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Utah's Premiere Football Organization.
2006 WOLVERINE TEAM PREVIEW
After practicing in blistering cold, wet snow, and rain for the past three months. The 2006 RMFL Season is finally underway this weekend as the Wolverines open the season hosting RMFL newcomer the UTAH HEAT. This is going to be an exciting game for everyone in attendance as the Wolverines will display their revamped offense and always tough defense. With returning veterans and talented new additions the Wolverines goal will again be the RMFL Championship. Come out and watch first hand as Utah ’s Premiere Football Organization makes it’s run for the 2006 RMFL Championship.
COACHES
QB / RB / WR / TE / OL
DL / LB / DB / P-K
(Click on Positions for Review)
WOLVERINES COACHING:
The Wolverines come into the 2006 RMFL Season with a new attitude and new offense to implement. Returning is 2005 Offensive Coordinator Anthony Jefferies (AJ) who has now been promoted to Head Coach. AJ brings in new Offensive Coordinator Eric Drage who previously served as head coach of the now defunct Wasatch Wildcats. Eric brings in vast knowledge of the passing game to the offense while AJ brings his expertise on the run game and blocking schemes. With the two of them working together during the preseason the Wolverines Offense erupted for over 300 yards of total offense versus the Colorado Scorpions.
Defensively Jimmie Pryor continues to serve as Defensive Coordinator as well as Assistant Head Coach. With Jimmies experience at the University of Utah , the 2005 season was a learning experience for him. Watch for improvement throughout the entire defense this season as Jimmie has shown players how to be in position, its now up to the players to make the plays. Helping Jimmie with Defense will be Ed Cerise who stepped down as Head Coach to focus on General Management and playing duties. Look for the Wolverine Coaching staff to improve their game plan every week to reach the ultimate goal of RMFL Champions. (TOP)
QUARTERBACKS:
Leading the offense are some familiar names mixed with some new talent. Going into the Game 1 the Wolverines will introduce newly acquired free agent QB (formerly of the Nemesis) Steve Wealty who has already been named Minor League Football News Player of the Week for his play against the Scorpions. Steve has been dedicated since day one and shows an understanding of the offense. Look for Steve too put up big numbers and lead his team to victory. Behind Steve will be Wolverine veteran Joey Collins who has spent time playing arena ball. Joey is still learning the offense, but his athleticism will overcome any faults he may have with the system. Both of these Quarterbacks are capable of leading the Wolverines to victory and the RMFL Championship. (TOP)
RUNNNING BACKS:
This is probably one of the strongest and deepest positions for the Wolverines. Returning are veteran players Tigger Edwards who displays both power and finesse, Tavita Makalo who is a big back that can punish you or make you miss, Billy Davis who returns after sitting out the 2005 season with an injury who has the rare combination of speed and strength, and Aaron Sawyer who is raw and powerful and also saw time at OL in 2005. With those returning players the Wolverines have one of the better back fields in the league. Now add the newly acquired RMFL Veterans including Former BYU RB Marcus Whalen who will see part time duty due to other obligations, Andrew Gillespie who is a big powerful back and spent last year playing for RMFL runner up Madison Lyons he will also spend time at TE, and Tony Saunders who was a teammate to Marcus with Wasatch in 2005 and will make an impact with the Wolverines. Finally, the Wolverines have added new talent in Sam Kem, Joe Gerrard, and Wuki Purcell. Again, the back field is deep so opponents are not going to know who to prepare for. Although we may not have the league rushing leader, each back will contribute when called upon. (TOP)
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Like the running back position the Wide Receivers are again loaded with talent and very deep. The Wolverines bring back 2 nd Team ALL -RMFL All Purpose Player James Neslen who is not as well known as some of the big name receivers in the league, but he puts up the numbers to be considered one of the best. Against the Scorpions James had 6 receptions for 107yds, which isn’t bad for the first game. Lining up along side James is 5-year veteran Kyle Ashby, who also had a big game catching 2 TDs on 4 catches against the Scorpions. Both Kyle and James are big receivers both over 6’-1” and 200lbs. They possess both speed and strength. Behind Kyle and James are RMFL Veteran’s Danny Smith who previously played on defense and newly acquired Jonathan Olsen formerly of Wasatch and UofU. Both players have excellent hands and great quickness to both get open and out run defenders. Rotating in with these players are newcomers Landon Walters, Kevin Campos, Cody Zenger, TJ Stokes, Dave Gerrard, Paul Harward, and all the way from Austria Jerry Glasser. The Wolverine Receiving corps is very deep and talented like the RB position, watch for some of these players to show up on the All-Star team for 2006. (TOP)
TIGHT ENDS:
Although not as deep as the receivers or backs, the tight ends are all very talented and can play different positions when needed. Starting off will be 5-year RMFL veteran Ryan Seely who has deceptive speed and great hands. Ryan exploded against the Scorpions with 4 receptions for 50 yards. Next, making the transition from Defense to Offense is former 3 rd Team ALL -RMFL LB Roger Shulze who will surprise the league with his impressive play at tight end. Roger has great speed, hands, and is tough as nails. Trust me you don’t want to be the guy lining up opposite of Roger. Don’t forget, Roger can still play Defense if needed. Finally, the Wolverines have added former BYU Tight End Andy Hadfield, at 6’-6” and 250lbs and can run a 4.8 40, good luck to any defensive player that can match up with Andy. This group can block, receive, and they will be another bright spot for the Wolverine offense. (TOP)
