ESPN Insider Interview Series Volume 1, 2008 Season Preview

[ESPN Insider]

HammeringJohnson: Tulsa Cows

ESPN Insider: After suffering thru 5 sub par season, what can Tulsa do to rise to the top of the NFC South?

HammeringJohnson: Play NFL Blitz the League and send hookers to every team's hotel room. From my mentor LT. Or start spitting on the scrawniest guy on opposing player team's, preferably a slot 3rd receiver from a Pac-10 school like JJ Stokes ala Romanowski.

ESPN Insider: Who in the world will QB Devon Taylor throw to this season?

HammeringJohnson: Devon Taylor is like a small dick in a magnum. He just can't fuck properly. Sorry dude.

ESPN Insider: Do you worry that RB Tim Austins workload in his first 2 seasons will negatively impact him?

HammeringJohnson: RB Tim Austin is a running back. Like every good first class whore, she is a great fuck that is begging to be used. However, like every first class whore, she gets used so much she is going to appear in that Requiem in a Dream skit except with 2 double ended dildos for her pussy and ass. If you don't follow me, yes, its his destiny to be used up.

ESPN Insider: What kind of impact do you expect 1st round pick DE Marshall Brummitt to have on your team this season?

HammeringJohnson: He's a defensive end. He is going to set fruity picks. I don't have a fucking clue what he is going to do.

ESPN Insider: If you could have any girl in the world for an 8 second ride, who would it be?

HammeringJohnson: Kate Beckingsale. Because a high class look deserves to have my protein shake dumped on her, glazed from the forehead down. I'm feeling mature woman who hits sexual peak. The youngins have that perky nipples but they don't know how to work it. Imagine Kate, with a nice halter dress, slit up high to both waists...the end.

All the young girls are pretty lousy lays--aka Jessica Alba? like all bones and shit. Maybe Rachel McAdams will be a pretty good lay--all that milky skin is begging to be slapped hard so it gets red. especially that white ass. and put a collar on her. There are alot of girls out there, so yea, im sticking with kate because that is what i feel.

[ESPN Insider]

Funky Chicken: Resident Sniffer

ESPN Insider: Alright Mr. Chicken, lets cut to the chase. Not counting West Virginia, what team smells the worst to you going into the 2008 season?

Funky Chicken: It's a good thing you pointed out West Virginia, because they stink on a level that has never been breached before. We're talking about century-old cheese here. Besides the Beasts I'd say the Murfreesboro Mules have the weakest lineup, especially when you consider that their top QB will be out for half of the season and even then he may not return to his peak level. Orlando and Montreal are other teams that will probably struggle as they are in tough divisions this year and they don't have the talent to compete.

ESPN Insider: All those sweaty bodies stuffed into the convention center during the draft must have raised a prominent odor, but what teams draft stunk up the joint royaly?

Funky Chicken: Drafts are pretty hard to judge just months after they've taken place, but anytime your first rounder busts your draft usually has to be considered a waste. This would be the case with Texas. Otherwise, I'll hold my judgement until a date further down the line.

ESPN Insider: Free Agency saw players flying cross country and back and forth night and day, visiting potential suitors, leaving time for nary a bath. What free agent acquisition made you hold you pecker so you didn't have to smell the rankiness of it?

Funky Chicken: Honestly, there weren't that many signings that stood out to me this year - nothing that would really make you double-flush if you get my drift. The biggest contract went to a cornerback that maybe hasn't proved himself quite yet, but that you'll take that risk anyday at such an important position.

ESPN Insider: The French invade the IFL tommorow and demand we cede to them the IFL's stinkiest division, who is it?

Funky Chicken: You asked for one, I'll give you two. The two worst divisions last year are probably the two worst this year. The AFC South has one of the worst teams and no one that really strikes fear into you. The NFC West has one potentially dangerous team and the rest you just don't know how much they can do with their current squads.

ESPN Insider: Somebody light a match! Which IFL Offensive Line is so stinky that their backfield oughta put on quarantine suits before lineing up behind them?

Funky Chicken: I'd probably have to give this honor to the Orlando Pirates. With the possibility of two rookies starting on the ends you're probably going to see Harrison Hynes on the ground a lot this season.

