af2 Upgrades – Part II: Speculating in Stocks at Home and Abroad
By Paul Celmer
In this second Part of the af2 Upgrades series we look some deep sleepers coming up from the AFL's development league, the af2 (as well as from other places), that are still fighting for roster spots but have lots of upside. Remember, these players with solid af2 and other pro league experience generally have more of a chance of playing and playing well than the typical "just out of college" rookie. Also, for those in keeper leagues with large rosters, you might want to grab one of these guys even if he does not make a huge impact this year as they could really bloom in the future. Of course, sometimes when you gamble you throw snake eyes. And thus, some with tremendous promise, like Chris Royal mentioned in Part I, unfortunately might not make it. But some will. So if you want every possible edge over your fellow fantasy owners, read on.
Sale Key
Wide receiver Sale Key comes to the New Orleans VooDoo after spending the 2007 season with the af2 Stockton Lightning. In 2007 Key led the Lightning with 129 receptions for 1,584 yards and a nice 41 touchdowns. 6’4”, 220 lb. Key had tried to make it in the AFL in 2006, playing six games for the Blaze on defense before being injured. But this time he appears ready to stay, and might get an early chance given the unexpected pre-season injury to VooDoo star receiver Derrick Lewis. Key, an enormous target with solid experience, is a good gamble if you grab him in the last rounds of your draft.
Stan Hill
QB Stan Hill led the af2 Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz to the playoffs last year while throwing for 4,490 yards and 73 TDs in 16 games. Hill has played three seasons in the af2 and appears ready to make the leap to the AFL. He is currently competing for a spot on the VooDoo as a backup to Bellisari. Grab Hill with your last pick if you are in a keeper league.
D. Bryant
The former quarterback for the South Georgia Wildcats, D. Bryant stood far above his peers and led the af2 in total offense last season. Bryant completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 4680 yards and 102 TDs. Bryant will be a backup in Georgia, but he is worth a chance in the very late rounds as a keeper.
Anthony Brown
Defensive back Anthony Brown, formerly of the af2 Spokane Shock, recorded 22 catches for 235 yards and three touchdowns after joining the team in mid-season as a wide receiver. Although originally recruited as a wide receiver, Brown switched to defensive end in 2006, so he knows both sides of the line. And at 6’6” 230 pounds, Brown is a decent bet for making an impact this year.
Tanner Varner
If you are looking for a defensive specialist sleeper you could give this standout from the af2’s Arkansas Twisters a chance. Defensive back Varner played in all 16 games for the Twisters last season and was fifth in the league in interceptions (9). Varner also knows how to mix it up in the trenches, with 83.5 tackles, 20 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Varner will be working hard to crack the starting lineup in Grand Rapids.
Bryan Save
While technically not an af2 upgrade, Bryan Save is a 6’1” 313 pound defensive lineman represents one of the benefits that have come to the AFL from the demise of NFL Europe. Before coming to the Philadelphia Soul, Save played two seasons in NFL Europe. Check your leagues defensive scoring system before taking a chance on Save in the late rounds of your draft since most scoring systems favor defensive backs (interceptions) over defensive lineman.
Jeris McIntyre
Yet another gift from the fall of NFL Europe, Jeris McIntyre McIntyre, a 6’0”, 215 lb wide receiver had 28 catches for 453 yards and two TDs while playing in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire. He also was with the Kansas City Chiefs for three seasons. Breaking the lineup in Dallas will be a tall order for McIntyre, but keep your eyes open.
Paul Celmer, aka The Philosopher of Arena Football is a member of the Arena Football League Writers Association and a founding member of Arena Football Online. Contact Paul at pcelmer@arenafootballonline.com
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