Post by Free Agent Fan on Feb 11, 2007 20:07:35 GMT -5
Blackbirds Set to Kick-Off Inaugural Training Camp
The Baltimore Blackbirds of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) are set to kick-off their inaugural training camp on February 12, 2007. The team's first camp should prove to be a competitive one with over 40 players vying for a spot on the team's 20-man active roster. Leading the way into camp are a number of former high school and college football stars and one veteran NFL alum.
Joey Conrad, the NCAA Division II all-time passing leader out of Glenville State, hopes to take hold of the team's starting quarterback position, but will face stiff competition from Ken Irby, who saw time at quarterback for Marshall University, Tennessee State, and Lane College. Local standout Joe Urso, who was an All-State performer at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, and went on to throw for over 8,000 yards and 56 touchdowns at Wilkes University will also be vying for a spot on the roster, along with strong armed quarterback Donte Hurley.
Joe Maese, the former Baltimore Raven and Detroit Lion, will be moving into un-chartered territory as he vies for a starting position at both fullback and linebacker. Many players who have played at area high schools and universities such as Bowie State, Maryland, Morgan State, and Towson State will also be battling for roster spots. Former Howard High standout, DaLawn Parrish, an honorable mention All-ACC Defensive Back from Wake Forest University will be battling for a spot in the defensive secondary along with Duval High School grad and former Maryland Terps' Strong Safety, Milton Harris.
"We had over 200 athletes interested in playing for the Blackbirds this season. Prior to mini camp, we selected 65 players that we felt had a good shot at coming into training camp with us. Our goal was to bring in 40 to 45 players that would have an immediate impact on this team. We listed several variables that are specific to what we wanted in each position. Overall, we looked at athleticism, speed, quickness, size, ability to play on both sides of the ball and the ability to comprehend the indoor game. We had to make some very tough decisions to get down to those 40 - 45 players; a good problem to have when building a new team," stated Blackbirds Head Coach Chris Simpson.
The Blackbirds, who kick-off their season on March 10, 2007 at the Reading Express, will reduce their roster down to a 20 man active roster and ten practice squad members. They anticipate making those decisions by February 21st to give them two solid weeks of preparation, with the final squad, before their first game.
To enable as many Baltimore area fans as possible to see the team's first training camp, the Blackbirds will be practicing at a number of facilities this season, including the Maryland Sportsplex in Millersville, Maryland and the Freestate Arena in White Marsh, Maryland. Please check the Blackbirds' web site at www.baltimoreblackbirdsfootball.com for updated practice schedules and locations.
The Baltimore Blackbirds of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) are set to kick-off their inaugural training camp on February 12, 2007. The team's first camp should prove to be a competitive one with over 40 players vying for a spot on the team's 20-man active roster. Leading the way into camp are a number of former high school and college football stars and one veteran NFL alum.
Joey Conrad, the NCAA Division II all-time passing leader out of Glenville State, hopes to take hold of the team's starting quarterback position, but will face stiff competition from Ken Irby, who saw time at quarterback for Marshall University, Tennessee State, and Lane College. Local standout Joe Urso, who was an All-State performer at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, and went on to throw for over 8,000 yards and 56 touchdowns at Wilkes University will also be vying for a spot on the roster, along with strong armed quarterback Donte Hurley.
Joe Maese, the former Baltimore Raven and Detroit Lion, will be moving into un-chartered territory as he vies for a starting position at both fullback and linebacker. Many players who have played at area high schools and universities such as Bowie State, Maryland, Morgan State, and Towson State will also be battling for roster spots. Former Howard High standout, DaLawn Parrish, an honorable mention All-ACC Defensive Back from Wake Forest University will be battling for a spot in the defensive secondary along with Duval High School grad and former Maryland Terps' Strong Safety, Milton Harris.
"We had over 200 athletes interested in playing for the Blackbirds this season. Prior to mini camp, we selected 65 players that we felt had a good shot at coming into training camp with us. Our goal was to bring in 40 to 45 players that would have an immediate impact on this team. We listed several variables that are specific to what we wanted in each position. Overall, we looked at athleticism, speed, quickness, size, ability to play on both sides of the ball and the ability to comprehend the indoor game. We had to make some very tough decisions to get down to those 40 - 45 players; a good problem to have when building a new team," stated Blackbirds Head Coach Chris Simpson.
The Blackbirds, who kick-off their season on March 10, 2007 at the Reading Express, will reduce their roster down to a 20 man active roster and ten practice squad members. They anticipate making those decisions by February 21st to give them two solid weeks of preparation, with the final squad, before their first game.
To enable as many Baltimore area fans as possible to see the team's first training camp, the Blackbirds will be practicing at a number of facilities this season, including the Maryland Sportsplex in Millersville, Maryland and the Freestate Arena in White Marsh, Maryland. Please check the Blackbirds' web site at www.baltimoreblackbirdsfootball.com for updated practice schedules and locations.