Pat White signs with the VA Destroyers!

by

Eddie Garrison

 

Former West Virginia superstar quarterback Pat White has officially singed to play in the UFL with the Virginia Destroyers.

A second-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2009, White has already made his mark once in this region of the country. It looks like he wants to try and do that once again.

This time with the UFL’s newest franchise, the Destroyers.

After being let go by the Dolphins in 2010, Pat signed a minor league contract with baseball’s Kansas City Royals to play in their minor league system.

While at West Virginia, White became the only collegiate quarterback to win four bowl games as a starter, guiding his team to wins in the Sugar Bowl (2005), Gator Bowl (2006), Fiesta Bowl (2007) and Meineke Bowl (2008).

As a Mountaineer, White piled up 507 completions for 6,409 yards, 56 TDs and 23 INTs.

He also ran for 4,480 yards on 684 attempts and scored 47 TDs on the ground.

In his four years at West Virginia, White scored 112 touchdowns for the Mountaineers.

With the Dolphins, White saw very little time under center in 2009-2010, appearing in 13 games. In those 13 appearances, Pat had only five attempts passing with no completions and 81 yards on the ground on 21 attempts.

After his questionable high draft pick in 2009 by the Dolphins, many feel that the “White Experiment” was a failure for Miami.

Though his NFL career did not start or pan out like he and many thought it would. White says he is ready to get back out on the field in professional football in the UFL.

“I didn’t know whether or not this would happen,” White said in an interview with sportingnews.com. “It’s a blessing and playing [for the Destroyers] is a great opportunity.”

The Destroyers director of player personal also said in the interview that White was competitive and a good athlete as well as being a leader on and off the field.

I’m sure the people of Virginia are eager to see Pat back on the field in their neck of the woods once again.

 

Its Time For The Media to Give The UFL Some Respect!

United Football League Logo

For the last week we have seen many articles on the NFL lockout and predictions on when it will end. I understand the NFL is the ‘King’ of professional football but the UFL is not chump change. The NFL reporters have been like preachers predicting the end of the world with their lockout ending predictions. They have been consistently wrong. But if they keep guessing at it with their terrible journalism they will eventually get it right. As a football fan I am tired of the pundits crying ‘wolf”.

Instead of writing about how long Chad Ochocinco rode a bull why not write about the UFL draft and it making of social media history? Instead of writing about a closed secret meeting of which you really don’t have any information why not cover the Omaha Nighthawks mini-camp? I understand the NFL is where the money is. I understand that all the major sports networks have contracts with the NFL to cover its games. But as a sports media outlet you have an obligation to football fans to cover all the relevant sports leagues. In basketball the D-League (the developmental league for the NBA) gets press time. Why do the networks not cover the UFL?

I have spoken to a few reporters off the record about the UFL. I have asked them if they believe in the league and if they are excited to watch it. Every reporter I have talked to has said they are excited about the league it was ‘just to soon’ to cover it.

It seems like the networks are waiting to see if the NFL lockout ends before the UFL season starts. Then they can just sweep this ‘little league’ under the rug. Well I have news for you! The UFL is not going anywhere! The schedule is set and the first game is played August 13th, 2011 between the Hartford Colonials and the Virginia Destroyers in Virginia Beach, VA. They can’t hide the fact that NFL proven coaches with NFL caliber athletes are running NFL style offenses and NFL style defenses during each game of the UFL season.

With the great employees of the UFL teams and the great football fans in the local communities record ticket sales are being made for the 2011 UFL season. The sports networks might be able to control the content on their sites but they are not able to silence the voices of all the football fans across our nation that just want to watch football. Slowly but surely the word on this great football league call the UFL is trickling out. The fans are telling their families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about this football league that starts in August.

I implore the sports networks, sports newspapers, sports blogs, and sports radio shows all across the world to start covering the UFL and give it the respect it deserves. I am not just talking about the major sports networks. I am talking to anyone who covers football. Whether you have an audience of 1 or multi-millions, it does not matter.

IT’S TIME TO GIVE THE UFL SOME RESPECT! COVER THEM!

WE SPEAK OUR MIND!

The Life of a Long Snapper: The Matt Overton Story

Matt Overton grew up in the small town on Tracy, CA. His mom, the daughter of a football coach, worked two jobs when he was young. His father, a former college football player, was a police captain. His grandfather was a legendary college football coach in the state of Washington. It is this influence as a young man that raised Matt Overton to work hard and never give up on his dreams. He tried out for his first pop-warner football team at 8 years old. “The first year I tried out for the Tracy Raiders I was cut. I can still remember the day like it was yesterday.” Matt went on to play in another youth football league and eventually made the team that cut him. He played for them through the eighth grade.

