had an up and down career with the Bears before being cut in 2010 after they drafted Matt Forte. As a Bear he played in 106 games, 311 rushing attempts, 1,283 yards, with 8 TD’s, and only 2 fumbles (only lost 1). He has proved to be a reliable runner in the NFL and is a great pick by the Destroyers here to help them with “Marty Ball”.  Peterson should have one or two good years left for the UFL.
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  WR  Eric Peterman  Northwestern

Eric Peterman was signed by the Chicago Bears of the NFL as an undrafted free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent the 2009 season on the Bears practice squad. Peterman was not rated very high after the NFL combine in 2009. He was ranked 84 out of 307 WR’s. He was the best special teams player on his Northwestern team in college. This probably helped him get signed during training camp by the Bears. He ran a 4.45 40 yard dash at the combine. So he has decent speed. Nice pickup here by the Locos.
Round #4

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  OG  Ricky Henry  Nebraska

Wheres the beef? Jerry Glanville is making it clear in this draft he wants a big O-Line. Here he gets a huge guard in Ricky Henry at 6’3″ and 308 pounds. He was rated the 23rd OG out of 158 at the combine. He was probably rated a little lower because he only played 2 seasons at Nebraska. But he was a vital member of the Nebraska O-line that gained national attention blocking for QB Taylor Martinez and RB Roy Helu. The Colonials get a big guard here with a lot of raw talent and a huge upside. I hope the Colonials RB’s are ready to run! can you hear the chants now? “Run Forest, RUN!”
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  CB  Chris Smith  N.Illinois

I don’t know what the Nighthawks draft staff saw in Smith here. He is a slow CB only running a 4.73 in the 40 yard dash. He is not a very strong player only putting up 9 reps at the combine. This shows he was not very dedicated to the weight room in college. He did not show very well in his tryouts at all. There were plenty more undrafted free agent CB’s here that could have been taken. My prediction is that this is a bust pick!
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  DE Roberto Davis  NW Missouri ST

Roberto Davis runs well and is a good solid tackler. He is a better pass rusher than a run stopper. He struggles when running plays are run right at him. He has been overpowered by big OT’s. He did not play full time even in a DII system. he is not all that quick off the line of scrimmage. He was rated 52 out of 124 DE’s at the NFL combine. The Lions pick an average DE in the fourth round. They reached here. He would have been available later in the draft.
Pick #4  Virgina Destroyers  WR  Aundrae Allison  E. Carolina

Aundrae Allison was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft (146th overall). During his rookie season with the Vikings he served as a WR and KR. In week 13 of the season he ran back a KR for a TD for 104 yards (a franchise record). Although he did not start he played in 11 of 16 regular season games. He caught 8 passes for 122 yards and returned 20 kicks for 574 yards. In 2008 he caught 10 passes for 109 yards. After repeated attempts to trade him the Vikings cut him in 2009. He was picked up by the Jets where he tore his ACL and was out for the season. He was cut by the Jets in 2010. In 2007 at the NFL combine Allison ran a 4.39 40 yard dash. He is fast. He was rated the 12th WR out of 287 WR’s. He was a steal in the fifth round by the Vikings and he is a game changer pick here by the Destroyers. He takes their KR game to a different level.
Pick #5  Hartford Colonials  OL  Brad Thorson  Kansas

Brad Thorson was a transfer from Wisconsin. Thorson was part of the NCAA worst offense in 2010. In 2009 he started 8 games at LG and 4 games at RT and was named the teams best lineman. He broke his foot before the 2010 season and was just not the same. He was invited to the NFL Players Association Game and played C all week. This was a move to showcase his versatility for the NFL Draft. He will probably play guard in the UFL. He does not have the foot speed to be able to play on the edge. Once again Glanville takes another huge player for the OL. Thorson if healthy and in shape will help the Colonials in the O-line.
Pick #6  Virginia Destroyers  LB  Clint Ingram  Oklahoma

This is another example of the UFL giving a good player a second chance. Clint Ingram was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played with Jacksonville until 2009 when he was released. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints of the NFL in 2010 after receiving knee surgery. He was put on the Physically Unable To Perform list. After not being able to participate in mini-camp or practice with the team he was released. During his career in the NFL Ingram had 159 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 1 int. If healthy a solid veteran LB pick here. Should instantly improve the defense.
Round #5

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  RB  Phillip Tanner  Middle Tenn ST

