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As the preseason winds down, the Tornadoes have begun preparations for their 2005 season. A change in ownership/GM has certainly brought a new change around the facility. Let's take a quick recap at their offseason highlights.
Front Office
Coach Bill Earle has a relatively short leash. With new management on the senior positions usually brings change, Coach Earle's incumbent position was issued a dreaded vote of confidence. Pressure will be put on the 3rd year coach to produce results. However, the rest of the coaching staff was replaced. The new assistants and the head coach had better be on the same page or they would be all looking for homes in the offseason.
Offense
Not much has changed in the makeup of the Tulsa offense. Drafted help came in the form of project T Leonard Becker but with the starting tackles well entrenched, it remains to be seen if he will get the onfield experience. The receiving core doesn't have a standout, but maybe that is for the better. Team chemistry is relatively strong with this group. In the backfield, monster RB Colin Blain looks to carry the offense. With back to back 1,000 yard seasons, he is a terror to opposing defenses. Vowing to get back to his 2003 form, he has been practicing and conditioning in Louisana. Coach Earle has promised his running back 400 touches at least this season.
Defense
The concentration of the draft is expected to yield two potential starters. However DT Tito Ash has battled injuries throughout the preseason and he will need to catch up on the repititions once he gets into playing shape. First rd. CB Mel Fitzgerald was solid during the preseason and headlines an eclectic mix of old and young in the backfield.
Front Office
Coach Bill Earle has a relatively short leash. With new management on the senior positions usually brings change, Coach Earle's incumbent position was issued a dreaded vote of confidence. Pressure will be put on the 3rd year coach to produce results. However, the rest of the coaching staff was replaced. The new assistants and the head coach had better be on the same page or they would be all looking for homes in the offseason.
Offense
Not much has changed in the makeup of the Tulsa offense. Drafted help came in the form of project T Leonard Becker but with the starting tackles well entrenched, it remains to be seen if he will get the onfield experience. The receiving core doesn't have a standout, but maybe that is for the better. Team chemistry is relatively strong with this group. In the backfield, monster RB Colin Blain looks to carry the offense. With back to back 1,000 yard seasons, he is a terror to opposing defenses. Vowing to get back to his 2003 form, he has been practicing and conditioning in Louisana. Coach Earle has promised his running back 400 touches at least this season.
Defense
The concentration of the draft is expected to yield two potential starters. However DT Tito Ash has battled injuries throughout the preseason and he will need to catch up on the repititions once he gets into playing shape. First rd. CB Mel Fitzgerald was solid during the preseason and headlines an eclectic mix of old and young in the backfield.