ESPN Insider Interview Series Volume 1, 2008 Season Preview

[ESPN Insider]

As we head into the 2008 Season, we here at ESPN have attempted to go around the league and get inside the minds of the leagues owners and various media members.

The Insider has been granted unparalleled access to the people who run the teams of the IFL, and in that regard we hope that you, the reader, both enjoy and gain insight into the teams, owners and players of the IFL.

Over the next 10 days the Insider will release these interviews as we count down to opening day and the kickoff of the Imperial Leagues 6th season.

[ESPN Insider]

Roadrash: Iowa City Snipe Hunters


ESPN Insider: Up and Down, Up and Down, Consistency has not been a Snipe Hunter trademark in 5 IFL seasons. Will this season see you remain on the upswing or is there some sort of curse dealing with even numbered years?

RoadRash: There is a curse in the NFC North, but it has to do with the Outlaws. There is no curse, 2006 was an injury fluke. 2005 and 2007 showed what the Snipe Hunters will do for the next few years. It's not like we actually have any competition. . .

ESPN Insider: Is QB Sammy Matthews capable of leading this team all the way?

RoadRash: Of course he is, he did very well last year, and only missed a playoff win by a safety. Hell, McMurray did it, so can Sammy.

ESPN Insider: Are you afraid that Aubrey Beamer was overworked last season?

RoadRash: Our goal last year was for him to get 25-35 touches, including receptions. That is about where he was at. Overused? Compared to Crespo, no. Compared to others, maybe a bit. Hopefully our receiving corp will step up this year and give us a legitimate passing attack, but either way Beamer is our workhorse.

ESPN Insider: You gave up a Conference low 223 points last season without what some have called a "No Name" Defense. Whats the key to your success?

RoadRash: Uh, not letting the other team into the enzone?

ESPN Insider: Is James Hovis the best defensive playmaker in the IFL?

RoadRash: Yes! Slightly longer answer: He's better than that guy everyone was talking about a few year ago in STL. What was his name? guess it doesn't matter, he retired didn't he?

[ESPN Insider]

Cydney: Montreal Firebirds


ESPN Insider: After a near division title and playoff berth in 2006, you fell back last season. This offseason you've gone into full rebuilding mode. Do you have a timetable for this process?

Cydney: We'd really been approaching last season as the start of the rebuilding process, but when the team went out and won three straight from weeks 2 to 4, the decision was made to hold onto some of the top talent that was originally going to be made available before the trade deadline. This offseason the process was begun with reluctance, primarily due to past errors on the part of the management. Too little negotiation with the team's free agents brought us too close to the cap without the kind of talent or on-field performance we felt should have been earned. We expect the process to take at least three full seasons to escape the cap repercussions and allow new talent to develop.

ESPN Insider: Jose Gilpin was a star in Montreal both on and off the field, how hard was the decision to move him to California?

Cydney: Believe me, no one wanted to move Jose less than I did. Everyone loved him, the team, the coaching staff, and especially the fans. He is, without a doubt, the best player the Firebirds have ever had the pleasure of working with. I would never even attempt to deceive the fans by saying that we got a good deal out of California, we didn't, nothing could possibly replace him. That said, we're hopeful that through careful drafting, we should be able to use the picks we acquired to develop a more balanced team. In the past we've focussed heavily on the defensive side of the ball, but that gameplan just doesn't win in the IFL. All the positive turnover ratios in the world don't count for shit if the offense doesn't do anything with it!

ESPN Insider: Does the T.J. Fenkner era begin this year or do consider this a learning year for him?

Cydney: Long answer short, Fenkner will be starting the season. Though we've been a little disappointed by his training camp performance, we fully expect him to develop into a premier QB. To do that he must make his rookie mistakes, and the sooner we start those lessons the sooner we expect to be back in the running.

ESPN Insider: Are you thru whealing and dealing or is their more to come?

Cydney: Don't be surprised to see some moves around the trade deadline.

ESPN Insider: Highly touted rookie DT K.C. Weinke has not gotten along well with Jeffrey Totten whom many people consider the leader of your defense. Is this situation resolvable?

Cydney: Totten is definitely the leader of our offense, and that will not change. The reports of a confrontation between him and Weinke are true, but (Firebirds Head Coach) Preston (Shields) has assured me that both players are dedicated to the team first and foremost, and plan to expend every effort to help us win. I will not, however, tolerate further such dissension. Totten has seniority, and has been a solid performer for the team since we joined the league in 2003 - Weinke will be moved if the situation proves irreconcilable.

[ESPN Insider]

DBerner30: Wichita Outlaws

ESPN Insider: QB Winston Scott had a remarkable Sophmore season in 2007, is he prepared to take this team to the top?