Phillip Tanner entered the NFL draft in 2011 a touchdown scoring machine in college. Entering his final collegiate game had had 34 career TD’s (fifth highest in school history). He has decent size at 5’11″ and 208 pounds. He is not a blazer clocking a 4.59 in the 40 yard dash. He will be a good role playing RB in the UFL. He should give the Colonials instant starting depth at RB. And Tanner has a nose for the endzone!
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  OT  Mike Smith  Nebraska

Mike Smith broke his leg in fall camp and was out for the entire 2010 season. This probably hurt his stock severely in the 2011 NFL Draft. He protected the blind side of quarterback Joe Ganz in 2009 who threw for a school record 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. He is 6’6″ weighing in at 298 pounds. he was rated 38th out of 87 OT’s in the 2011 NFL Combine. His stock fell because he was not able to give a full workout due to a hamstring injury during his first 40 yard dash. Good pick here by the Nighthawks if Smith is healthy. They get a local guy who has proved himself on the Cornhuskers O-Line.
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  LB  Spencer Paysinger  Oregon

The Lions get a championship quality LB from Oregon here. He was a key part of the special teams and will give the Lions instant help in their special teams. He ran a 4.75 40 yard dash and had 19 reps on the bench press. He had a good workout. he is a good coverage LB and should help the Lions in the pass defense.
Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers  DT  Trevor Anderson  Albany

Trevor Anderson is 6’1″ and weighing in at 313 pounds. He is quick for a man his size running a 5.12 40 yard dash with a 1.74 10 yard dash. He lacks a Big School resume and may be underrated and overlooked. But he won’t be a big penetraitor at the pro level. He will best be used if he can get low with his size as a run stopper and gap stuffer.
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  FB  Kennedy Tinsley  N.Carolina

Kennedy Tinsley was signed by the ST Louis Rams of the NFL as an undrafted free agent on May 4th, 2010. They were hoping they got a steal in the special teams standout and reserve LB for North Carolina. They switched him to the FB position. Tinsley did not stick and was released a month later by the Rams. Even if Tinsley does not stick at FB for the Locos they got a player who does not know the word quit. He has an outstanding motor and attitude. He will play wherever asked and will play special teams. He has a chance to be the best special teams player in Locos history.
Round #6

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  DE  Ervin Baldwin  Michigan ST

Another young NFL experienced player goes here. Ervin Baldwin was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He has two years NFL experience. When drafted he was classified as having decent size at 6’2″ and 270 pounds. But he was a developmental project at best. His experience in the NFL is on the practice squad of two teams. He is a good athlete and his skills should be more refined after practicing against better competition in the NFL. How successful he will be depends on how much he really wants it.
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  OT  D.J. Jones  Nebraska

Once again another Nebraska O-Lineman goes here. With a 40 yard dash time of 4.95 and weighing in at 310 pounds he is fast for his size. He has a tendency to overstretch and lose his balance easily. Scouts overall perception is that he lacks the range and athleticism at Tackle at the next level. He will probably be moved to OG position on the Nighthawks. But how can you pass up a proven lineman from Nebraska here with raw talent?
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  WR  Jamel Hamler  Fresno ST

The Lions could have gotten a better receiver here. There is much better stock available than Hamler in this position. Hamler had high accolades while at Fresno ST. When he worked out at the combine he ran a 4.59 40 yard dash (slow). He is 6’1″ weighing 193 pounds with a 35 1/2 vertical jump. He won’t be the best athlete on the field at WR. The question is how polished is he at running routes? Can he be used as a special team player? We shall see. But I like a lot of other picks for the Lions here!
Pick #4  Virgina Destroyers  DT  Ian Scott  Florida

I honestly don’t see Ian Scott giving the Destroyers anything more than possible locker room leadership here. It would be a miracle if he became a game changing starter for the Destroyers. Scott was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft (116 overall). During his career he played in 61 games with 3 sacks. He was released due to his injury problems. Even if he is healthy he will probably play NT with no real significance in the game other than being a big body in the middle.
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  QB  Mike Teel  Rutgers

Mike Teel was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played in the 2009 preseason completing 20 0f 41 passes (48.8%) for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. Teel was listed as the third string quarterback for the 2009 season by the Seahawks seeing no regular season action in the NFL. He was also signed and released by the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears of the NFL. Teel is rated as having a Big Arm, Good Size, Leadership Qualities, Winner, Gun Slinger, Team Player, who is sometimes Inconsistent, Slow Footed, Throws Picks, Sometimes Overthrows on Deep Passes.
Round #7

