Arena Football League af2 Upgrades, Part II
by Paul Celmer
To get the edge in any fantasy league, one must look under the radar and search
for the potential breakout rookies and sleepers. And as I said in Part I of this series, there is no better place to look for these hidden gems than in
those players moving from the af2 to the AFL. These guys from the af2 have
the drive to make the best of their chance to showcase their skills.
Unlike a college rookie, former af2 players know the look and feel and, most importantly,
the timing of the indoor game. So while it is always important to remember
there are no guarantees in the fantasy world, the following are af2 players
that just might be the edge you need to take your league title.
Look
for Part III of this series next week.
Quarterbacks
James MacPherson
James MacPherson has what it takes to make it in ArenaLand. This former QB
for the Green Bay Blizzard in 2006 tossed the rock 243 times, with 163 completions,
an average of 203 yards per game, 36 TDs, and a healthy QB rating of 118. His 2006 season
in the af2 included a spectacular attack on the Stockton Lightning in which
he threw for 386 yards and 6 TDs, including on 49 yard strike. MacPherson
will be seeking his fortune with the Georgia Force.
Wide Receivers
Charles Frederick
Charles Frederick had an outstanding season in the af2 last year, with 85
catches and 22 TDs, and helped the af2 Spokane Shock to the Arena Cup championship
game. Although he did not start every game, he managed to put up 1628 all-purpose
yards. Frederick will be trying to give a lift to the Kansas City Brigade who
had a rather disappointing 2006. Of course, the Brigade still need to decide
on who their QB is going to be, so watch closely.
Brent Holmes
Brent Holmes was the leading receiver for the Green Bay Blizzard in 2006.
Playing in 10 games, Holmes had 59 catches for 983 yeards and 12 TDs. Holmes
is moving to the Georgia Force.
Defensive Specialists
Alex Wallace
Alex Wallace played for the af2 Bakersfield Blitz in 2005 and 2006. He was
the league leader in interceptions with 11 for 73 yards, and was awarded the
ADT Defensive Player of the Year. Wallace will be looking to snatch a few more
from the air on his new team, the New Orleans VooDoo.
Jerry Turner
Also coming to the AFL from the Bakerfield Blitz, Turner anchored the top
ranked defense in the af2 in 2006 and was named the U.S. Army Lineman of the
Year. He will be joining the Grand Rapids Rampage.
David Crocker
Defensive Back David Crocker had 84 solo tackles and another 16 assists to
lead the defense of the the af2 Green Bay Blizzard in 2006. Crocker will be
looking to make his mark among the already formidable defense of the Georgia
Force.
Fullbacks
Peter Lazare
As those of us who have played Fantasy Arena Football for years know all too
well, to squeeze fantasy points from a fullback is often harder than extracting
blood from a stone. That is why you should pay careful attention to any glimmers
of potential at this position. Peter Lazare, the former af2 fullback for the Green Bay
Blizzard, is worth taking note of. Lazare had a great 2006 season in af2, with
62 attempts for 251 yards and a fantastic 17 scampers into the endzone. This
strong showing included an amazing 3-TD game against the Georgia Wildcats.
And oh yes, he can catch the ball as well. I don't see this guy sitting on
the bench taking notes for long. Look for Lazare to make his mark with the
high-powered Dallas Desperados.
Kickers
A.J. Haglund
Yes, I know everyone has contempt for those odd fellows that use only their
feet. But A.J. Haglund knows how to get it done, earning the New Balance Kicker
of the Year award, as selected by af2 head coaches and writers. Haglund did
nothing but rack up points for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz last year, putting
up 146 points for the season. He made ten field goals, five of which were over
30 yards. I really wouldn't even consider this guy a sleeper; it
is safe to draft him as your primary kicker. Haglund knows how to put it through
the yellow iron and will do it again this year for the high-scoring San Jose
Sabercats.
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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