PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Soul returned to the practice field following their day off on Sunday. The first day back in camp didn’t disappoint as players returned fresh from a day of rest.
The Soul have improved on both sides of the ball throughout camp and their first day back from Sunday’s day off was no exception. The pattern from Saturday’s scrimmage continued as the defense’s pressure was matched by athletic downfield catches by the receiving core. Friendly jawing could be heard as teammates challenged and motivated each other to improve and perform at a higher level.
The Soul continue to work hard throughout the final week of training camp to prepare for their 2012 campaign. The final day of practice is Friday, March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nine days later Philadelphia travels to New Orleans for their season opener on March 18 at 4 p.m.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: LB BRANDON PERKINS (6’0, 240, Kansas): Played for the Philadelphia Soul in 2011, recording 51.5 tackles (42 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks ·Played for Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz where he tallied 14.5 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2010 ·Started AFL career with Los Angeles Avengers (2007-08), recording 52 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles ·Tied for third on the all-time school sack list with 20 during his 46 games at Kansas
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We’ve seen a lot of improvement over the past week or so. Saturday morning we had our scrimmage and we did some good work out there. We certainly have more work to do, you always need to improve,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank. “I think today was a good first day back. The players looked fresh out there this morning. They look ready to put in a good week’s worth and finish camp strong.”
GROUND ‘N’ POUND: In 2011, only the Tulsa Talons beat out the Dallas Vigilantes ground game in terms of total yards and yards per game. Newly-acquired Soul fullback Derrick Ross was in no small way responsible for Dallas’ No. 2 rank in rushing offense.
On his way to setting league records, Ross broke into double digit carries in nine games and rushed for over 50 yards in four. In his July 2, 2011 appearance against the Soul, Derrick gained 26 yards on ten carries for three touchdowns against Philadelphia’s No. 2 rush defense.