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  TE  Greg Smith  Texas

Greg Smith Rated 26th out of 71 TE’s at the NFL combine. Has good size at 6’4″ and weighing 245 pounds. Has experience playing on the offensive line and has above average blocking skills for a TE. He offers practically no help in the passing game. Maybe the Colonials try him at FB.
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  TE Kyle Nelson  New Mexico ST

Kyle Nelson worked out at the NFL combine as a FB and increased his stock in the NFL Draft.  He was listed at 6’2″ and 240 pounds. He ran a 4.65 40 yard dash (impressive) and had a 30 inch vertical. If he does not sign with the Nighhawks he will definitely get a free agent contract on an NFL team. He has that much raw potential and upside at both TE and FB positions. He was rated 29th out of 85 FB’s at the combine.
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  OT  Kainoa LaCount  Hawaii

LaCount at 6’6″ and weighing 302 pounds is all he really has going for him. He ran a 5.39 40 yard dash which compares more to an OG than an OT. He was rated 84th out of 87 OT’s at the NFL combine. Better OT’s available here. Maybe he is going to OG.
Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers  TE  Joe Monteverde  Richmond

Joe Monteverde participated in the NFL combine as a LS (Long Snapper). He was rated the 10th out of 25 LS’s. This gives Joe an advantage to make the Destroyers or sign as a free agent for an NFL squad. Not only will he compete as a LS he is a good athlete to compete for a backup TE spot. He ran a 4.77 40 yard dash with a 35 1/2 inch vertical. He is a big target in the passing game at 6’5″ and 247 pounds. He also has “ups” with the 35 1/2 inch vertical to go up and get the ball over the middle. He might be a sleeper to improve the Destroyers passing game here.
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  LB  Dave Philistin  Maryland

Philistin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL in 2009. He has 1 yr NFL experience with no stats to speak of. His rating in college was he is OK in coverage. Has enough speed to cover any slot in a 3-4 defense. Does not really have the legs to cover in a 4-3 defense. He is not very big and lacks growth potential. But is a very versatile player who reads and reacts. Should improve the Locos defense just by being on the roster.
Round #8

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  DT  Colby Whitlock  Texas Tech

The Colonials get a big steal here in round 8 of the UFL draft. Whitlock was ranked the 27th out of 151 DT’s in the 2011 NFL Draft. This draft was stacked with defensive players and somehow Colby slipped through the cracks. Good find by Glanville and staff here. Colby is described as an explosive penetrating tackle who reads the run/pass well. He played 15 pounds heavier in his senior year and seemed to carry the weight well.
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  QB  Jeremiah Masoli  Mississippi

At this point in round 8 of the UFL draft someone should have dispatched the FBI out to the teams headquarters. There is definitely grand larceny going on here. How did this athletic quarterback not only fall through the NFL draft but last all the way to the 8th round here? It leaves me just scratching my head. I know he had character issues which scared everyone. He does not run extremely fast. But this guy is a leader and makes explosive plays outside the pocket. He needs to improve on his accuracy.
Pick #3  Omaha Nighthawks  DE  Brian Johnston  Gardner Webb

Brian Johnston was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft (210 overall). In 2008 he played in 9 games for the Chiefs with 3 tackles. The Detroit Lions of the NFL picked him up in 2009 after he was waived by the Chiefs after suffering a calf injury. He is a good sized DE. He has been able to overpower his opponents in the past causing him not to have many polished moves as a DE. he has very short arms for a DE at 31.75 inches. With his strength and size a good D-Line coach will help him improve his game if he stays healthy.
Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers  RB  Wynel Seldon  Wyoming

Wynel Seldon signed with the Washington Redskins of the NFL in April of 2009 as an undrafted free agent. I can’t find any information on Seldon in the NFL. As a RB at Wyoming he was a consistent performer. He had 636 carries for 2,672 yards and 22 TD’s from 2005 to 2008. He was part of the duo with Devin Moore known as “Thunder” and “Lightning” at Wyoming. In the 2009 NFL Draft he was listed at 5’11″ and weighing 212 pounds.
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  WR Cameron Colvin  Oregon

Cameron Colvin had a career full of injuries while at Oregon. He overcame those as well as several personal tragedies during his college career. In 2008 the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL signed Colvin to a two year contract. For an undisclosed reason Colvin did not attend the offseason workouts of the 49ers. He did not make the 53 man roster. In August of 2008 he was released by the 49ers. In 2010 colvin was in the Sacramento Mountain Lions training camp. I am not as excited about this pick as others I have seen. I think this guy has character issues and is just a cocky and arrogant player. Just read his twitter profile!
Round #9

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  DT  Jonathan Lewis  Virginia Tech

