Post by lionsroar on Mar 4, 2009 21:46:21 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=14
Training Camp Report
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Columbus, GA (March 4, 2009) - With some unexpected snow slowing down the first week of practice, the Columbus Lions of the American Indoor Football Association finished up their first week of preparation for the 2009 season with many positions yet to be decided.
Training camp can be used to help condition players while also giving them time to learn offensive and defensive schemes. In addition camp also serves as a battleground of competition as Coaches have to decide who to keep and who to cut.
One such battle includes a position where Coach Gibson plans on carrying only one player. At the fullback position, rookie Richard Fitzhugh (5’10 205, Tuskegee) and Leon Foster (6’2 268, Union) are vying for clubs lone roster spot. Fitzhugh has shown a tremendous ability running the ball while Foster brings blocking stability on passing downs.
The strength of camp has been the veteran leadership from former AFL lineman Branden Hall (6’4 330, Troy) and Monreko Crittenden (6’5 385, Auburn). The real position battle on the offensive line has been at center with newcomer Charlie Sanders fresh off winning a Division II National Championship in 2007 (6’1 300, Valdosta State) while veteran Darin Damron (6’4 295, North Alabama) provides the Lions with some flexibility at offensive and defensive line.
The Lions coaching staff has been tested this season finding a replacement for the injured quarterback Joey Conrad. “It’s been tough replacing Joey, especially his pocket presence and his quick release”, says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Right now we have an open competition between three solid rookies and were just waiting to see which one stands out the most.”
Making it even tougher to judge the offense has been the standout play of the Lions defense. “Our defense has outshined the offense, but at this point in training camp that’s a good thing,” said Gibson. Led by veterans Ramone Nickerson (5’10 190, Tuskegee) and 2008 All-AIFA selection Damian Daniels (5’10 185, West Georgia) in the secondary makes it tough to judge the QB battle. “I would rather those QB’s practice against these two guys because I know Ramone and Damian are going to bring their all every practice,” says Gibson, “it will help make them better quarterbacks in the long run.”
The final week of camp will consist of three-on-three drills, individual drills, and nightly situational drills. “We will watch film from the previous night every day to take a look at the things we can control and then make our final decision on player personnel at the end of the week,” concludes Gibson.
As the Lions prepare for the 2009 AIFA season, you can still get your season tickets for as low as $56. Home opener is March 22nd, so be sure to contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN to see how you can GET IN THE JUNGLE!
:smileylions:
Training Camp Report
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Columbus, GA (March 4, 2009) - With some unexpected snow slowing down the first week of practice, the Columbus Lions of the American Indoor Football Association finished up their first week of preparation for the 2009 season with many positions yet to be decided.
Training camp can be used to help condition players while also giving them time to learn offensive and defensive schemes. In addition camp also serves as a battleground of competition as Coaches have to decide who to keep and who to cut.
One such battle includes a position where Coach Gibson plans on carrying only one player. At the fullback position, rookie Richard Fitzhugh (5’10 205, Tuskegee) and Leon Foster (6’2 268, Union) are vying for clubs lone roster spot. Fitzhugh has shown a tremendous ability running the ball while Foster brings blocking stability on passing downs.
The strength of camp has been the veteran leadership from former AFL lineman Branden Hall (6’4 330, Troy) and Monreko Crittenden (6’5 385, Auburn). The real position battle on the offensive line has been at center with newcomer Charlie Sanders fresh off winning a Division II National Championship in 2007 (6’1 300, Valdosta State) while veteran Darin Damron (6’4 295, North Alabama) provides the Lions with some flexibility at offensive and defensive line.
The Lions coaching staff has been tested this season finding a replacement for the injured quarterback Joey Conrad. “It’s been tough replacing Joey, especially his pocket presence and his quick release”, says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Right now we have an open competition between three solid rookies and were just waiting to see which one stands out the most.”
Making it even tougher to judge the offense has been the standout play of the Lions defense. “Our defense has outshined the offense, but at this point in training camp that’s a good thing,” said Gibson. Led by veterans Ramone Nickerson (5’10 190, Tuskegee) and 2008 All-AIFA selection Damian Daniels (5’10 185, West Georgia) in the secondary makes it tough to judge the QB battle. “I would rather those QB’s practice against these two guys because I know Ramone and Damian are going to bring their all every practice,” says Gibson, “it will help make them better quarterbacks in the long run.”
The final week of camp will consist of three-on-three drills, individual drills, and nightly situational drills. “We will watch film from the previous night every day to take a look at the things we can control and then make our final decision on player personnel at the end of the week,” concludes Gibson.
As the Lions prepare for the 2009 AIFA season, you can still get your season tickets for as low as $56. Home opener is March 22nd, so be sure to contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN to see how you can GET IN THE JUNGLE!
:smileylions: