Post by CowboyinAmerica on Nov 24, 2011 10:59:52 GMT -5
Seattle (AP) -- Safety is an often underappreciated position in new football leagues, with the dregs of the draft filling out the back part of the secondary. This results in powerful quarterbacks having an early edge throwing deep, leading some General Managers to question why that convention exists.
Seattle Stormtroopers GM Ikechukwu Osuwah was one of those asking questions. As part of an experiment, he grabbed SS Jamaal Stockton with the sixth overall pick in the draft, one of the highest selections for a safety in sim league history. Many expected Stockton to change positions, but it now appears that Stockton will be there for the duration, having signed a “No Position Change” clause in his contract.
He didn’t have an immediate partner out of the draft. When former quarterback Aldous Steele expressed a wish to stay on the offensive side of the ball, however, third round selection KJ Bryant agreed to make a move to defense. Osuwah decided the best place for Bryant was… free safety, giving the Stormtroopers the highest drafted safety combination in the UFSL.
“We wanted to place an emphasis on the secondary, especially with so many good quarterbacks in the league,” Osuwah said. “With Stockton, Osuwah, Green and Risso, nobody’s throwing on us easily this season.”
Stockton couldn’t contain his excitement either, knowing that Bryant would provide a perfect compliment in the secondary.
“I don’t even know what the ceiling is for me this season: five picks, ten picks?” Stockton said. “Quarterbacks won’t be able to avoid either of us. It’s excellent.”
The Stormtroopers may know quickly whether their experiment will work. They play the New York Nightmare and quarterback Tom Rayder in the preseason.
