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Oakland Press, Oakland, Ca
It's been a long time since the fans in Oakland had much to cheer about. 4 years to be exact since the dynamite duo of Hamilton to Martinez light up the "Black Hole" taking the Devils to the playoffs in 2009 only to come up short vs a tough Lawrence team. Some around here still remember the last second loss to the Vipers in the final moments of the Imperial Bowl when Lozier led his team to a game winning victory, beating the Devils 33-32.
Since then much has changed around the locker room in Oakland. Gone are Hamilton, Martinez and Bice(although he was resigned to finish out his career here in Oakland). In is new quarterback "Flash" Donovan, receivers Mulligan Gregorie and rookie TE Sanderson. Also the entire offensive line has been replaced in the last 3 seasons bringing in a youth movement to the entire team.
Lets take a quick look at this years offense for the Oakland Devils.
Quarterback
Horace "Flash" Donovan
Shocking the entire league, GM Jave traded All World quarterback Gene Hamilton and was focusing on the future. Jave explains, "The reality is, we had 22 million tied up between Hamilton and Martinez. Our offensive line was in shambles and our defense was nearly non-existent. We had to make a move."
What Jave remembers is how Donovan was drafted, " I couldn't believe when he fell to us at the 15 spot. We had considered trading up in the draft but after reviewing the teams ahead of us only one team, Dakota, was after a quarterback and there was talk about them taking Rodney Barker at the 10 spot. We had studied film on Donovan and Barker and just felt Donovan was a better fit for the team, and we were elited when he fell to us at 15. He is a perfect match for our offense."
Donovan is now entering his third season and improving every year. His first season he threw for 2001 yards 11 td's and 11ints. He improved that last season throwing for 3285 yards 22 td's vs only 11ints. With a new plan on offense we expect Donovan to really excel this season and continue where he left off from last year.
Runningback
Rico Bailey
Entering his 6th year in the league, Bailey has proven to be the "next" Gaston Lomeli. Long a favorite in Oakland, Lomeli was a "do everything" back. Catching, rushing, special teams, he could do it all. And since Bailey was drafted in the second round in the 2008 draft he has more then proven his worth.
Bailey enjoyed a career year last season behind Oakland's young powerful offensive line rushing for 1333 yards and 7 touchdowns averaging almost 5 yards a carry. Proving to be a quality receiver as well, he caught 39 passes adding 3 more touchdowns to his total.
Intelligent owners are well aware of Bailey's capabilities, however with only 272 rushing attempts his great season was overshadowed by the staggering 400 carry workhorse of Tulsa runningback Ken "DH" Singleton.
Rico commented on his season, " I just try to contribute in any way I can. I don't mind not receiving any awards, it's a team effort and Singleton had a great season. This team doesn't rely on me for 35 carries a game, we just have different styles. But I do hope to have a better year then last season. I think this years team is even more balanced then last years. You cannot just worry about 3 people this year. We had a great draft and brought in quality players all over so I am excited to get the season underway"!!
Fullback
Matthew Myer
This may be Myer's last season, however he has been Oakland workhorse at fullback since he was drafted in the 11th round of the leagues initial allocation draft in 2003. Jave commented, "this guy has been one of the great players in the league. He is a true "lunchbox" guy. He shows up to work every day, works his ass off and doesn't ask for awards or mega million dollar contracts, he just loves to play the game".
Entering his 11th year in the league, once again Myer just wants to play, and play hard. He does the unnoticed dirty work so others can get the headlines. And he likes it that way.
Tightend
Claude Sanderson
Considered by many to be The best TE in the draft, Claude arrives in Oakland with high expectations. "He can run block, pass block, line up to head out for passes, he is going to make our offense more verstile", commented Jave. He was a premier player for the Bruins last year being a huge part of their visit to the Rose Bowl. Catching 5 passes for 101yds and a score he was named "Player of The Game" 4 times last year. We expect great things this season from Sanderson.
Wide Receivers
Kent Mulligan
Mulligan has struggled thus far in Oakland since he arrived from West Virginia. However we believe this could be a breakout year for him. With the lack of any serious receivers the last 2 seasons in Oakland, Kent faced constant double teams and the pressure of being the Devils only true reciever. However this season with Jave bringing in 3 legitimate wideouts via the draft, it should take considerable pressure off of Mulligan and free him up to make some plays.
" It hasn't been pretty so far and I take the blame for alot of that. My focus hasn't been there and I have had difficulty shaking double teams. But I really believe the fans in Oakland will see the real Kent this season. I promise ya at least 800 yards and 7 touchdowns from me this season. I really feel good about the direction we are heading."
It has also been rumored despite the lack of serious production, Jave is sitting down with Kent's agent to re-negociate his contract to lock him up for the next 3-4 years. We will keep an eye on the progress and let you know how that is developing over the coarse of the season.
Center
Jeff West
Center Jeff West takes over this season for long time C Clarence Chisholm. "This was not a move we made lightly. "Chiz" has been locking up that position for 5 years now and we were happy with his play. However, Clarence has been talking to us about possibly retiring next season so we were desperate to get a young guy in here to groom to take over for the next decade and we found that guy in West. Young, strong and smart, we think we made the right move here".