[Matt]

HJ, can I give you a number for someone to talk to?

[ESPN Insider]

Jester Blaze: Lawrence Phantoms

ESPN Insider: Always a bridesmaid, never the bride. How frustrating has it been to go thru 5 IFL seasons in which your team was always good, but never quite good enough to get over the hump in your division?

LawrencePhantoms: Words can't describe the frustration. They simply can't. Each year we feel like we're going to be a playoff contender and each year... (shakes head)

ESPN Insider: For 4 seasons you and Newark had been jostling behind either Orlando or Vermont, last year Newark ascended to the throne to win the NFC East, this offseason you seem to have made moves specificaly with Newark in mind, whats the rivalry like?

LawrencePhantoms: The rivalry is very fierce and a funny thing is I'm not sure anyone knows how it actually manifested itself. Until last season neither team had ever been to the playoffs so we obviously haven't played any big games against each other yet it's always been there. And now the individual rivalry of Crespo vs Kley should only add to it.

ESPN Insider: Tobias Stansfield is one of the most prolific passers in IFL history, yet the fact that he's never led his team to the playoffs hangs around his neck like an anchor, is this a make or break season for him?

LawrencePhantoms: (GM Jester Blaze laughs) No. Not at all. The IFL's career passing yards leader doesn't have make or break seasons. He had a bad stretch of INT's during his younger years but I can't think of a time recently where Tobias has let us down. Our failures as a team certainly don't stem from the QB position. Hell, he averaged almost 300 yards per game last season! Note from Tobias: It's Stanfield muthafucka!

ESPN Insider: What do you feel the key to stopping Alan Crespo is?

LawrencePhantoms: Stopping Crespo? Injury. Containg him? 11 run-stoppers on defense and luck.

ESPN Insider: Can you win an IFL title with Shaun Schutz at Running Back?

LawrencePhantoms: Absolutely! And we expect the first to come this season. Very Happy

[ESPN Insider]

Matt: Newark Bulldogs

ESPN Insider: 2007 brought you your first NFC East title, going into this season, what does it feel like to be the hunted instead of the hunter?

Matt: It's kind of a good feeling, and let me explain this a little. Whenever you win a division as competitive as the NFC East, it is a tremendous feeling. Actually making the playoffs for the first time, winning a game, and then taking Madison to the brink felt like we actually accomplished something. So many years previous, we had ended up finishing 2nd in the division and 1st runner up for a playoff berth. Fast forward to the offseason, where I saw our rival Lawrence make plenty of big moves, where we were forced to sit idol because we did not have the cap flexibility to do a whole lot. As I sit here, I don't really see Newark as the front runner because I think Lawrence has done enough to earn that right on paper.

ESPN Insider: Alan Crespo has drawn comparisons to some of the all time greats, Brown, Simpson, Sanders, Peyton. What's it like having a Running Back of that caliber?

Matt: Crespo is a great player. It is an honour to have a guy with this much talent on our team. He is our MVP every year. Without him Newark would be another team looking for an identity. I'll never forget the offseason we drafted Alan. We made a number of moves to end up in that #1 spot knowing that we could be drafting a special player there. He's done more than anyone could've imagined. We just hope that we're able to bring Alan home for a very long extension. We've had some preliminary talks about extending his contract, but it is just not feasible at this time. I think we've given ourselves the flexibility to sign him either next year or the year after. Special players like this just don't grow on trees, they come once in a very long while. We want to make sure that he's a Bulldog for his whole career.

ESPN Insider: I'm at the Newark concession stand on week 1, am I gonna have a Dwight Burger or a Picante Sante?

Matt: Thats' pretty good! Right now it is Sante's job to lose. He helped lead us to a playoff spot last year, and has done everything that we've asked of him. We signed Sante and Burger to extensions this offseason, and we hope that he'll take the reins of this team for the next 5-10 years. I'd like to say the same thing about Burger, but he just hasn't panned out just yet. When we traded Scott Nelson last year, I thought Burger could step in right away and be the man, and after 1 game I figured out he wasn't ready. Burger also missed our OTA's and mini camps this offseason, and he's not really where I hoped he would've been. I still have big dreams for Burger, and I hope that he performs well this preseason. I'd really like to see what he can do.

