Arena Fantasy Football Preseason Awards, Part II
by Rich Giorgi
In the first part of this two-part series, we took a close look at the MVP by Division and by position, doling out the accolades in the first annual AFO Preemie Awards. Part two will focus on some special awards, such as Comeback Player, Most Improved Player, and Bust of the Year.
So without further delay, let's get onto handing out even more of the hardware.
Most Improved Player: Sonny Cumbie - Los Angeles Avengers
I like Sonny Cumbie. He's my type of player. Tough. Quick thinking. Hard to rattle. A leader in the huddle. Taking over the starting role in Week 5, Cumbie came out with a bang, throwing 7 TDs against the Utah Blaze. The normal ups and downs of a rookie quarterback followed, with Cumbie throwing 7 INTs in his last four games. On the season as a whole, Sonny's passes crossed the stripe 59 times. Cumbie will work with only one proven veteran this season, WR Kevin Ingram, but here's betting this is the year Cumbie learns that valuable quarterbacking skill: raising the level of play of those around you. The Texas Tech Tornado will throw for close to 4000 yards, 80+ TDs, cut down on his mistakes, and lead the Avengers back to the playoffs.
Comeback Player of the Year: Thabiti Davis - Las Vegas Gladiators
Much has been made of Peter Warrick deciding not to come into camp with the Las Vegas Gladiators. Warrick was expected to light the Arena on fire with his electrifying returns, dazzling catches and blazing speed. Well, Peter Warrick is not in camp and in response the Gladiators went out and signed Thabiti Davis. The 5th year veteran from Wake Forest suffered a down year last year, being forgotten in the Columbus offense after being one of the mainstays in the inaugural season for the VooDoo. Thabiti's 2006 numbers of 46 catches, 584 yards and 10 TDs were well below what was expected of him but with a new quarterback in Shaun King, Davis will have plenty of chances to shine. Expect him to set career highs in all categories as Las Vegas tries to keep up with the other offenses in the Western Division. A season of 130 catches, 1600 yards and 30 TDs would earn Davis our Comeback Player of the Year award.
Surprise Player of the Year: Alonzo Nix - Nashville Kats
In his rookie season in the Arena League, Nix played in seven games and went for 32 catches, 518 yards and 9 TDs. But six of those TDs (and one on the ground) came in the last three games of the season, when the Kats determined that Nix had adjusted sufficiently to the indoor game, earning him more playing time. In the first round playoff loss to Chicago, Nix was on the receiving end of 9 balls for 90 yards and 2 TDs, proving that QB Clint Stoerner had faith his speedy receiver under any situation. This year, Nix will come into camp as the #2 receiver next to Jason Shelley, but Alonzo's numbers should surpass Shelley's by year end. Plus, Nix is someone you can probably steal as the 4th or 5th wideout on your fantasy squad, making a season of 100 catches, 1300 yards and 25+ TDs on par with opening your shower one morning to find it stacked with gold bars.
Free Agent Signings of the Year: Josh Bush, Damien Groce and Tony Locke - Columbus Destroyers
Columbus was one of the busiest teams in the free agency period, signing a new QB, a new kicker and three young, exciting receivers. Josh Bush (64, 676, 13 TDs), Damien Groce (59, 857, 21 TDs) and Tony Locke (75, 1128, 16 TDs) give the Destroyers something they haven't had in recent memory: three playmaking threats who can score from any spot on the field. New QB Matt Nagy must be giddy with the possibilities and has a receiving corps that rivals the one he had in Georgia. All three are familiar with the indoor route running and will lead the offensive renaissance for the Destroyers. One of these three will catch 30 TDs this season (most likely Locke) and the other two will have to settle for 20+ each, making this a good year for the roses in Columbus.
Bust of the Year: Terrill Shaw - Tampa Bay Storm
In 2003, Terrill Shaw was simply a monster, catching 113 balls for 1658 yards and 41 TDs. Then came 2004 and 2005, when Shaw was virtually invisible, catching a total of 48 balls for 507 yards and only 6 TDs. In two years. An amazing fall from grace for one of the brightest young stars of the Arena League. Shaw came back with a vengence in 2006, retaining form and finishing with 111 for 1498 and 37 TDs. Will the real Terrill Shaw please stand up? The common denominator between those exceptional 2003 and 2006 years in a simple one: Clint Dolezel at QB. Without Dolezel, Shaw just isn't the same trusted receiver and playing in Tampa may not be the best career move. Another thud is coming soon, as Shaw will be reduced to an ordinary man again. A season of 50 catches for 700 yards and 15 TDs would be a success and won't justify Shaw's draft position.
af2 Upgrade Player of the Year: Steve Gonzalez - Philadelphia Soul
The Philadelphia Soul will be the team most broadcast this season (again) although all they did last year was disappoint. The Soul need an infusion, and quick, to wake up their sagging offense, shake up their moribund quarterback and re-capture the imagination of their slumbering potential. Enter Steve Gonzalez. This former Manchester Wolf has the confidence of his coaching staff, so confident that they moved All-purpose yardage leader Mike Brown to the defensive side of the ball. Gonzalez has a strong-armed, if shaken, veteran QB in Tony Graziani and will be given every chance to succeed in the AFL. Last year, in af2, Gonzalez accounted for over 2500 yards and 45 TDs. That's some dazzling production. Given a good start, Gonzalez can easily surpass 1200 yards receiving (and perhaps challenge the rookie yardage record) and record 25+ TDs.
NFL-to-AFL Player of the Year: Shaun King - Las Vegas Gladiators
Shaun King is getting lots of press for his philanthropic efforts towards youth through his Shaun King Foundation and his King's Kids Programs. Once the season starts, King will be more giving to his Gladiators teammates, combining football smarts with a cool demeanor and an accurate short game. King has never been accused of having an overly strong arm but he has been accused of being a smart leader and set the NCAA Division 1-A record for passing efficiency while at Tulane. Plus, the man has feet and he knows how to use them. King will make a successful transition, easily throwing for 3300 yards and 70 TDs while running in the occasional score. Hopefully, King is here to stay.
Mystery Player of the Year: Joe Hamilton
Where have you gone, Joe Hamilton? Last year, Hamilton was finishing a steady 3rd AFL season by leading the Orlando Predators to the Arena Bowl, providing a rudder of leadership to the Southern Division Champions. Hamilton wasn't asked to be a prolific quarterback in the Predator scheme, but still produced 64 TD tosses and 8 more TD runs, throwing for 4 or more TDs in 11 of the 15 games he started. Fast forward six months and Hamilton is nowhere to be found. Sure, Shane Stafford has taken his spot in the Orlando lineup via free agency. Sure there was a report that Hamilton was returning to Georgia Tech to finish his degree. But surely there are teams that could use a quarterback of Hamilton's calibre. Aren't there? Why, I can count three teams with his former division who might be able to use Joe's unique talents. So, where have you gone, Joe Hamilton? You win our Mystery Player of the Year award. Poke up your head and give an acceptance speech, will you?
Rich Giorgi has been following the Arena Football League for 8 years and participating in arena fantasy leagues for 6 years. His writing also appears on the Arena Football Network. Contact Rich at info@arenafootballonline.com
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