Matt went on to become a two way starter in high school, becoming a team captain, playing both on the offensive and defensive lines. It was in high school where Matt was introduced to the art of long snapping. He took to the snapping abilities and showed a great knack and talent for the art. In high school Matt did not take the long snapping position to serious he was more concerned with playing the defensive end and linebacker positions on defense.

Matt was not offered any scholarships out of high school. He decided to attend Diablo Valley College, a junior college in Pleasant Hill, CA. During his first year at DVC he earned Special Teams MVP and team captain. This gained Matt notoriety from four year schools and he started to receive scholarship and preferred walk-on opportunities. It was here in junior college where under the tutelage of the coaching staff Matt realized the importance of the long snapping position and the opportunities it could offer him as a full scholarship player at a four year school and in his pro career aspirations.

After two years in junior college Matt accepted a scholarship to Western Washington University because he wanted to play defense. He played DE and Long Snapper at WWU.  It was early on at WWU when Matt got the opportunity to showcase his long snapping abilities to pro scouts during WWU punter Michael Koenen pro-day workouts for the Seattle Seahawks. Although he played as an undersized DE in college Matt was completely focused on long snapping and realized it was his ticket into the professional football ranks.

After two great years as a DE/Long Snapper and being team captain he participated in three pro day workouts as a Long Snapper. Matt’s performance as a Long Snapper in those workouts gained him a lot of NFL exposure.

Matt Overton is never the best athlete on the field. He will not be the biggest player on the field, won’t run the fastest 40 yard dash, and will not have the highest vertical jump. What Matt Overton brings to the table is a tenacity to complete the mission on the field and in life. He will not quit until the job is done. His leadership skills are quickly realized and respected by his peers on and off the field. It is this drive and motivation that has Matt Overton in the place he is in today with the Omaha Nighhawks of the UFL.

In 2007 Matt was invited to the Seattle Seahawks mini-camp. After the camp he was released without being offered a contract. Showing no quit he went and played for the Tri-Cities Fever of the af2, an indoor football league. He wanted to stay in shape and keep playing football. He was not going to give up on his dream of playing in the NFL. After playing for the Fever in 2008 he went back to school and earned his college degree.

After completing his degree he went back home to CA where he began to workout with local NFL athletes. He attended several free agent camps and combines. In the inaugural season of the UFL in 2009 Matt realized the great opportunity to play football in a league with NFL proven coaches. He once again showcased the hard work ethic installed in him at a very young age. He networked and showcased his workout tapes to anyone and everyone that would look at them and listen to him.

He got word from Todd Sauerbrun, then a member of the Florida Tuskers, of a long snapping position open on the team. Matt immediately contacted Al Roberts, the special team’s coordinator of the Florida Tuskers, and was flown down for a workout. He was signed by the Florida Tuskers of the UFL.  Al Roberts and Matt Overton turned out to have a special connection. Al Roberts was recruited and played for Matt’s grandfather in college.

During his first season in the UFL with the Florida Tuskers Matt learned a lot from Coach Jim Hasslet, kicker Matt Bryan, and punter Todd Sauerbrun. The Tuskers went on to have a great season and competed in the UFL championship game against the Las Vegas Locomotives in 2009.

Once again the Seattle Seahawks called in the early part of 2010. Matt was invited to tryout against five other long snappers. He was signed and released pre-season due to a foot injury that occurred during training.

Showing the grit and determination instilled in him by his family and coaches through his career Matt went into rehab to get his foot ready to play. After making a few phone calls and showing patience Matt was signed by the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL in 2010.

Matt Overton went on to have a great season in Omaha and was named among the UFL’s Top-10 two year players.

Matt is now a member of the Omaha Nighthawks and is preparing for his third season in the UFL. He has been working out and training with several NFL/UFL athletes. He is very active in his hometown community and puts on an annual charity event Pros 2 Youth.

What is a long snapper? ‘I have never heard of a long snapper.’ Why is a long snapper being featured?

The special skill positions in the game of football are not talked about much but are vital to the game. A long snapper play’s the center position on punt and field goal opportunities. He is responsible for getting the ball to the punter or kick holder is a timely manner (0.7 seconds). He also has to block a defensive lineman and cover on the kick coverage unit. Without a consistent long snapper the special teams unit and the team suffers. Many games are won and lost on special teams.