ESPN Insider: Your stadium renovation is complete next year, what should we expect from the redecorated Newark abode?

Matt: New turf, new seating, etc. The Newark franchise is a model franchise for the rest of the Imperial league. Our franchise value is far above others, and I credit that to our location, they way we run our team, and our historic stadium. I decided not to build new, but to renovate our current stadium. I'm a fan of historic venues, and not so much a fan of new, fancy, technological stadiums. It will be fun and exciting, and from a business perspective, should bring in more revenue. At the end of the day, we've all got bosses looking over our shoulder's making sure that we're making money. Football is a business, and people are in business to make money. Once everyone is making money, that is the sign of a successful business. Being in the Imperial league is an honour. I'm happy to be a part of it.

ESPN Insider: Is this the year of the Bulldog? Convince us that this is Newarks year to win it all.

Matt: I'd like to think so. I thought we were more prepared last year, and we couldn't quite get it done. Switching QB's mid season did not help our chances there. This is basically the same team as last year, except for a few key players now gone. As I eluded to earlier, I think Lawrence has to be considered the front runners in our division right now. I think we have the team to compete with them and I think it will go right down to the wire.
I'd like our team this year, especially our depth on offense. It would be an honour to hoist the Imperial league trophy at the end of the year. Alan Crespo is going to help make that happen.
Thanks for the opportunity to sit down with you.

[ESPN Insider]

Pirates: Orlando Pirates

ESPN Insider: After a rough 2006, you rebounded to play above expectations in 2007. Do you feel you are still in the middle of a rebuilding mode, or are you poised to make a run at the NFC East title?

Pirates: The competition in our division is brutal but I definitely believe we can compete. We are still missing too many pieces to contend for the NFC East title but a wild card spot is not out of the question.

We are still rebuilding our O line and RB positions. This is going to take time because we refuse to dismantle our team. I have an incredible sense of loyalty to the players that brought us home the Imperial Bowl trophy. So, yes we are rebuilding, but we are not doing it at breakneck speed. It is in pieces where we have to address a position due to retirement or lack of performance.

ESPN Insider: CB Duane Edwards had an awesome year as a rookie in 2007, do you consider him to be the face of your franchise heading into the next few seasons?

Pirates: I have had a lot of heart to heart talks with Duane and he is a good kid. I would love for him to be the face of our defense but he still has to earn that respect. He is well on his way but he really needs to step up his conditioning. He is one of those young players who has an inordinate amount of natural talent and hasn't had to bust his ass in conditioning. He missed two games last year and parts of two more from injury. That is just something that can be minimized through hours in the gym during the offseason.

I think that you will see is us go after players like Duane. Big physical playmakers who can hit. We have added Kirk Gannon in the same draft as Duane and then Kendall Clark this year. These tough and talented kids are our future face on defense. We really stress the team and not the individual.

ESPN Insider: Being in his 15th season, are there any plans at present time to move QB Harrison Hynes?

Pirates: Harry is actually in his 13the season. Don't age him prematurely, he gets really touchy about his age. We just gave him a nice 3 year contract so he stays at the helm at the present time. We will address his replacement through future drafts and he is well aware of this. When we find the next field general to take his place then Harry can move into the role as a mentor.

So, much of our game is dictated by ball control. When you have the division we have then you need to take your opponents stars off the field. If we can shore up our offensive line and cut our sacks back from the 30's to the teens then Harry will be able to do much more.

ESPN Insider: Do you find it difficult having to build a team that year in and year out has to compete with the passing attack of Lawrence and the rushing onslaught of Newark?

Pirates: We are continually having to draft defense in our division. This is not a bad thing, but we cannot really go after the flashy offensive skill guys when you have guys like Crespo, Sepulveda and Stansfield to contend with year in and year out. It is difficult just getting out of division play every year, but this hones your players to a higher level of skill when they have tough competition.

ESPN Insider: Shaquille O'Neal is a fixture at Pirate home games, any plans to suit Shaq Diesel up and throw him out there on goaline plays?

Pirates: If Shaq was a little younger I would put him in there at TE. Who wouldn't want a 7' TE who can post up? Could you imagine the match up problems? He wouldn't just be a redzone target, he would be the whole redzone.
Seriously, has he said something to you? Do you have his number?