Jonathan Lewis is a five year veteran of the NFL. While he has not really produced much. Only playing in four games with the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL in 2006. He was released by the Seahawks after settlement on an injury that left him as a free agent. Don’t really know to much about Lewis other than his college stats which I don’t find relevant here considering his flop in the NFL. Good luck Hartford!
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  RB  Derrick Locke  Kentucky

Do you want lightning in a bottle Omaha? Well Nighthawks you got it with Derrick Locke. This young man has the ability to take it to the house on any play he touches the ball! Rated 19th at the RB position in the NFL draft and running a 4.37 40 yard dash makes this guy a HUGE sleeper/steal here by Omaha. Now Locke might have dropped down to the 9th round here because there is no guarantee he will sign with the Omaha Nighthawks. I personally think he should sign and play the 8 games. He will make as much if not more money as he would an undrafted free agent mini-camp contract. Plus he gets the chance to prove himself in a live competition situation against a pro defense. I am excited to see if he runs back kicks or punts.
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions CB  Josh Gatlin  N.Dakota ST

Another magnificent find by the Lions here. Gatlin has good size and great speed. Why did they not pick him sooner? Maybe the contract thing again. If he signs with the Lions I predict he will start. He is that good.
Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers  QB  Derek Devine  Marshall

Devine was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL in 2007. He was later signed by the Washington Redskins of the NFL in 2008. He was later released that year. He tried out for the ST Louis Rams of the NFL in 2009 as an unrestricted free agent. The Destroyers pick up a solid winning quarterback here with NFL experience. Devine has experience competing for a QB and look for him to win one here.
Pick #5  Las Vegas Locomotives  RB  Mario Fannin  Auburn

This is my best rated pick of the draft. And as a Las Vegas Locos fan I am excited that we secured this pick. Fannin is a pro ready runner with excellent straight line speed. He ran a 4.38 40 yard dash. he has excellent hands out of the backfield and is polished in running pro style routes. With 4.38 speed no DE is going to be able to cover him, and very few LB’s will be able to. This is a match up nightmare for opposing defenses. They will most likely need to use a third CB or a S to cover Fannin in the passing game. Mario is an immediate game changer and breaker in the UFL. This is a player that opposing teams will be having nightmares about in the film room.
Round #10

Pick #1  Hartford Colonials  DE  Keith Grennan  E. Washington

Grennan was undrafted out of college. He signed with the Cleveland Browns of the NFL and played two seasons on the practice squad. His season ended last November when he ruptured his patella tendon during on of coach Eric Mangini’s controversial drills. He is another former NFL athlete who has been injured and given another chance in the UFL.
Pick #2  Omaha Nighthawks  DT  Akiem Hicks  U of Regina

In his first season for the Regina Rams last year he had 20 1/2 tackles, four for a loss, and two forced fumbles. The U of Regina is in Canada and Hicks has 3 years of eligibility left. Does he sign or not is the question.
Pick #3  Sacramento Mountain Lions  S  Keanemana Silva  Hawaii

Silva had excellent pro day numbers when working out for the NFL Draft. He ran a 4.44 40 yard dash, had 23 reps on the bench press. At 6′ and 206 pounds he has a great size and speed combination. He needs to work on his coverage skills to compete with pro WR’s. He was predicted to go in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. So this is a great steal here!
Pick #4  Virginia Destroyers  DB  Jahi Word-Daniels  Georgia Tech

Jahi was on the Detroit Lions roster of the NFL in 2009. He played in 2 games with 1 tackle. He is a big corner weighing 197 pounds with average speed at 4.59 in the 40 yard dash.
Pick #5  Omaha Nighthawks  LB  Mark Herlich  Boston College

This was the fans favorite pick of the draft when it was announced on twitter. Mark’s well documented fight with cancer and his fight to return to play football when he was told he would never walk again is an inspiration to us all. I am not even going to evaluate his football skills. He has proved himself to be more than a man all of us will ever be.
Pick #6  Virginia Destroyers  WR  Jeff Maehl  Oregon

I will forever call this the Michael Huyghue pick. The commissioner of the UFL has showed great vision in bringing the UFL draft to social media. He has created social media history by having the draft on twitter. He deserves the last pick of the draft to be named after him! Maehl has fallen to this position possible because of the slow speed he posted at the NFL combine of 4.62 in the 40 yard dash. What they did not tell you was that he set the record for the 3-cone drill at 6.42 seconds and the 60 yard shuttle at 10.87 seconds. He set the second fastest time ever in the 20 yard shuttle at 3.94 seconds. This guy will play on Sundays for a long time!
THIS IS THE END OF THE DRAFT!
If you have not already support your favorite UFL team. Get your friends, neighbors, and family excited about the season starting on Aug 12th, 2011. Whether the NFL plays or not the UFL is going to play. Lets throw our support behind the UFL and show them we appreciate them playing football!
LAS VEGAS LOCOS ROCK! GONNA WIN IT AGAIN THIS YEAR!
WE SPEAK OUR MIND!

