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Entertainment 411 - July 2006 |
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Orlando Predators Schedule Open Tryouts For 2007 Arena Football League Season Tryouts To Be Held On Saturday September 30, 2006 and Saturday December 9, 2006
The tryouts will consist of the 40-yard dash, 20-yard short shuttle, and individual and team non-contact drills by position. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the tryouts beginning promptly at 9 a.m. The tryouts will be held rain or shine. “I have always been of the opinion that there are always quality football players that slip through the cracks,” Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. “These open tryout camps give those players an opportunity to get noticed by our coaching staff, as well as coaches from the arenafootball2 league.” In addition to the Orlando Predators coaching staff, select coaches from the “arenafootball2” league will be on hand to evaluate tryout participants. The Free Agent Tryout Camp is for all positions, including quarterbacks, fullback/linebackers, wide receiver/defensive backs, offensive/defensive linemen and kickers. All participants will be required to sign an injury waiver form. There is a non-refundable $60 registration fee ($50 if pre-registering) to cover the costs of the tryout. Prospective players should come dressed in shorts, t-shirt and grass cleats. No equipment will be provided. Athletes may obtain registration forms or obtain more information by visiting the Predators web site at OrlandoPredators.com, stopping by the Predators Office at Q: When are the tryouts for the 2007 Season? A: The Predators will hold two open free agent tryouts for the 2007 season. The first will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Thunder Field and the second will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Tinker Field. Both tryout locations are located at the Orlando Citrus Bowl Complex. For directions, use the address: Q: What time do the tryouts start? A: Registration for each tryout begins at 8 a.m. with the tryouts beginning at 9 a.m. Q: How long do the tryouts last? A: Generally speaking the tryouts will last approximately three hours. Q: What are the eligibility requirements? A: The open tryout is for all athletes, age 18 or older. Participants may not be currently under contract with any other professional football league. Q: What positions are you looking for? Q: What should I wear? A: The tryouts will be held on a grass field. It is suggested that athletes wear shorts, t-shirt and grass cleats. No equipment will be provided. Q: Why is there a registration fee? Q: Do I need previous professional or college experience? A: No. Essentially we are looking for athletes with the ability to play at the professional level. While many current Arena Football League players have previous professional or college experience, it is not required. Former Predators player Anthony Bright is an example of a player who attended and was signed out of a Predators tryout camp without previous college or professional experience. Q: What is the tryout format? A: You will be tested in the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle and various individual and team non-contact drills by position. Q: If I am selected am I guaranteed a spot on the Predators roster? A: You are competing for a spot on the Orlando Predators pre-season roster. If signed, you will be invited to training camp in January. The Predators will bring 35 players to camp in January and must cut down to a 24-man roster before the start of the regular season. No contracts in the Arena Football League are guaranteed. Q: Have the Predators ever signed any players out of the tryout camps? A: The Orlando Predators organization takes the tryout process seriously. Javarus Dudley, who earned first team AFL All-Rookie honors in 2006 and starting Predators defensive specialist Lin-J Shell are two examples of players signed by the Predators from the Open Tryout Camp. The Predators have signed at least one player from its open tryout camp every year since 1991. Q: Are there any positions in particular that you are looking to fill? A: As of June 20, the Orlando Predators had less than a dozen players under contract for the 2007 season and are currently seeking players at every position. Traditionally the team is always looking for quality linemen, defensive backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks. Q: How much do Arena Football Players make? A: Salaries vary by position and experience. Players receive salary and housing during the season. The AFL minimum salary is $1,738 per game. When housing and other benefits are factored in, the average AFL salary is in the $60-$70,000 range. Q: Is there an age limit? A: Prospective players must be 18-years-of-age to participate. Q: Should I pre-register? A: It is your choice. You may register in advance or on the day of the tryout. There is a $10 discount off the registration fee if you pre-register. Registration forms may be obtained at OrlandoPredators.com, at the Predators Office at
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