[ESPN Insider]

Coder: Vermont Mountaineers

ESPN Insider: 2 Seasons ago alot of people thought you were on the verge of an Imperial Bowl title, now some people are predicting a 3rd or worse place finish in the NFC East. What do you say to the naysayers.

Coder: That they're not too far from the truth.. to be honest, the off-season treated us terribly.

I knew I'd lose Brown, but the loss of Alton Fillmore and Larry Ostrowski were knee-breakers to say the least. I was under the impression that they both wanted to come back, and we'd come a long way in agreeing to deals.. but when California came in with that monster offer for Alton, I knew even the most loyal player couldn't say no..

As far as the other losses, I'm not that bothered, but those two hurt.. sure, we've got a slight weakness at left tackle, since Robertson definately hasn't developed along the lines we thought, but other than that I'm quite pleased.

I don't have my hopes up for this season, but we're looking at the future.. in two or three years I'm positive we'll be contenders again. We'll have to rebuild our receiving corps and strengthen our secondary and our o-line. However, in the draft I went in with the idea to add young talent with lots of potential in all sections where we're growing old (linebackers and defensive ends). I've also locked up some players I consider to be core players for the next 4-5 years.

We have a plan.. we're just not quite there yet.

ESPN Insider: How much will the departure of Max Brown hurt this team?

Coder: Given his attitude problems the last two years, nothing. I miss both Larry and Alton much much more.

ESPN Insider: If you have another sub par season is there a rebuilding phase on the horizon for this team?

Coder: I realize that there's no such thing as "in between" rebuilding and actually rebuilding, since rebuilding through the draft would mean we should have abysmal records.

However, I want to win games. I assemble a team each year that I expect to give it all and win games. If we win 5 games and miss the playoffs, I'm still more pleased than if we win 4 games and miss the playoffs.

To be honest though, I don't expect us to reach the playoffs this year, so as far as that goes, I guess, in a way, we are rebuilding.. but I'm determined to give our fans our best every game anyway.

ESPN Insider: Cary Morris has put up excellent numbers in rotation duty at RB, does he want to be a feature back?

Coder: I love Cary.. but I also love David, and Sammie grew on me tremendously during last year's pre-season. Basically, we have three great backs.. not the most talented in the league, but they're good solid backs who give everything in each game.

Cary is a team-player. He knows he'll get carries each game, more so than most rotation backs.. Though David is listed as our starting running back, we do rotate quite a bit.

[Trivia Bytes]

ESPN INSIDER ... :?:

Confirming that a response was sent to your interview last week. If missing in action, we can resend.

[ESPN Insider]

Underdog: Prognosticator Extrordinaire

ESPN Insider: How the heck do you get so many games right?

Underdog: Speed of Lightning, Roar of Thunder & My Super Energy Pills.

ESPN Insider: Ok Mr. Smartypants, predict for me the eventual IFL Champion in 2008.

Underdog: Houston Renegades

ESPN Insider: O'Rlly? Why is that?

Underdog: 2007 Renegades had the worst record of any IFL team that ever finished 1 win out of the playoffs. Gotta be the best of the Underdogs heading into 2008.

ESPN Insider: Who do think is the most overated team in the IFL heading into the 2008 season?

Underdog: The Defending IFL Champion Little Rock Toads are the Anti-Underdogs by definition.

ESPN Insider: Seeing no trees or fire hydrens, would you lower yourself to tinkling on the awfull turf in Pittsburgh?

Underdog: Underdog gives his teamates a chance to excell by not keeping Riff Raff, Simon Bar-Sinister and Overcat away from that place. Underdog demands his "Leon" time.

[ESPN Insider]

Vito Stallion: Salt Lake City Stallions

ESPN Insider: Some people have labeled you a bizzare mix of George Steinbrenner, Al Davis and Isiah Thomas. Is there a master plan or are you just a wheeler dealer?

VitoStallion: Little harsh for a guy who has feilded some pretty good offenses during my tenure as the SLC GM. I moved a player to add some impact on the defensive side of the ball. We are a better team for it.

ESPN Insider: What makes you believe Chris Chaplin can suceed here when he's failed at every stop thus far?

