OGDEN -- One of the first things new Ogden Knights coach Doug Coleman did when taking over the American Indoor Football Association team was look at game video from its 4-10 inaugural season.
Of course, Coleman wanted to see what the Knights' 2009 franchise player -- former Weber State star Adrian Conway -- could really do, and the video reflected that.
It was when Coleman watched some late-season video when the Knights -- long out of any playoff hope -- were getting their heads handed to them to by Wyoming or Utah Valley, and there was the image of Conway trying to stretch out a few extra yards after a catch.
Talent and statistics are one thing.
Coleman saw the other.
"Here's a guy, 175-180 pounds soaking wet and his team is getting beat, and he's still out there battling," Coleman said. "That's the kind of character I want playing for me."
So with a year of indoor football under his belt, here comes Conway, the face of the franchise and both an on-field and off-field leader for the Knights as they prepare for their second season opener today against Wyoming.
"I'm excited," Conway said. "That first year is so important to learn the speed of the game and playing with the walls. I'm ready to go."
Blending the survivors from last year and the talent Coleman brought out was a critical point the Knights wanted to score in the offseason.
"It's been very smooth," Conway said. "Everybody came together and now we're coming together as a team."
With Weber State ties, Conway's contribution is also helping the new players get around the area, as well as his ties to the area as far as marketing and even recruiting former Wildcats.
"He knows the ins and outs around here," Coleman said.
Conway was one of only three Knights to play in all 14 games during the 2009 season. He led the team with 80 receptions for 836 yards and 15 touchdowns and on special teams, and posted an 18.7 average on kick returns, which was fourth-best in the AIFA.
Can he avoid injury again?
"It's a funny game," Conway said. "You can hope, but I'm in pretty good shape and can handle the beating."
If injuries are avoided, Coleman's expecting big things from Conway.
"Last year, there wasn't much of a plan, they just went out and played," Coleman said. "With the veterans we've brought in and people like Adrian, we're going to be competitive."
* KNIGHTS NOTES: The AIFA West opened play Saturday with San Jose hosting Wasilla and Yakima Valley facing Wenatchee Valley.... Coleman said his starting quarterback would be a "game-time decision" with former WSU player Eric Sobolewski a possible third option.
Comments