DBerner30: You bet. We love Winston. He is the present and the future. He has gotten the nod since day 1 on this team and has improved both seasons. He is ready to lead the franchise to the playoffs. We should also mention that Joe Granger is a great mentor to Winston and provides us with a starting caliber QB as our No. 2. Joe has gotten quality starts the last two years as we have needed him.

ESPN Insider: You've suffered thru 3 down seasons but have done a remarkable job building thru the draft, is this the year you turn the corner?

DBerner30: The Outlaws have acquired some incredible talent and last year it started to gel together a bit. Look for great things to come in Wichita. One of our challenges has been very untimely injuries to star players. If we can keep these guys healthy its gonna be a solid year for the Outlaws.

ESPN Insider: Does having fan loyalty suffer thru this rebuilding process bother you at all?

DBerner30: Sure. Our fans want to see a winner. We want to win. It just takes time. Hopefully those who have stuck with us will have good reason for optimism this coming season.

ESPN Insider: How important was it to add someone the caliber of Eric Vitale at RT to protect Winston Scott?

DBerner30: Now thats a tough one. We already have Richard Silas at RT and he is a solid veteran performer. Frankly he is one of the best OTs in the Imperial league. We just couldnt pass up on a talent like Vitale. Look for Eric to serve as a swing tackle backing up both the RT and LT spots this year. There is always a possibility that someone will make us an offer we cant refuse on Silas. If that happens look for Eric to pick right up where Richard left off.

ESPN Insider: Tell us why Cleveland and Iowa City should fear the Outlaws this season.

DBerner30: This Outlaw team should come with both guns blazing. We have addressed a weak point in the offense by adding a new receiving threat while at the same time Gino Markel has dramatically improved over last year. In the backfield look for any one of 4 guys to touch the ball any given weak. The OLine should dominate. Our young DLine only looks stronger this year. We managed to find some real quality in the draft this year in the later rounds. Deion Kinney and Bernard Hastings should scare opposing offenses. We will be stout in the front 7. We have had some injuries to the secondary but we should hold up okay. Remember opposing QBs need time to throw and our DLine should make that a real problem.

[ESPN Insider]

Eckman: Cleveland Clawz

ESPN Insider: You've done a remarkable job in taking a team that alot of people thought was on the downswing after 2005 and not only rebuilding, but winning. Have the past 2 seasons been a surprise to you in terms of on field success?

Eckman: I think we have done more with less over the last 2 years and it's been real suprising. There was some talent here when I took over the clawz. We felt that talent wasn't being used correctly. This season was a huge suprise for us. I really thought our defense would struggle but they hung tough all year. It's pretty hard to keep rebuilding this team drafting so late but we will continue to add talent everyway we can. I wouldn't be suprised if we took a step back this year with the our divison improving.

ESPN Insider: Larry Deason went from Imperial Bowl starting RB to backup. In the past 2 seasons he's returned to the starting slot for you. Is there a correlation between his resurgence and your winning?

Eckman: When I took over this franchise Chris Jackson was the established RB with a huge new contract and seemed to have the superior skills. After seeing both RB's play Deason just out preformed Jackson. Deason was then given the chance to start again and just ran with it. I think Larry is just the better back at this point and gives us the best chance to win, He is a big reason for our success. Jackson will be lucky to make the team this year. Look out for our 2nd year RB Walter Burnett, as backup to Deason he put up solid numbers for a mid round rookie.

ESPN Insider: Alot of people expect WR Daniel Williams to have a monster year this season. How good can this kid be?

Eckman: The kid is one of the best wr's in the league. His numbers have been limited over the years because of the run at all cost offense before we got here. The last 2 years he has been developing a bond our young QB Bart Alexander. I don't think his number will be up there with the league leaders because of the offense we play here and the continued development of our QB. This is a contract year for williams so he will have all the motivation he needs.

ESPN Insider: You play a very blue collar, Cleveland type offense, was that a calculated effort on your part or is it just where the chips fell?

Eckman: If we could I would love to throw the ball every down. However when we took the Clawz over this team was built around the oline and running the ball. We went with the strength of the team and tried to add and effective passing game. We have always had the talent at wr but never had that true leader at qb as we do now. We try to play ball control ball and it's been working for us.

ESPN Insider: Is this now QB Bart Alexanders team?

Eckman: Without question. Bart isn't flashy and can look down right ugly at times but all he does is win. Bart is 18-7 in games he started thats top winning pct. in the league. Ask anybody on this team who the leader is and they will tell you Bart Aleander. Bart still has a ways to go but i only see good things from him in the future.

[ESPN Insider]

Ragin: Louisiana Voodoo

ESPN Insider: You finaly toppled St. Louis in 2006, but fell off of the map last season. How big of a dissapointment was the 2007 season to you?