VitoStallion: Coaching makes all the difference in the world and our system is very QB-friendly. Chaplin will have a 30+ TD year if he stays healthy---we love the added dimension he gives us with his scrambling when a play breaks down. We never had that with Booker. We've also given him a set of weapons like he's never had. Teams can no longer double team Gomez and stop our passing attack. Chaplin's a veteran who knows how to scramble and hit his TE.

ESPN Insider: How did James Tart and Grady Gomez react to the trade of Booker?

VitoStallion: The Stallions are bigger than a single player and my guys understand this. That trade also means that Grady and James will likely be Stallions for the remainder of their careers as we don't need to give a QB 14.5 season.

ESPN Insider: If neccesary, is James Tart prepared carry the load for this team in this, his 8th season?

VitoStallion: We're 4-deep at running back AND we have a QB that can make a play with his legs also. Sweeet is ready to bang. We'll be fine on the ground.

ESPN Insider: Is the last time we'll see your name in trade talks this season?

VitoStallion: Not likely, while Ive gotten the pieces I think we needed to field a winning product and return this team to the playoffs, I still want to move Malone for some value as he's not going to be able to start for us like we'd hoped.

[ESPN Insider]

Jeff: Oakland Owls

ESPN Insider: You've stated that you believe the NFC West will be a cakewalk this year, who do you see as the toughest competition in your divison and in your conference.

Jeff: Division-wise, I see Reno and Vancouver battling it out for 2nd place in the West. Reno is a team with moxie and they've won with less than stellar talent before. I think Vancouver could surprise people, but it all depends on Colella's play as usual. I think there was a little bit of a powershift between the two conferences this year, so I think the NFC is weaker in a general sense. Pittsburgh is getting stronger each year and then you've got the defending champs in Little Rock. I think you have to believe that Lawrence will finally make the playoffs this season.

ESPN Insider: You have alot of high priced stars on your team, do you foresee trouble, cap wise, in the future?

Jeff: Dealing with the cap is never easy, but we've got some of the brightest minds in the Owls organization so we don't see anything on the horizon that we won't be able to handle. The league's current TV contract is set to expire at the end of this season, so the terms of the new one will have some impact on how much flexability we'll have next year.

ESPN Insider: What was the deciding factor in electing to take over the Oakland franchise?

Jeff: It's obvious that Oakland has been a classy organization since the start of the IFL. I was given the chance to continue the tradition and I went ahead and took it - I took over my favorite person in the world's football team.

ESPN Insider: Martinez and Bice, how do two such big stars and playmakers coexist together without any friction?

Jeff: It's easy. Both players are professionals. They are driven by the passion to win and know that together they have a good chance at success, a better chance than most players have. They both have had two 1,000-yard seasons in a row, so they get their share. They'll each go over and pat the other's butt if they make a good play. They're no different from any other IFL player.

ESPN Insider: You've hyped rookie RB Rico Bailey, how do you feel he can help your team this season?

Jeff: Rico is an immensly talented back. He can bust one at any moment, from the inside or outside. We thought he got a bad rap from scouts because he didn't play too much in college, so we were thrilled to pick him up late in the 2nd round. The sky is the limit for this kid. He'll get plenty of carries even though he's still got some things to learn. It's just too hard to keep a threat like him on the bench.

[ESPN Insider]

Wolfpack GM: Reno Wolfpack

ESPN Insider: Following a 5-1 start last season, you finished the year 2-8. What do you feel was the key factor in your collapse and how can you rebound in 2008?

Wolfpack GM: First of all, let me say thank you for the interview. I'm pretty jazzed about getting some time with the Insider. It sounds cliche, but some key injuries really hurt us last year. They say that great teams overcome injuries but that's something we simply could not do. That's not to say I don't think we have a great team, it was just a domino effect that we could not stop. We lost CBs Calvin Summers in the fifth game and Scott Beller somewhere in that timeframe as well. Tie that with strong safety Steve Frausto leaving last off-season and that was three quarters of our secondary gone. We also had DE Damien Torre get hurt in week eight so we had a hard time generating a pass rush. All in all, or defense had a tough time stopping anyone. This off-season we solidified our secondary with some veteran depth to go along with Wayne Rose. We also got a good player at DE in the second round in Aaron Cuthbert along with some veteran depth there as well.

