SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Blaze have wrapped up what they called one of the most successful training camps in franchise history today. After fielding an amazingly talented camp group, the team was forced to make difficult decisions while getting down to the league-mandated 24-man roster.
Utah parted ways with seven players, while also placing seven others on injured reserve.
"Despite not having the benefit of a playing in a preseason game, this was one of the best training camps we've ever had," said Blaze president and coach Ron James.
"The entire group was among the most talented I've been around, and having to make roster cuts is always a tough time. However, we feel the team we've put together will be as competitive as any in the league. Now it's time to start preparing for our season-opener against San Antonio next Saturday."
After its best year in franchise history (9-9), including two straight wins behind the league's most potent offense (first in passing yards per game and third in scoring), Utah is expecting to be in contention for the Arena Bowl in New Orleans come season's end.
The Blaze play March 17 at Iowa, then host division rival San Jose on March 24 at EnergySolutions Arena.
Quarterback Tommy Grady returns under center after tossing for 4,357 yards and 107 touchdowns. The Blaze will go as far as their defense will take them.
James added veteran coach Ron McBride to his coaching staff.
The Blaze announced they have reassigned FB Michael Ward, DB LaBrose Hedgemon, WR Augustine Agyei, WR Roderick Jefferson, DL Matt LaGrone, QB Colin Clancy and FB Hayden Vavra. On the same day, the team placed WR Chad Rusinkovich, DB David Hyland, MLB Joe Mortensen, DL Lionel Bibbins, DB TJ Raymond and OL Will Lawrence on the injured reserve list.
2012 Utah Blaze roster
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Coll.
0 Kyle Brotzman K 5-10 190 Boise St.
1 Carlton Brown DB 5-10 200 Jackson St.
2 Bobby Seay Jr. DB 5-9 175 C. Michigan
4 Al Phillips DB 5-11 190 Wagner
5 Josh Jones DB 5-10 190 Harding
7 Will Mulder DB 6-0 190 Campbellsville
10 Tommy Grady QB 6-7 240 Utah
12 Caron Coffman QB 6-3 215 Kansas St.
15 Alvance Robinson WR 5-9 175 Alabama St.
17 Ernie Pierce WR 6-4 209 Kansas St.
19 Tysson Poots WR 6-2 220 Southern Utah
20 Chris Bocage WR 5-10 190 USC
21 D. Patterson JLB 6-0 220 Wash. St.
22 Aaron Lesue WR 5-10 195 Utah St.
35 Jacob Hardwick DL 6-3 275 Albany St.
43 Ben Stallings FB 5-11 265 Lambuth
53 Mike Lewis DL/LB 6-2 250 Adrian
54 Dan Taylor DL/LB 6-3 255 Drake
57 Keenan Mace DL 6-3 300 Lindenwood
69 Antonio Narcisse OL 6-2 315 Portland St.
73 Darryl Hicks OL 6-4 320 Delaware St.
85 Caesar Rayford DL 6-7 270 Washington
89 Dan DeMaster OL 6-5 315 E. Michigan
99 Alex Michael OL 6-2 315 Southern Miss
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