Ragin: '07 was a HUGE dissapointment for the organization to say the least. We had some key injuries and we did not have a home after the hurricane. I think our lack of qaulity depth killed us and we lacked some leadership on the field. We tried to improve on that this offseason with some trades and newly hired staff. Brett Bond and Dominick Smith retiring was certainly a suprise but we were able to fill those gaps with the trade that brought in Aaron Wilson from Lawrence to lead the defensive line and Seth Stender, our 2007 first round pick, will anchor our offensive line and I think have a breakout year.

ESPN Insider: Does QB Angelo Hairston need to rebound from last years poor performance to keep his job?

Ragin: Angelo will be fine. We need to do a better job protecting him and running the ball and he will regain his form of 2006. We really put a lot on his shoulders last year and you can't expect one man do everything. As far as I am concerned Angelo will our starting QB for years to come and a good one in this league.

ESPN Insider: How good do you think 1st round pick DT Toby Torres can be?

Ragin: I think Toby will be a great player. We needed a guys to anchor our defensive line and to make some plays and he's the guy to do it. Last year we just did not do a good job of stopping the run and putting pressure up the middle. We will be better this year because of Torres and we also brought in Alfredo Annis from Albuquerque and Huey McClurg will help mentor Torres along.

ESPN Insider: Following Hurrican Katrina the city of New Orleans came out in droves last year to support you even thru a tough season on the field, how inspiring has it been to be a part of the cities rebirth?

Ragin: Ya know the Louisiana fans have been great to us through all of this. You will never hear me complain about their support. They are die-hard VooDoo fans and it will always be that way. Hopefully, we have put together a team that they can be proud of and enjoy watching.

ESPN Insider: Is it true a Voodoo curse was put on St. Louis last season?

Ragin: Not just last season, every season! We have had a fun rivalry over the years and we hope to be there at the end of the year fighting for the division. We did a little extra this year putting a curse on Houston because I think they could have a special year and have everyone in the AC South looking in from the outside.

[sovstar]

This is quite the undertaking. I can only imagine how much time was spent gathering up good questions for each team/media member. Keep up the great work!

[Warhammer]

Ditto

[Suicane]

I concur

[kingfc22]

I'd also like to say "thanks". Love this type of stuff.

[Hell Atlantic]

wow, thanks to Vic for all the California love he gave us. nice to see people talking about the Heroes, i'm sure when we were the Chaos the team was an afterthought. i'm proud to have made this team matter again.

[ESPN Insider]

Suicane: St. Louis Cardinals

ESPN Insider: You expected big things from your team last season and finished 7-9, how can you rebound this year?

Suicane: Well, we finished 7-9 it's true, but we won our division. Injuries killed us last year and we feel we've added enough depth to compensate for that. We're reloaded and ready to take aim at a 2nd Imperial Bowl title.

ESPN Insider: Mark McMurray has yet to live up to the potential alot of people feel he has. Is it time to step up for McMurray?

Suicane: Yes, no doubt. If he is healthy we fully expect Mark to put up astronomical numbers. If he isn't healthy well then we have to assess his durability. Either way this is a big year for Mark.

ESPN Insider: Were there any plans to maybe dismantle this team following last years meltdown?

Suicane: It was thought about, but the truth is, without those injuries, who knows what we would have done. If it was simply a case of everyone playing like crap then maybe there would of been more initiative to blow things up, but those who stayed healthy played well, and honestly, to get into the playoffs last season with the shape our team was in, is a testemant to those guys, and now that they have everyone back I expect huge things from this team.

ESPN Insider: In Free Agency this year you focused on pass blocking specialists on the Offensive Line, I suppose it's no secret that you're gonna be airing it out this year?

Suicane: No secret at all. We feel we've got mucho weaponry to just dismantle opposing teams. We've got the rocket launcher in McMurray, the ground army in the Offensive Line, and the fighter jets in our receving corps. We've built an offensive army that is looking to conquer this league.

ESPN Insider: Cardinals Calender Girls, where do you find them?

Suicane: When you look this good, the girls find you.

[ESPN Insider]

SteveBsFan: Houston Renegades

ESPN Insider: The addition of Nigel Booker is a clear message to your fans that you will do whatever it takes to win, have you surrounded Booker with enough weapons to be succesfull?

SteveBsFan: We hope so. While he won't have Gomez to throw to in Houston, we feel we have given him enough options on the field who will be able to get open and catch his passes from the WR position to the TE and even the RB.

ESPN Insider: Jerry St. Clair was supposed to be the Quarterback of this team for a long time. How hard was it to cut ties with Jerry following his injury?

