[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Staff Happy About Training Camp
The Maassluis Merchantmen are ready for 2008, or so do the coordinators on each end of the ball believe. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude tempers the positive sentiments, but can't hide his optimism. Punter Sean Smalley is still holding out and seems to go unsigned for a long time. And the team is still searching for a new backup running back as Scott Bagley couldn't impress the manament.

The offensive side of the ball looked good. Randy Harris looked a bit slower than the past season, but other players looked better than ever. Fullback Jamel Rosenberry made blocks, Timothy Lacy was dominant on the right side of the line and Mel Atkins made a push for making the 53-men roster once again. Offensive coordinator Antonio Francis was praised but also tempered the sentiments: "The running backs are not making progress as we want, I hope it's not going to break us up." The most kudos went to Henry Poston, who's making a statement as being a capable backup fullback.

On the defensive side, coordinator Bernie Hicks looked happier than ever. "I'm impressed by the defensive tackles, while Mike Kershner and Bernie Surry are pumping eachother up for the regular season." In the secondary, Broderick Schultz and Lincoln Gilmore looked amazing as a safety duo, making people wonder why Schultz was ever concidered a bust. Second-year player Sammie Kennedy also looked good and made a case for being on the depth chart as at least a dime back.

Headcaoch Leroy Van Der Woude was happy, but also pointed out that anything can happen: "Everybody around the IHOF has seen other teams fall. The Conyers Condors went from conference champs to 4-12, the Orlando Knights from a lock for the playoffs to cellar dwellars. We lost some depth at running back, but have gotten better in depth at the offensive line, in the secondary and we have Thad Pilkington as the perfect backup quarterback."

Missing for camp was punter Sean Smalley. The second round pick and 63rd overall selection in the 2008 draft once again didn't sign the contract offer the Merchantmen management showed him. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "Smalley missed some important steps in the team proces. With this attitude, he's not going to be part of the team soon." As announced earlier, the team will leaves Smalley unsigned until veteran Roscoe Corrales gets hurt or until they have room on the team due to injuries at other positions.

The other second round pick, Scott Bagley did sign his rookie contract, but hasn't set the world on fire yet. Bagley looked good in special teams drills, but his running game is a bit predicatble. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "Scott has the elusiveness to make big plays, but his speed and power are lacking. But more importantly, he's seemingly lacking enough skill to find the holes in the defense yet, he's got to work on that to win us over."

With Bagley not completely fullfilling expectations, the Merchantmen have sent out an advertisement as looking for a backup running back. The team knows that the likes of Tyrell Mahoney, Kyle Montoya, Desmond Carlisle and Scott Bagley would qualify as good reserves all around the league, but they want more. In 2007, Rodger Mowery showed that having a former 1,000-yard back as the #2 guy can do wonders. Additionally, the team has plans to let Jamel Rosenberry take over the backup duties if no better alternative is found.

With the traning camp over, the Merchantmen also announced a list of eight names of players who should be looking out for a job elsewhere. Quarterback Irv Woodson, wide receiver David Henkel, center Christian Reichel, defensive end Brenden Henderson, defensive tackle Eric Griffin, linebacker Mitch Hoofkin, cornerback Johnnie Stidham and safety Richard Muller are listed as up for trade. Quarterback Mel Atkins and linebacker Daniel Ruelas were informed that they should be aware that the team will try to pick up two free agents to take their roster spots.