The other thing that we must improve on is our third down efficiency and our red zone offense. We were absolutely horrible in both of those categories last year.

ESPN Insider: Do you sometimes feel overlooked in a division full of such big personalities?

Wolfpack GM: Last time I checked, talking a big game doesn't help you to win a game. I’d rather rack up W’s than spend my time talking about trying to get W’s.

ESPN Insider: RB Jacques Crosby has a clear claim as the best RB in the history of the IFL, yet very little is said about him on a national level. Do you wish he got more hype or are you happy with a "silent" star?

Wolfpack GM: I would love for him to get more press and attention because he does deserve that. He is at the top of the rushing totals every year and led the league in TDs three years ago. He is the ultimate professional in how he approaches the game and his role as a teammate. But if you are looking for a guy that beats his chest and says look at me...you need to look somewhere else. He doesn't have nickname and he doesn't draw attention to himself except by his play on the field. Honestly, that’s probably why he has not been noticed by the rest of the country.

This franchise is extremely fortunate to have him.

[b]ESPN Insider: The new Oakland owner has reffered to this division as a cakewalk. Do you feel like your team is being overlooked and under appreciated?

Wolfpack GM: What is it about Oakland that brings out crazy comments like this? Is it that sludge brown water of the east Bay? I just don't get it. Look at it this way --- if the division is, or at least was such a cakewalk, why did Oakland struggle last year.

By the way, last time I checked the Wolfpack is 7-3 against that franchise.

ESPN Insider: Can QB Milan Costanzo lead this team to an Imperial Bowl crown?

Wolfpack GM: I don't see why not if we stay within the system. Milan was having a solid season last year until injuries some along and we started playing catch up in most of our games. We want to be a ball control, running team. Before every game last season, the game plan was to give Jacque at least 25 touches and limit the pass attempts. Jacques had only 2 games where he met that goal and the next thing you know, we are putting the ball in the air 30 to 40 times a game.

I feel confident that Milan can go out there and win games for us. I don't want him to be one of those 'just don't lose the game for us' guys. He can go out there and throw the ball around if need be--- he had five 300 yard games last year. We would just rather see 200 to 250 yards a game from our running backs instead of constant 300 yard passing games.

[ESPN Insider]

P. Luxx: Vanocuver Killer Whales

ESPN Insider: You came within a hare of a division crown last season. Do you feel this team is prepared to build off of that experience in 2008?

P. Luxx: More than prepared. It is already happening. All three of our draftees have shown they are ready to contribute now, and not later. We avoided over-valued free agents and instead were able to extend the contracts of many of our players who have worked hard and deserved it. With each practice and game our cohesion improves and our solid core of players will be wearing Black, White, and Red for seasons to come.

ESPN Insider: QB Dennis Colella has yet to blossom into the star many people feel he can be, is this a make or break season for Dennis in Vancouver?

P. Luxx: Mr. Colella is a fine quarterback and as our front line gels and offers him the protection he hasn't been afforded in his first few seasons, the league will get to know a different number 17.

ESPN Insider: CB Dennis Perez is a playmaker, how excited is it to watch him week in and out match up against some of the star Wide Recievers in the NFC?

P. Luxx: Total team defense is not always exciting. Especially when it works. At least to this old sod. Perez will seal the strong side or the weak side with equal aplomb and allow us to render forces to handle the other. His contract has been extended and it is quite possible that he will suit up in Black, White and Red for years to come. We know they will be throwing away from Mr. Perez and we'll be prepared for that. We also know that the better passing teams will line up with four or five wide outs at times, but we've got some role players on the roster that are well suited for those types of coverages.

ESPN Insider: What's it like being in a division with such big personalities both on and off the field?

P. Luxx: Like who? Where? Personalities do not win games. Performances do. That is all we are concerned with. From management down to the waterpersons.

ESPN Insider: The strip clubs in Vancouver are world famous, any personal stories you care to share?

P. Luxx: Oh, you are quite the young gumshoe, lad. Lest we be scandalized by your American media, let us just say that you should come and experience the quality of friction for yourself and leave the rest to the imaginations of your readers. There are several large screen televisions in more than one club, so perhaps you can also invite some of your 'personalities' to Vancouver to watch us in the playoffs. I'm sure the ladies will be more than happy to help assuage their battered egos, and if not, we can send them some male dancers, as well.

