Chasing a Dream With the Georgia Force in Suwanee

The Georgia Force of the Arena Football League held their final open tryout of the 2012 season on Saturday in Suwanee, at the Silverbacks facility on Brogdon Exchange. There were 26 candidates who showed their athletic skills in a 90-minute session that  included a 40-yard dash, short shuttle, individual drills, and one-on-ones.

Making the cut isn’t an easy task. An active AFL roster consists of only 20 players, and teams usually only keep around 28 players, which includes a practice squad.

While the candidates had varying levels of background and skills, each shared a common dream to play in a professional football league.   A few players in the candidate pool Saturday included:

• Kendell Brown from Newnan, who has a previous association with the Columbus franchise in the AFL.
• John Newbanks from Nebraska. John works on an oil rig and is looking for something different. He has no previous professional experience.
• Josh Longhurst from Conyers. He works in the construction industry and has three years of semi-pro experience.
• Sean Cooper from Nashville, Tenn.. He has semi-professional football experience.
• Cedric Rhan from Brunswick. He has four years of semi-professional experience and works now as a dental assistant.
• Jeremy Brown from College Station, Texas. He played football for Texas A&M until 2009.
• Haven Mosley from Chicago. He has previous experience on an Indoor Football League (IFL) roster.

Every player, regardless of position, completed the 40-yard dash and short shuttle. Even the larger lineman hopefuls are judged on their ability to cover ground quickly. Candidates brought their own unique preparation techniques and styles as they readied themselves for each time trial.

Some wore long sleeves until just before starting, others didn’t alternate their clothing. Some assumed starting positions as if running a track event while others started from a football stance.  

The Georgia Force coaching staff did offer feedback during the drills to candidates. Coaches that were present gave tips on lining up for a speed trials, hand placement, and footwork. Other coaches gave tips on running pass routes or throwing to a particular pass pattern. During some of the one-on-one drills coaches even arranged for certain match-ups between wide receivers and corner backs.

The skills drills included wide receivers running a variety of patterns and receiving balls from the quarterback candidates. Then later, a cornerback was added to provide coverage. The quarterback and the receiver pre-arranged a pass pattern before each sequence. The lineman hopefuls were coached and evaluated on pass rushing/defending techniques.

Current Georgia Force quarterback Darnell Kennedy was present as well. Kennedy said that “there may not be a position filled now, but these players could get a call in the middle of the season if some one gets hurt.”

The AFL is celebrating its 25th anniversary during the 2012 season. The Force begins its season March 12, with home games at the Gwinnett Arena.