Left Guard
Mark Mills
While not quite the "Stud" Oakland envisioned when they drafted him with the second pick in the 2011 draft, he has still turned out to be a very solid guard. Cutting his sacks in half from his rookie season he only allowed 4 last year and is commited to cutting that in half again this year. While maybe not a long term option, Mills has proven he can play with the big boys and easily locked up the left guard spot in training camp again this year.
Right Guard
Chuck "Iron" Parrish
"Iron" Parrish had a terrible year last season allowing a staggering 11 sacks while starting every game for Oakland last season. Now in his 3rd year with the team, it's put up or shut up for Chuck. Either he improves or will be relagated to back up duties next year. No more excuses. His play this year will be crutial with rookie West starting at center this year and if Oakland hopes to challenge SLC for a playoff spot, Parrish need to step it up.
Left Tackle
Duane Barton
In the toughest position on the offesive line, Duane Barton once again proved his worth as the strongest player on the line. Allowing only 5 sacks last season, he improved his "pancakes" to 4 and dominated defensive right ends all season long allowing Donovan the precious seconds needed to make cruical 3rd down throws. His only drawback seems to be the consistent nagging injuries that keep him from completing an entire season. With another year of conditioning under his belt the Oakland coaching staff is praying he can complete a whole season. Jave assures us, with an entire season we can expect Barton to take a trip to the IFL pro bowl this year.
Right Tackle
Kyle Boyer
Boyer has been Oakland's new "Iron Man". Starting all but one game in 2 seasons, Kyle has anchored down the RT position, and done it well. There is still room for improvment as he has allowed 10 sacks in 2 years, however with experience comes perfection and Boyer hopes this is his year to excel.
Punter
Drew Compton
When it comes to punters, Oakland has had some of the worst. It seems no matter how we acquire them, draft, free agency, trade, once they arrive here, it's less then impressive. Jave hopes to change that this season with a little bit of IRISH luck.
Notre Dame punter Drew Compton arrives with an impressive resume and the leg to back it up. We will see this season if Oakland has found their punter for the decade.
Kicker
Dave Jordan
Jordan has been the ROCK of this team. While on paper he doesn't seem that impressive, he has been one of the leagues best kickers. While slipping a bit statisticly last season due to the 8 attempts from 40+, at 45 yards and under, Jordan is MONEY. Entering his 6th season with the team, Jordan looks to have his best season yet under Oakland's new and improved offense.
It's been a long time since the fans in Oakland had much to cheer about. 4 years to be exact since the dynamite duo of Hamilton to Martinez light up the "Black Hole" taking the Devils to the playoffs in 2009 only to come up short vs a tough Lawrence team. Some around here still remember the last second loss to the Vipers in the final moments of the Imperial Bowl when Lozier led his team to a game winning victory, beating the Devils 33-32.
Since then much has changed around the locker room in Oakland. Gone are Hamilton, Martinez and Bice(although he was resigned to finish out his career here in Oakland). In is new quarterback "Flash" Donovan, receivers Mulligan Gregorie and rookie TE Sanderson. Also the entire offensive line has been replaced in the last 3 seasons bringing in a youth movement to the entire team.
Lets take a quick look at this years offense for the Oakland Devils.
Quarterback
Horace "Flash" Donovan
Shocking the entire league, GM Jave traded All World quarterback Gene Hamilton and was focusing on the future. Jave explains, "The reality is, we had 22 million tied up between Hamilton and Martinez. Our offensive line was in shambles and our defense was nearly non-existent. We had to make a move."
What Jave remembers is how Donovan was drafted, " I couldn't believe when he fell to us at the 15 spot. We had considered trading up in the draft but after reviewing the teams ahead of us only one team, Dakota, was after a quarterback and there was talk about them taking Rodney Barker at the 10 spot. We had studied film on Donovan and Barker and just felt Donovan was a better fit for the team, and we were elited when he fell to us at 15. He is a perfect match for our offense."
Donovan is now entering his third season and improving every year. His first season he threw for 2001 yards 11 td's and 11ints. He improved that last season throwing for 3285 yards 22 td's vs only 11ints. With a new plan on offense we expect Donovan to really excel this season and continue where he left off from last year.
Runningback
Rico Bailey
Entering his 6th year in the league, Bailey has proven to be the "next" Gaston Lomeli. Long a favorite in Oakland, Lomeli was a "do everything" back. Catching, rushing, special teams, he could do it all. And since Bailey was drafted in the second round in the 2008 draft he has more then proven his worth.
Bailey enjoyed a career year last season behind Oakland's young powerful offensive line rushing for 1333 yards and 7 touchdowns averaging almost 5 yards a carry. Proving to be a quality receiver as well, he caught 39 passes adding 3 more touchdowns to his total.
Intelligent owners are well aware of Bailey's capabilities, however with only 272 rushing attempts his great season was overshadowed by the staggering 400 carry workhorse of Tulsa runningback Ken "DH" Singleton.