There are a few people in his life that have helped and influenced Matt along the way. Al Roberts taught Matt important skills and helped evolve his long snapping skills into what they are today. Paul Assad who has been his snapping coach since leaving college and has always believed in him. His college head coach Robin Ross who was a mentor early on in his NFL opportunity. Mike Posey has served as Matt’s mentor and Todd Sauerbrun who took Matt under his wing during his first season in the UFL. There are also the family and friends who have believed in Matt and have never given up on him since day one!

Look for Matt Overton on the Omaha Nighthawks this year. The UFL season starts in August! Are you ready for football?

 

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

Marcus Riley: Talking UFL and the Locos

I wrote an article for www.UFL-Football.com on an interview I did with Marcus Riley LB, Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. I interviewed Marcus on The Fans Opinion Show 5/24/11.

Here is a link to the article on the UFL website.

Marcus Riley: Talking UFL and the Locos

Please read the article and vote! Write your comments on the bottom! The better the feedback the more they want us to write!

Brian Dant

The Fans Opinion

#WePlayFootball : GET FIRED UP FOR THE UFL!

Ladies and gentleman its time for football! The UFL is in the process of having their tryouts and signing players to teams. We need a grass root fan drive to get support for the UFL teams.
The UFL is in its third season and we need to expand the fan base to increase revenue for the league to survive for decades to come.
For those of you who do not know what the UFL is I will break it down for you.
UFL stands for United Football League. It consists of five teams . Hartford Colonials, Virginia Destroyers, Omaha Nighthawks, Sacramento Mountain Lions, and Las Vegas Locomotives. The UFL has built a solid foundation by hiring great experienced coaches to coach all five teams.Jerry Glanville in Hartford, Marty Schottenheimer in Virginia, Joe Moglia in Omaha, Dennis Green in Sacramento, and Jim Fassel in Las Vegas. What an all-star cast of coaches. If that alone does not get you excited about the league than you might need a pace maker.

The players consist of newly drafted players out of college, players that have played a few years in the NFL, were injured and need a second chance, and NFL players that have significant experience that have a little left to give but can’t secure an NFL roster spot. The dynamic of the league is exciting to see these players given a second chance at a career.

There are so many talented football players all across the USA who don’t make the limited NFL roster space that want to play football and show case their skills. And its all right here in the UFL.

If you are as die-hard a football fan as I am it does not matter what name is across the back of a jersey. It matters that the team plays together as a cohesive unit and executes the plays called. It matters what logo is on the helmet of the players for they represent the breath of every fan.

I have noticed that no major networks are covering the great news that is brewing in the UFL. They seem to want to ignore the league all together. Like the UFL will just disappear if they don’t cover it.

I have had friends and family ask me “Why are you so passionate about the UFL? “Does the UFL pay you?” The answer is very clear I BELIEVE IN THE UFL!

No I am not being paid to promote the league. I do however believe in the business model the league has put forth. I also believe that quality football is played with the talent brought in. I also know for a fact by personal experience that the UFL is the most fan friendly league out there. What more does a football fan need to get excited about the UFL?

If you want to watch football this year and the NFL lockout situation has you upset or just downright bummed then go to the UFL website and pick a team.

If you are not already on twitter than sign up and follow your favorite team and the coach. You will receive amazing tweets from the league and information on your favorite team. It is amazing fan integration into the everyday events of the UFL.

If you are not a twirp like me and prefer to stay on facebook the go to the United Football League fan page and click the like button. You will get amazing news and youtube clips to watch on your favorite teams and their interaction with their local communities.

Football fans the UFL has done its job. They have created a quality football league with fan integration like no other football league has in the past or present. They have hired the best coaches and players available on the market today. THE UFL IS PLAYING FOOTBALL IN AUGUST NO MATTER WHAT!

So now the ball is in our court. What are we going to do about it? Are we just going to sit back and rely on the biased sports networks who are under contract with the NFL to promote the UFL? Are we just going to rely on the UFL marketing department to advertise the league?

Well I have news for you. The reason the UFL is so fan integrated is because they rely on us to pass the message on to our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We are the advertising arm of the UFL. That is why the ticket prices are so consumer friendly.

So are you on board to help us out? Will you pick 10 people a piece to share the good news of the UFL with? Will you buy a bumper sticker of your favorite UFL team and proudly display it on your vehicle? Will you buy a jersey and when a friend asks you what team the jersey belongs to you say ” Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL”.

I challenge all sports fans who read this article to shout the message of the UFL from your rooftops. I am only one voice here in south central, PA but together we are millions of voices all across the USA!

The UFL has one message that rings clear #WePlayFootball !

WE SPEAK OUR MIND!

#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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