SteveBsFan: The loss of St. Clair was very tough on the franchise. We planned our team around him, and was expecting good things out of both him and Ambrose Jones as our offensive line developed. Jones went down with an injury, so we had to cut ties with him which was painful enough, but to lose Jerry the very next year really set us back a bit. We're hoping the pickup of Booker will off-set that a little, but it was quite a loss for this team.

ESPN Insider: Wilford Timmerman has come into his own as an elite back, how will a player of Bookers caliber enchance what Wilford brings to the field.

SteveBsFan: We're hoping he does just that. Last year Timmerman had a career year in the backfield, and this was during a season where it was very predictable that we were going to run. This year we'll have more options than just running, so that will hopefully open things up a bit more for our offense.

ESPN Insider: Bryant Beckner will be relied upon heavily as the featured reciever for you this season, do you think he's up to the challenge?

SteveBsFan: Early reports out of training camp look encouraging from Beckner. He was the 2nd WR picked last year out of the trio of very good receivers in the draft, and we still feel he can produce as well as the other two, especially with Booker throwing him the balls this season.

ESPN Insider: Garfiled Rhodes has suffered thru a slight decline in stats and had trouble staying healthy the last 3 years, is he still an elite Cornerback?

SteveBsFan: Definitely. He has had some private issues off the field which have been weighing on him recently, but it appears he may have overcome some of those issues, so we hope for good things out of him this season and future seasons.

[Vic Carucci]

Very well done indeed.

Great work by ESPN and great work by the owners that participated. This kind of participation makes me proud

[ESPN Insider]

Kobeck: Murfreesboro Mules

ESPN Insider: Losses, Injuries, Dwindling fan support. How hard is it to keep a positive outlook in the face of all these things?

Kobeck: The Mules were is first place after 9 games in 2007, then the injuries caught up and the Mules went 1-6 to finish the season. Of course the season was finished with Peterson, Monroe and Fortune all unavailable to play. Mule fans are disheartened to learn that Peterson will not be available till midseason. The Mules almost doubled their wins from 2006 and there is every reason to expect the upward win trend to continue. The Mules will be starting 4 rooks and a second year guy on Defense and that should be interesting. So to the 43,700 season ticket holders I say thank you. To the 20,000+ walkups the Mules expect every Sunday I say welcome and come on back now, ya hear.

ESPN Insider: How is Otis Peterson doing in his recovery? Reports indicate a return sometime around mid season.

Kobeck: I know the fans want Opie on the field as much as he wants to be there so the hope is that the Mules are still close when Opie comes back. Peterson's recovery has not been as quick as the Mule FO had hopped. The Mules did make offers to QB Sanders, but the offers were for a backup role, had the Mule FO realized that Opie would not be available till midseason then more aggressive offers would have been made. This note to the fans - There is every chance that the starting Mule QB is not currently on the roster, but if the season started today Howie Reynolds would be taking the snaps.

ESPN Insider: Highly touted rookie RB Scott Fortune had a dissapointing season last year, how do you expect him to rebound in his sophmore season?

Kobeck: I disagree that Fortune had a disappointing season other than it was shortened by injury. Scott had 679 total yards in 156 touches and he scored a rushing TD. Yes it could have been more dynamic, but Scott is not the only talented player in the Mules backfield. The Mules hope to continue to get Scott more involved as he absorbes Joey Bauers offense.

ESPN Insider: Zoomie Monroe has been involved in a miriad of trade rumors. Given his age and the clear youth movement being undertaken in Murfreesboro, should we expect a trade at some point this season?

Kobeck: Zoomie Monore will retire a Mule if I have any say about it. The big guy just resigned thru 2009 and he is still at an All-pro level as far as the Mule FO is concerened. The Mules acquired veteran DT Marshall Flannery from the VooDoo. Flannery will be making the defensive line adjustments this season allowing Zoomie to concentrate on playing football.

ESPN Insider: Was CB Jose Mangum drafted at the 4th overall spot with the Cardinals passing attack in mind or was it more a case of right player, right spot?

Kobeck: Jose Mangum obviously filled a need and he was at the top of the Mules list for 1.4 going into the draft. The Cardinals air attack was not a consideration to anyone except R.J. Montgomery - lol. Mangum was clearly the best secondary player in the draft and the Mules did not believe he would be available at 1.19 so the selection was not difficult.

ESPN Insider: The Mules front office was not in hyperactive mode for the 2008 draft. Does this indicate a change in the way the Mules approach the offseason?

Kobeck: Well the annual Mule/Cardinal trade was done early this draft - lol Seriously the Mules traded out of the the later rounds because the Mules did not see value in those picks. It was dissappointing to see just how little value the Mules got in early 4s,5,6 and 7th round picks. Evey with only 1 pick after round 3 the Mules picked up 4 or 5 starters. Is this an indictment of the Mules roster or lauding the talent the Mules acquired? Only time will tell.