Arena Football League af2 Upgrades
by The Philosopher of Arena Football
Everyone likes that special surprise come fantasy time, don't you? There are currently 61 players from af2 moving into the AFL. That is a lot of potential talent to keep track of. But the nice thing about this group of players is that, unlike rookies coming fresh out of college, we already know these guys can play the indoor game. In this first part of a two-part series, we sift through the names to seek out a few diamonds in the rough. These are some select players you might want to keep on eye on as sleepers for your upcoming Arena Football Fantasy season. Check back as the preseason progresses and we will give you some more gems for draft day.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Vena
Having played for the Columbus Destroyers in 2004 and 2005, this gutsy quarterback is no stranger to the AFL. Vena found himself last season playing in the af2 for the Albany Conquest. The good news is that in 2006, Vena was on fire. Vena played 16 games for the Conquest, ending up with a QB rating of 104. He threw 578 times, completing 362 (63%) for 72 TDs. He also set a new af2 single season record for passing yards (4,520). Vena also is willing to scramble a bit, with one amazing 44-yard scamper into the endzone during a game against the Scranton Pioneers last season. His performance earns Vena another chance to make it in the AFL with the Georgia Force. Vena looks like he is here to stay this time.
Scott Rislov
Of all the quarterbacks new to the league this year, none is more exciting perhaps than Scott Rislov. Rislov leaves the Central Valley Coyotes to play for the San Jose Sabercats, the town where he played college ball at San Jose State University. Rislov completed 371 of 568 passes for 4,446 yards with just 11 interceptions. These gaudy numbers included an 8 TD game against the Oklahoma Yard Dawgz. Rislov had a very nice QB rating of 120 while he set the AFL/af2 record for touchdown passes in a season (106). After a season spent mostly on the practice squad for the Nashville Kats in 2005, Rislov seems to be finally on his way.
Steve Bellisari
Another very intriguing guy to keep your eye on is Steve Bellisari. Formerly of the Manchester Wolves, Bellisari split time in his rookie season at QB. Still, Bellisari played in 12 games and ended with a QB rating of 116. He made 81 completions on 122 attempts, and hit the endzone 25 times. But the thing to look at with Bellisari is how he came on late in the season. He was eventually named the team’s #1 QB near the end of the season and helped his team get into the playoffs, going 4-0 in games he was the starter. As all fantasy owners know, always go with the hot hand. Bellisari should have a good opportunity to make his mark with the revived New Orleans VooDoo.
Wide Receivers
Kevin Beard
Kevin Beard leaves the Spokane Shock to join the Chicago Rush’s impressive receiving corps. Beard played in 12 games with 52 receptions for 651 yards and 10 TDs. He also rushed for 3. Beard stepped up bigtime in ArenaCup7, with 122 yards and two TDs to help the Shock win the league championship. This ability to perform when it counts is what makes a stud fantasy player.
Yaacov Yisrael
Yaacov Yisrael comes from the Scranton Pioneers to join the New York Dragons always high-powered offense. During his af2 rookie year, Yisrael rushed 17 times for 5 TDs, and had 54 catches for 687 yards and 9 TDs. He also had 61 tackles. Lots of upside here.
Offensive Specialists
Steve Gonzalez
Steve Gonzalez leaves the Manchester Wolves to join the Philadelphia Soul. In the af2 last year, Gonzalez played 15 games and had a total of 2,525 all-purpose yards. He also ended up No. 2 in scoring with 276 points, including a monster 45 TDs. Gonzalez injured his ankle at the end of last season but should be good to go by the start of the 2007 season.
Defensive Specialists
Bobby Keyes
Bobby Keyes joins the Dallas Desperados after leading the defense for the Birmingham Steeldogs. Keyes played in 16 games and had 52 solo tackles and 28 assists and 8 snatches from opposing quarterbacks. He was named to the American Conference All af2 team for the 2006 season.
Cory Bailey
Even better than Keyes perhaps is Cory Bailey. Bailey led the defense for the Florida Firecats to join the New Orleans Voodoo. Last season Bailey played in 16 games and had 90 solo tackles and 55 assists and 3 INT. Along with Keyes, Bailey was named to the American Conference All-af2 team for the 2006 season.
Fullbacks
Steve Watson
A good fullback is always hard to come by. Steve Watson has moved from the Arkansas Twisters to add to the impressive rushing numbers the San Jose Sabercats put up last year. Watson played in 15 games, with 18 rushes and 6 TDs. Watson is worth watching.
Paul Celmer is a member of the Arena Football League Writers Association and has been participating in arena fantasy leagues for 8 years. Contact Paul at pcelmer@arenafootballonline.com
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