OFFENSIVE LINE:
This is one of the toughest positions for any team in the RMFL to fill. The Wolverines have worked hard to address their needs on the Offensive Line with returning veterans such as Mike Junkins (Injured), Dan Griffith, Ben Bencomo, Josh Redfern, and Keli Tohara. Also contributing to the line will be RMFL veterans Jay Olsen formerly of the Pocatello Predators, John White, Graham Coppard, and Adam Muma formerly of the Blitz. New players that have joined are Jon Hamlin who the coaches are very high on, James Schwartz, and Casey Cotton. This group as whole is green but very talented. They have to protect a new QB and open big holes for running backs. Being two deep helps and it will take them a few games but with their hard work this line will be one of the better ones in the league. (TOP)
KICKER/PUNTER:
The Wolverines are relying heavily this season on one leg and it belongs to Joshua Clark. The former Eastern Oregon star is refining his kicking game for the NFL with the Wolverines. Josh is in a class of his own when it comes to the RMFL, in his first outing against the Scorpions he was 4 for 4 from inside the 30. Josh also serves as the Wolverines punter, and teams will quickly see that Josh belongs in the NFL. (TOP)
DEFENSIVE LINE:
After the 2005 season the Wolverine D-Line didn’t seem to be on par with their excellent play during the 2004 season. This year the D-Line was an area of focus for Ed Cerise. With new additions and All-Star Veterans the Wolverines D-Line has vastly improved from last season, starting with 2 nd Team All-American (MLFN) and 1 st Team All-RMFL DE Andrew Butler who ranked second in the RMFL with 9 sacks in 2005. Opposite of Andrew is another former All-RMFL Member Dave Barrett who is always a force. New comers to the Defensive End position are former Wildcat Sam Steele, former Blitz player Jeff Wheeler, Dale Young, and Joe Paschall who can also play DT. At DT look for the return of veteran George Liti who was hampered in 2005 with injuries. Also new to the mix at Defensive Tackle are Thomas Benjamin, Samiu Tuitocou, Junior Fausou, Kenny Roberson, and Earl Gordon. With the addition of these players the Wolverines are again deep and hungry to do some damage to the O-Lines of the league. (TOP)
LINEBACKERS:
Starting where they left off last season the Wolverines again return another 2 nd Team All-American (MLFN) and perennial 1 st team All-RMFL Linebacker Matt Shoda. Matt is known throughout the league as one of the best linebackers if not the best in the league. Matt also is the reigning RMFL’s Strongest Man. Matt’s play speaks for itself and if you want to know more about him just talk to any of the Wolverines opponents. This season Shoda doesn’t have his stalwart partner Shulze by his side as Roger has moved to the offense. To pick up the slack, Wolverine veteran Josh Smith has moved inside from the Strong Safety position, Adam Red-Dog Stinson moves back to his natural position of LB after spending a season on the O-Line, also John Beck returns after taking off the 2005 season to play for the University of Utah . It is newcomer Bron Cruz who has made the most impact at Linebacker this off-season, moving up the depth chart from an unknown to starter. Bron can hit folks, and he will light anyone up in his way, just ask the Punter/Starting LB for the Scorpions. Also joining the Wolverines is Dave Condie, who is recovering from an injury but should be ready to go against the HEAT. The Wolverine Linebacking Corp is filled with quality and anyone of these guys can start and go a full game. With game breakers like Shoda, Smith, Beck, and Cruz the Wolverines will again have one of the league best groups. (TOP)
SECONDARY:
When you think of the Wolverines secondary you think of big plays, playoff losses and can’t cover DB’s. Well that isn’t the case this year as the Wolverines have overhauled their secondary to shut down the deep ball and big plays that have plagued them in the past. This has been a heavy point of interest for Defensive Coordinator Jimmie Pryor who was a defensive back at the University of Utah and he expects better play from his secondary. With that have been said, the Wolverines will be returning veteran Corners Shawn Kelly, Chris Marchetti, and Dustin McCammon. Right now the early starter appears to McCammon who is quick and raw, but needs to make plays on the field. Opposite of McCammon is new comer Dee McCormick who spent time with professional indoor arena team the Utah Warriors in 2005 after spending his college career at Dixie State . Dee is a lockdown type corner that can cover the best receivers in this league. Also new to the Wolverines is Steve Andrews who has spent the past 7 years playing for teams in California . Steve is a veteran player who is very intelligent and plays with a lot of emotion. Steve will push the others hard for their starting position.
At Free Safety the Wolverines have added three new capable players, but first in line is Chris Miller who comes to the Wolverines from Snow College and the indoor arena. Chris is an extraordinary versatile athlete that can play corner, safety, or strong safety. Right behind Chris is Bryson Hayward who is in his first season as is Jason Klann. Bryson will spell Chris during rotation or when Chris moves positions. Jason, is another player who can play either free or strong. Finally, Justin Brown is another exciting player to keep your eye on. Justin was injured and could miss the first two games of the season. Justin is the real deal. Again, this is another group that can make significant plays on the field.
Finally, at Strong Safety you have Veterans Jeremy and Dave Smith (no relation) who are the favorites to start the season, right behind them is Ed Cerise another veteran who may also see time at LB. New acquires include Joey Guanzon, and Nick Workman. Nick may also miss the first few games due to injury.
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