THERE WILL BE FOOTBALL AUGUST 12, 2011!

United Football League Logo

There is one group of football players and owners hoping that the NFL lockout is not resolved and that the NFL does not play football in 2011.

The UFL (United Football League) which opened it first season in 2009 is opening its 2011 season in the second week of August hoping to gain momentum during the NFL preseason (if there is one). That is early from years past.

It has not been an easy road for the UFL. They have struggled to gain fan momentum and generate revenue for the league.
They had a TV deal with HDNet and Versus that expired in December 2010. The deal did not generate revenue for the league it actually cost the league money because they had to repay the networks for production costs.
They do not currently have a deal in place for a network to cover the season. But they are hoping someone jumps on board if the NFL lockout continues and it looks like the UFL is the only league that is going to be playing football this year.
This would be a big boost for the UFL and also for the teams of the UFL to generate local fan support.The UFL is made up of five teams. A change from the past. They were forced to downsize from 6 to 5 teams in January, 2011. The UFL announced it was ‘ceasing operations’ of its Florida Tuskers operation. They moved the coaching staff and list of protected players to the Virginia Destroyers in lieu of an expansion draft.

The UFL consists of the Hartford Colonials (Coached by Jerry Glanville), Las Vegas Locomotives (Coached by Jim Fassel), Omaha Nighthawks (Coached by Joe Moglia), Sacramento Mountain Lions (Coached by Dennis Green), Virginia Destroyers (Coached by Marty Schottenheimer). With its list of experienced coaches the UFL is trying to draw attention and make a name for themselves.

The UFL has a large hole to dig out of. The league has not been profitable since its inaugural season in 2009. The league had projected an expansion to 8 teams by the year 2011. But with the financial difficulties of being delinquent on bills acquired during the previous season, having lost approximately $50 million in the 2010 season and facing about $6 million in debts to creditors the league is in despair. A few coaches and players even claim they have not been paid for the 2010 season.

Legal action against the UFL has also been set into motion: League investor Mark Cuban claims the league defaulted on a $5 million loan; a public relations firm that worked with the Sacramento Mountain Lions is seeking payment; and the Mayo Clinic is seeking compensation for medical bills and player physicals. In an attempt to avoid future problems, the league will be shifting most operations from the league to its teams, with each team president taking a greater role of its finances. According to reports, most of these debts were paid in March 2011.

The UFL is bumping up the amount they are paying a player per game from 6,250 dollars to 10,000 dollars per game. So if a player plays all 8 games they stand to make 80,000 dollars.

The UFL draft is scheduled for May 2, 2011. They are really looking forward to taking advantage of the lockout if its still going on during their draft. It gives them a chance to snag up all the un-drafted free agents that would have signed with teams to go to training camps.

OK by now some of you are reading this and saying ‘wow this league is in bad shape why waste my time?’.

I would argue that with the right break this league could be extremely successful given the right revenue generating opportunities. The playing caliber is better in my opinion than the NFL Europe teams that were very competitive but collapsed under financial duress.
Just look at the 2010 UFL Draft. Not only are they getting quality players but the rules for 2011 have changed.
The UFL announced for 2011 draft aadditional 10-man reserve unsigned list which includes players such as Willie Parker, Pat White, Reggie Brown, Colt Brennen and many other players with NFL experience.I can’t wait to catch a UFL game on TV. I think this league could be the developmental league the NFL has been screaming for. Give the NFL teams a chance to see what a ‘prospect’ can do on the field with professional players before they invest millions of guaranteed money on an unknown.

With the crap shoot of picking a quality quarterback these days it might not be a bad idea for them to play for a quality coach in the UFL where they can learn on the field then be called up to the NFL when they develop into the star we thought they could be.As a fan base we should throw our support behind the UFL and give them a chance to succeed. They seem to not be going the route of the former debunked XFL with its nick names on the back of jerseys and the mockery they made of the game with the different rules etc.

The UFL is trying to prove themselves as a genuine talented league that puts talented professional athletes on the field. And in some cases athletes with NFL experience. Lets support them!
WE SPEAK OUR MIND!
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