Rico commented on his season, " I just try to contribute in any way I can. I don't mind not receiving any awards, it's a team effort and Singleton had a great season. This team doesn't rely on me for 35 carries a game, we just have different styles. But I do hope to have a better year then last season. I think this years team is even more balanced then last years. You cannot just worry about 3 people this year. We had a great draft and brought in quality players all over so I am excited to get the season underway"!!
Fullback
Matthew Myer
This may be Myer's last season, however he has been Oakland workhorse at fullback since he was drafted in the 11th round of the leagues initial allocation draft in 2003. Jave commented, "this guy has been one of the great players in the league. He is a true "lunchbox" guy. He shows up to work every day, works his ass off and doesn't ask for awards or mega million dollar contracts, he just loves to play the game".
Entering his 11th year in the league, once again Myer just wants to play, and play hard. He does the unnoticed dirty work so others can get the headlines. And he likes it that way.
Tightend
Claude Sanderson
Considered by many to be The best TE in the draft, Claude arrives in Oakland with high expectations. "He can run block, pass block, line up to head out for passes, he is going to make our offense more verstile", commented Jave. He was a premier player for the Bruins last year being a huge part of their visit to the Rose Bowl. Catching 5 passes for 101yds and a score he was named "Player of The Game" 4 times last year. We expect great things this season from Sanderson.
Wide Receivers
Kent Mulligan
Mulligan has struggled thus far in Oakland since he arrived from West Virginia. However we believe this could be a breakout year for him. With the lack of any serious receivers the last 2 seasons in Oakland, Kent faced constant double teams and the pressure of being the Devils only true reciever. However this season with Jave bringing in 3 legitimate wideouts via the draft, it should take considerable pressure off of Mulligan and free him up to make some plays.
" It hasn't been pretty so far and I take the blame for alot of that. My focus hasn't been there and I have had difficulty shaking double teams. But I really believe the fans in Oakland will see the real Kent this season. I promise ya at least 800 yards and 7 touchdowns from me this season. I really feel good about the direction we are heading."
It has also been rumored despite the lack of serious production, Jave is sitting down with Kent's agent to re-negociate his contract to lock him up for the next 3-4 years. We will keep an eye on the progress and let you know how that is developing over the coarse of the season.
Center
Jeff West
Center Jeff West takes over this season for long time C Clarence Chisholm. "This was not a move we made lightly. "Chiz" has been locking up that position for 5 years now and we were happy with his play. However, Clarence has been talking to us about possibly retiring next season so we were desperate to get a young guy in here to groom to take over for the next decade and we found that guy in West. Young, strong and smart, we think we made the right move here".
Left Guard
Mark Mills
While not quite the "Stud" Oakland envisioned when they drafted him with the second pick in the 2011 draft, he has still turned out to be a very solid guard. Cutting his sacks in half from his rookie season he only allowed 4 last year and is commited to cutting that in half again this year. While maybe not a long term option, Mills has proven he can play with the big boys and easily locked up the left guard spot in training camp again this year.
Right Guard
Chuck "Iron" Parrish
"Iron" Parrish had a terrible year last season allowing a staggering 11 sacks while starting every game for Oakland last season. Now in his 3rd year with the team, it's put up or shut up for Chuck. Either he improves or will be relagated to back up duties next year. No more excuses. His play this year will be crutial with rookie West starting at center this year and if Oakland hopes to challenge SLC for a playoff spot, Parrish need to step it up.
Left Tackle
Duane Barton
In the toughest position on the offesive line, Duane Barton once again proved his worth as the strongest player on the line. Allowing only 5 sacks last season, he improved his "pancakes" to 4 and dominated defensive right ends all season long allowing Donovan the precious seconds needed to make cruical 3rd down throws. His only drawback seems to be the consistent nagging injuries that keep him from completing an entire season. With another year of conditioning under his belt the Oakland coaching staff is praying he can complete a whole season. Jave assures us, with an entire season we can expect Barton to take a trip to the IFL pro bowl this year.
Right Tackle
Kyle Boyer
Boyer has been Oakland's new "Iron Man". Starting all but one game in 2 seasons, Kyle has anchored down the RT position, and done it well. There is still room for improvment as he has allowed 10 sacks in 2 years, however with experience comes perfection and Boyer hopes this is his year to excel.
Punter
Drew Compton
When it comes to punters, Oakland has had some of the worst. It seems no matter how we acquire them, draft, free agency, trade, once they arrive here, it's less then impressive. Jave hopes to change that this season with a little bit of IRISH luck.
Notre Dame punter Drew Compton arrives with an impressive resume and the leg to back it up. We will see this season if Oakland has found their punter for the decade.
Kicker
Dave Jordan
Jordan has been the ROCK of this team. While on paper he doesn't seem that impressive, he has been one of the leagues best kickers. While slipping a bit statisticly last season due to the 8 attempts from 40+, at 45 yards and under, Jordan is MONEY. Entering his 6th season with the team, Jordan looks to have his best season yet under Oakland's new and improved offense.
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