[ESPN Insider]

Trivia Bytes: Knowledge Center

ESPN Insider: Pour over the numbers, does it look like a player or players are poised for a breakout season?

Trivia Bytes: Research teams sorted all positions and offer these thoughts:

QB ... The Sante experiment continues. In his first 4 games with Boston, Sante had 1 TD and 9 picks. His move to Newark produced 9 TD and 5 picks. Newark franchised him this year and then signed him to a six year deal. Trivia Bytes agrees with Newark's assessment and believes they got the real deal -- not to mention an incredible bargain of a contract in its recent negotiations with this emerging blue chipper.

QB ... Wichita's Scott Winston did not have a complete year last year ... he did not even get 2000 yards passing. In fact the year before he had 22 picks and only 8 TD's. But when healthy last year, he showed signs of brilliance. Scott should have his break out season this year, barring no more injuries.

RB ... Scott Fortune got some bad press last year. Here's the real scoop. He was injured. He also averaged less than 10 carries for the games that he played in last year. Trivia Bytes thinks that he is a stud and if Murfreesboro just gives him the ball more than than pittance he got last year, he should easily rack up some numbers that will cause severe indigestion for defensive coordinators.

TE ... Newark's TE OJ Peltier has had less than stellar seasons in his freshman and sophomore years. But we think that Newark has a new play in its playbook. Instead of Crespo, Crespo, Crespo, we think that Mr. Sante will be slipping the ball to Mr. Peltier here and there as teams focus on Mr. Crespo. Peltier has the talent to demand membership to the elite class of tight ends. This just might be his year to earn that recognition.

C ... Anchorage Gerald Shelton will be a LOAD in his sophomore season.

WR ... There are 2 WR that you might want to keep your eyes on ...
Reuben Caffrey of California and Walter Wallace of Newark. Both have the wheels and hands to be great. However, both are playing in the shadow of another good receiver. One of these two may step up their game to a new level.

The computers shut down while evaluating the Defensive Players. Too many variables and intangibles.


ESPN Insider: 'Fat' Tony Pacino hands you a brown paper bag filled with Hundreds and tells you to go to Vegas and put it all on one team to win the Imperial Bowl, who do you choose?

Trivia Bytes: There are too many choices at even money so Trivia Bytes will pass on all the usual juggernaults. The reseach team is looking for a legit long shot with no holes and if healthy, a team that can enter the dance via a wild card and then run the tables. Is there such a beast? Trivia Bytes thinks so and introduces you to the Wichita Outlaws.


ESPN Insider: Who has the better season, Mark McCurray or Dennis Collela?

Trivia Bytes: Tough question. Both QB's have similar skill sets. We'll call that a wash. After looking at their protection via their offensive line, give the nod to Coella. To that point, Mc Murray has NOT had a full season for three years running. But McMurray does have the better weapons to throw to ... point to McMurray, for his receiving corp. But the ringer is that St. Louis got Gerald Sanders as a backup to McMurray. What kind of confidence vote is that? Trivia Bytes says Coella by default.

ESPN Insider: Does Alan Crespo break the 2000 yard barrier again?

Trivia Bytes: Definately not. Newark has come to the point in its development that it understands that it needs a little more balance in order to move to the next level. We agree with this assessment. So, Newark will start to "nudge" in that direction this year with QB Sante and "pretend" to become a bit more balanced. But don't be lulled into this dream land. Opposing defenses will still get a heavy dose of Crespo this year and this will be enough to end the dream and begin the nightmare!

ESPN Insider: Alright Mr. Stathead. The AFC and NFC do battle in an All-Pro game right now. Who wins?

Trivia Bytes: It comes down to the kicking game.

The game is tied and Madison's Paul Picket, who has these credentials:
All League - 1st Team 2003
All League - 2nd Team 2004
All League - 1st team 2005
MVP - Imperial Bowl 2004
kicks a 53 yard Field Goal to win for the NFC.

[ESPN Insider]

ESPN INSIDER ... :?:

Confirming that a response was sent to your interview last week. If missing in action, we can resend.

Got it. 8)