QB competition about to heat up
THE 2004 NFL Europe season is underway with the first group of allocated players and free agents reporting for training camp in Tampa. Included in this group are quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs and tight ends. Ryan Moore reports from Tampa. Nate Hybl and Tom Arth arrive at camp |
Tampa - February 28 - THE 2004 NFL Europe season officially began on Friday as the first group of allocated players and free agents reported for training camp in Tampa. Included in this group are quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs and tight ends.
The players have already completed through various meetings and physicals allowing them to take to the practice field today.
As prospective Claymores' players arrived in Tampa over the weeknd, one thing became evident-the Claymores are stacked with talent, especially at the quarterback position.
Considering Coach Bicknell prefers three quarterbacks on his active roster, four talented quarterbacks were allocated to the Claymores. This scenario should make the next three weeks extremely exciting as the competition for the three available roster spots will heat up.
The four quarterbacks eyeing the starting role include Nate Hybl, Curt Anes, Tory Woodbury and Tom Arth.
Hybl, who was allocated by the Cleveland Browns, posted a 19-3 record as a starter at Oklahoma. After not getting any playing time while on the active roster for the Browns, Hybl is excited about the opportunity to start throwing the ball around again, as well as the competitiveness that lies ahead.
"I'm looking forward to getting the rock in my hand and taking care of business out here in Tampa," Hybl explained. "The quarterback position is probably the most glorified position on the field and it comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. We've all competed and that is what we love to do-compete. Our play will speak for itself."
Hybl will also seek competition elsewhere if he makes the final cut and heads overseas to Scotland. A scratch golfer, Hybl owns a national championship ring from the University of Georgia as a member of the school's golf team in 1999 and is the only NCAA athlete to own national championship rings at two different Division I schools in two different sports-golf and football.
"When I was growing up, I never would have dreamt that I would play football in Scotland," Hybl says. "Now, I have the opportunity to not only play football, but go back to where golf started. St. Andrews isn't too far away. I'm hoping I'll have an afternoon or two to play the unbelievably famous links."
When asked about his familiarity with Coach Bicknell's golf game, Hybl replied, "I'll probably challenge him. I heard he is a little bit of a sandbagger, so I don't want him to tell me he's a 10 handicap and then have him go out and play scratch golf. We'll see. It should be fun."
Detroit Lion, Curt Anes, who won a Division II championship with Grand Valley State in 2002, will also be competing for a roster spot. After being one of the final cuts at the Detroit Lions 2003 training camp, Anes proactively served as a studio analyst for the Detroit Lions post-game show. The opportunity to get the ball back in his hands was something Anes couldn't resist.
"Just being able to get back on the field is going to be great," Anes says. "I already know a couple of guys that are on the team. I played with Hybl at the Gridiron Classic in Orlando last year in the post-season. He's a great guy and an awesome quarterback. He's accomplished a lot of great things and I am just looking forward to starting a friendship with him, and I am looking forward to being his teammate. I brought my golf clubs, and I'm really excited to go to the golf capital of the world."
 Curt Anes tries on a Claymores shirt for size |
"I can play wide receiver, safety and quarterback, but right now my main concern is quarterback," Woodbury explains. "That is what I want to work at. I've been throwing the ball around a little bit and working on my footwork. The competition will be tough, but that is always the case in any quarterback situation. I love to compete, so I am looking forward to it."
Rounding out the quarterbacks for the Claymores is Tom Arth of the Indianapolis Colts. Arth holds 18 records at John Carroll University, including the all-time leader in passing yards with 10,345 and touchdowns with 89. Arth is looking forward to the opportunity to show his skills.
"I think it would be a great opportunity to get a chance to go over to Scotland and get some playing experience and hopefully a World Bowl title. With four quarterbacks down here, it will be tough. Obviously, everybody down here is good or else they wouldn't be here."
The second group of players, which includes defensive players, kickers, punters and offensive lineman, are scheduled to arrive on Sunday.
01 Mar, 04 | 11:06 am